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Blow the Bugle S the 18th of May, the American Institute of Architects presented to Henry Bacon, the architect of the Lincoln Memorial, its gold medal in recognition of his excellent work on that structure. The manner of presentation was so impressive and dignified that we chemists can profit by the example. The Lincoln Memorial is an expression on behalf of the whole people of its gratitude to Lincoln, and it was therefore entirely fitting to have the medal presented by the President of the Vnited States, who was introduced by the Chief Justice. There was a pageant in which were represented the various crafts participating in the conception, design, and erection of the memorial. The whole setting was so impressive that the importance of architecture was forcefully brought before the public. Honors are bestowed upon chemists by chemists and before an audience of chemists for achievements frequently of vital importance to the public, and yet we chemists have not learned how to make the occasion of such a presentation impressive to the public at large. We should like to see the bestowal of honors by the various bodies of chemists made a center upon which public interest can be focused. Such presentation should be accompanied by demonstrations that would leave no doubt as to the broad application of the work thus acknowledged, and the prominence of the profession responsible for it. We recommend the experiment to w i i e n-ide-awake prize or medal committee.
Chemical Warfare Service ROM observers recently returned, we learn that Italy has organized a chemical warfare service of approximately twice the strength of our own, that Belgium has likewise organized a new service, and that both France and England continue active support of their services which correspoiicl to our Chemical Warfare Service. In Germany the only official activity is the chemical warfare defense school, but there is great activity within the chemical industry, which is essentially a chemical warfare service for the government. Japan purchased from the German industries such warfare secrets as were wanted, and the various contributions made by Japan for the support of certain German universities are said to be one method of paying for the chemical warfare information secured. This activity in other lands leads us to question whether the operation of the treaties abolishing chemical warfare and limiting armament is not being pushed here to the point where it may constitute a danger to America. It was a great relief to find the Secretary of V a r clear in his valuation of scientific research, principally upon defense measures which at present make up the major activities of the Chemical Warfare Service, and firm in his refusal to allow certain organizations to apply a gag to the present chief. We must continur to inform the people of this country as to what chemical warfare really is, and certainly those in the Service are in the best position to give this information. Occasionally, some enthusiastic reporter of the daily press allows his desire for immediate results to change his story, with the result that the Service has been misquotrd. Within the past month articles have appeared claiming certain definite results in the use of poison gases for the treatment of contagious diseases. It is true that the possibility of disinfecting the lungs with gases has been considered, since wounds have been cleansed with solutions which do not destroy the living tissue but are efficient against bacteria and other inraders. But that an investigation is under way with the
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hope that some such definite results may be obtained is all that can be said, and no claim is made that the problem has actually been solved. Those responsible for the conduct of the Chemical Warfare Service are fully appreciative of the value of conservative statements, and these incidents merely go to prove the necessity of affording assistance to the lay press in the presentation of scientific work. The Chemical Warfare Service is gradually but surely winning its way to universal recognition, and its ideals can be accomplished only if the chemists and intelligent laity of the country continue to spread the truth regarding its work, emphasize its peace-time values as well as wartime activities, and upon all occasions afford the Service unqualified support.
Insulin Approved O X E of the most valuable services of the American Medical Association is its investigation of new compounds placed upon the market and of the various claims relative to the diagnosis, treatment, and cure of disease. This association is a recognized authority, and articles approved by it and published in the Journal of the A m e r i c a n Medical Association carry conviction. Because of the part which chemistry has played in the preparation of insulin and the general interest in the remarkable results thus far obtained through its use, we are glad to see in the issue of April 28 a special article on the status of insulin, which concludes as follows: It appears, then, t h a t as a result of a vast amount of research on diabetes mellitus and still earlier on the physiology and pathology of the pancreas, researches by numerous investigators all over the world, conducted largely on experimental animals, as well as with human beings, there has finally been evolved from the pancreas a principle which has a specific effect on t h e carbohydrate metabolism of the body. The effects of this extract have been thoroughly studied, and its limitations rather clearly defined. A method of assay is being perfected so t h a t it appears likely t h a t t h e product will shortly be made generally available t o the medical profession. Improperly used, results may occur of such seriousness as t o interfere greatly with establishing the true worth of the product. To secure proper results, a knowledge of scientific dietetics is necessary, and carefully controlled laboratory observations are important. Physicians who plan t o use the remedy must inform themselveq fully of its potency, the symptoms of danger, the proper methods of administration, the proper methods of antidoting unfavorable effects, and the correct manner of evaluating results. If these precautions are observed, there seems t o be no reaqon why any well-trained physician should not be able t o use t h e remedy satisfactorily.
Portraits to inquiries from our readers and consistent with IwellKourresponse desire to have chemists know more of their fellows as as of their work, we have undertaken to locate sources of supply for portraits of eminsnt scientists, which are suitable for framing and which may be hung in lecture halls and laboratories. The list of subjects available is far from satisfactory, but me can now put those interested in touch with two sources, the lists being comprised principally of the names of the older men. In these lists too few Americans are included, and so we have undertaken to bring together such a group of American scientists, particularly chemists, that they may be available to all interested. Information as to portraits now available may be had upon request sent to this office, and any of our readers possessing portraits which should be included in a new list are invited to correspond with our associate editor at 19 East 24th Street, S e w York, S . Y.
