EDITORS' COLUMN
computers tempt researchers to seek and accept immediate numerical results for specific problems instead of underlying scientific laws. The survey was undertaken by Dr. Robert J. Spinrad of Brookhaven, and results were reported in the December 1965 issue of Physics Today. At least two interesting patterns of response were revealed by the survey: (1) There is a correlation between the scientist's age and his use of the computer (older men tend to use them less), and (2) there is a much lower commitment of medical and biological researchers to computer-aided studies than of physicists. In the case of scientists over 40, their lack of familiarity with computer programming is probably connected with their reluctance to use them. Most of these men were well into their professional careers when the computer age arrived; nevertheless, over 90% of those polled wanted some or all of their students to learn how to program computers. Those scientists most knowledgable about computer capabilities and operation through extensive experience predicted the greatest increase in use in their respective fields. Others, on less intimate terms with computer techniques, felt that growth of computer use would either keep pace with their fields or fall behind. The dividing line between proponents and critics was sharply drawn on the question of whether computers injure thinking. The responses ranged from "Computer studies of a biological subject tend to make one organize the problem better" to "Perhaps computers do not induce sloppy thinking but provide massively greater opportunities for revealing it." As the survey's author, Dr. Spinrad is of the opinion that "the use of computers in science is just emerging from a tempestuous adolescence with the promise of a rounded, healthy maturity still before it."
YOUR ROUND-BOTTOM FLASKS 1'T FLY OUT OF THIS NEW NEST.
The Fisher-Bean Flask Holder (patent pending) is the first really new laboratory holder since Fisher introduced Castaloy®-R clamps—and it's just as handy. It holds any kind of round-bottom flasks, distilling flasks, Kjeldahl flasks—you name 'em. Flasks can't get bumped out or knocked over. Strong, springy stainless steel fingers grip the body of the flask tightly, hold it securely in any position . . . even upside down! It gives you an extra hand, since you can pick up flask and holder together, one-handed. (Cork and rubber rings can go into the discard.) Use a few Fisher-Bean Holders to make a drying board—every last drop will run out. Put 'em under the bench to make an out-of-the-way, upsidedown storage rack. Five sizes fit all round-bodied flasks from 50 to 2000 ml capacity: they're listed below. If you need more information, send for Bulletin 10-061-20 to Fisher Scientific Prices Catalog No. Flask Size Company, 100 Fisher Building, 50-100 ml pkg of 6, $6.90 10-061-20A Pittsburgh, Pa. 15219. If you've 10-061-20B 200-300 ml pkg of 6, $7.50 made up your mind to try them 500 ml pkg of 6, $9.00 10-061-20C for yourself, use the catalog 10-061-20D 1000 ml pkg of 6, $9.00 numbers and prices shown when 10-061-20E 2000 ml pkg of 3, $7.50 you order. j-489
FISHER SCIENTIFIC CO. Instruments, Apparatus, Furniture and Chemicals f o r Laboratories Complete stocks in all these locations: Atlanta · Boston · Chicago · Cleveland · Houston · New York Philadelphia · Pittsburgh · St. Louis · Union, N. J. · Washington · Edmonton · Montreal · Toronto · Vancouver Circle No. 124 on Readers' Service Card VOL. 38, NO. 2, FEBRUARY 1906 ·
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