FrOlll Khaki to M u fli A Y recently developed war products which today assure the security and well-being of our fighting men will tomorrow add to civilian comfort. Some of the implements, clothing, and equipment now made for the Services may later be taken straight over into civilian production; others have been created for highly specialized purposes, and may need adaptation for peacetime needs. A number of developments still remain military secrets, though some have been revealed. The camper or gardener will have better ammunition for combating insect pests. A new material designated only as "612" is the most effective mosquito repellent yet found. This is only one of several new colorless, odorless, noninjurious ma~ terials, which, when applied to skin 'or clothing, will ward off mosquitoes for several hours. The new insect repellents are easily incorporated in cosmetic creams or lotions. Coty is ~lready producing such a cream. DDT has replaced pyrethrum and other inaterials in antilousc po'wders. Originally discovered in the equipment of German soldiers in Africa, it is now produced in this country for our own troops and is being used to combat disease, in conquered territory. Aerosol bombs, filled under Pf.essure with an insecti~ide in a solvent, are used for killing in~ sects in a closed space, such as a tent or airplane cabin. Nicotine insecticide released from these bombs is effective in clearing green~ houses of aphis and other troublesome insects. A new petroleum product, Culicide Oil, has been used for mosquito breeding con· trol. This toxic oil contains components both heavier and lighter than water, thus killing larvae on both the surface and bottom of breeding grounds. Another type of bomb developed for war use contains carbon dioxide for inflation of life preservers and jackets, and rafts. According to Egmont Arens, the noted designer, these pressure containers may find a place in the application of liquid cosmetics, I~air lotions, and fluid hosiery. tn the field of textiles and clothing there are several develop~ ments which may be of interest to the postwar civilian. The art of vat-dyeing and use 'of pigments for coloring textiles have been advanced. New weaves, such as tackle twill, have been given severe wearing tests and appear suitable for raincoats. Rayon parachute cloth may make wind-resistant awning for the summer home. Golfers ann hikers will be interested in comfort stockings
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with feet of rayon pile, now issued to soldiers. Another foot ease is found in springy, lightweight inner soles of Saran filament. Laminated fabrics, consisting of two layers of cotton material bonded together by polyvinyl butyral, make a durable and waterproof, yet light material for protective clothing, ponchos, air cushions, floating wings, and pillows. After the war summer cottagers may enjoy air mattresses and cushions of such fabrics. Nylon will be available in other forms than hosiery and bristles. Among its new applications will be screens, zippers, and shoe laces, resistant to mold or atmospheric condi.tions. In supplying our men in distant places advances have been made in packaging everything from food to engines. One of the most important features has been to keep out moisture. A material very effective for this is "Pliofilm." Now used to protect aircraft engines from the elements, it may later keep crackers crisp and vegetables fresh for the civilian. A new method of dehydration packing, developed by the Davison Chemical Corporation, has been adopted for protection of metal parts in transit. A small package of silica gel, packed with the object to be protected, absorbs any moisture that gets through the outside wrapping, and prevents corrosion. Used in connection with tin or glass airtight packages, it insures absolute maintenance of freshness over a long period. It might also be used in damp places for temporary protection of goods. High-melting amor· phous petroleum waxes are used in many kinds of packaging, from "K" Ration to spare parts, and are moisture resistant over a wide temperature range. All-temperature greases and lubricants, developed for war equipment, will make winter less of a problem to the motorist, for lithium soaps are incorporated with petroleum oils of good low temperature characteristics to produce a cold-resisting grease. Lithium compounds are also employed in a new detergent lubricant, which is claimed to keep the engine free of carbon deposits and scale. Plywood products, now widely used in military materiel, will become familiar to the civilain in furniture, skis, and many other products. A new handling process makes possible plywood tubing of very high strength. This is now going into lightweight ski poles for ski troops, instrument cases more resistant to deterioration than leather ones, and instrument tripods. After the war this form of plywood may appear in broom and mop handles, oars, paddles, and canocs.-Industrial Bulletin. of Authur D. LiUlt, Inc.
THE WELLESLEY SCHOOL OF TECHNIQUES An. interesting educutional experiment has recently been announced by Wellesley College. The Wellesley School of Techniques to be held from June 29 to August 10 will offer opportunities to both men and women for acquiring a wide variety of techniques. In the field of chemistry, the basic techniqu.es of analytical and organic chemistry will be offered for second-year students, while for more advanced students, colori~ metric, photometric, polarimetric, refractometric, and various pH methods will be taught as applied either to biological or inorganic analysis. For experienced chemists, there will be available the use of microbiological methods for the study of vitamins, of the Lundegaardh spectrographic method Jor the determination oj minerals in biological materials, of the spectrograph and photometer for the study of absorption spectra oj solu.twns in both the 1,j,sible and ultraviolet regions. Also the regular curricular courses in quantitative organic microanalysis.Jood and nutrition, and inorganic quantitative analysis will be offered. A number of COltrses closel,y related to chemistry have also been planned. Among these are a course in mineral identification, one in the Jundamental principles of applied spectroscopy, (wd one l.tt electronics. In the biological field are techniqu,e courses in bacteriology, histology, and physiology including basal metabolism, blood typing, etc., as well as animal experimentation. Also oj possible interest to chemists are courses in practical writing, in mathematics, in thp translation aud spenking of foreign languages, and in bibliogruphical techni'lnes.
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