EDITOR'S OUTLOOK
A
S THESE words are written the Richmond meeting of the American Chemical Society is still in prospect. Hence we have as yet no definite knowledge of what the discussion on "Cooperation of Local Sections of the A. C. S. with Teachers of Chemistry," Sections scheduled for the Thursday afternoon session of the and Division of Chemical Education, may bring forth. We Students feel, however, that the inclusion of such a topic was a particularly happy inspiration on the part of the program makers. A number of local sections have for some time engaged in various cooperative enterprises with the educational forces in their territories. Several projects have been described in THIS JOURNAL. This month we publish a committee report t o the Northeastern Section which constitutes the basis for the system of affiliated Student Chapters in operation there.1 No doubt the most effective type of coijperative activity in any particular case must he determined t o a considerable extent by local conditions. It seems that it would be both possible and desirable, however, for every local section to undertake some active encouragement of chemical education within its area. Such encouragement is particularly valuable when it provides, as in the case of the Northeastern Section, for actual association between prospective chemists and established members of the profession. The student thus early learns the benefits to be derived from affiliation with the American Chemical Society and begins t o make contacts which will he helpful t o him throughout his career. The Society likewise gains, for it thereby continually draws into its membership the rising generation of chemists.
P
LANS for the Eleventh Exposition of Chemical Industries which is t o open its doors on September 26th are already rapidly maturing. These expositions offer a splendid educational opportunity t o all students and teachers of chemistry within visiting distance. The Exposition of exhibits themselves constitute a survey of advanced Chemical ndustries practice and equipment in almost every major line of I chemical industry and the company representatives in charge of displays are always willing and eager t o make supplementary explanations. Among this year's exhibits of special interest may be mentioned that of the National Safety Council. Particular attention will be devoted See p. 524. 429
t o a recent investigation into the hazards of benzol and to an investigation now under way as to the hazards of spray painting. Various other safety exhibits will he grouped around that of the Council. Another feature of interest will be the exhibit of new metal alloys to be shown for the first time. The Students' Courses which have met with such gratifying success in the past will be continued. A number of prominent experts have already agreed to lecture before these groups and further negotiations are in progress. As heretofore, students may arrange with their institutions to receive scholastic credit for the work done a t the exposition. Professor W. T. Read of the Texas Technological College, Lubbock, Texas, who arranged the previous courses is again in charge and is sparing no effort in the preparation of a program to exceed all past performances. That the lectures presented may best meet the needs of those for whom they are designed, Prof. Read is particularly desirous of suggestions as t o subjects which should be stressed. Communications from institutions where a number of students are planning t o attend the exposition will be especially welcomed.
0
N E of the principles extolled by the educational evangelists and theoretically accepted by teachers generally is that theeducational process stands approved or condemned in the extent to which the student is guided to self-activity and incited to creative thought. Principle and We have no quarrel with this principle. Like most general principles, however, i t cannot be applied to specific cases without the exercise of some thought and ingenuity. Any industrial chemist or engineer can assure you that the transition from theory t o practice is not accomplished by a simple twist of the wrist. We are always glad, therefore, to be able to present to our readers some concrete suggestions concerning the application of this or other principles. Professor Taylor's paper on "A Second-Year Chemistry Course for Colleges" attempts just that. It must be confessed that the concrete suggestion is always a t a disadvantage. It comes out into the open and lays itself hare t o criticism. But though i t runs the risk of error i t also gains the possibility of accomplishment. We believe that more papers of this type are needed and would he welcomed by long-suffering teachers.
