January, 1931
I,VDUSTRIAL ALVDENGINEERING CHEiZfISTRY
dant and obtainable from more than one source. We must expect a few incorrigibles to develop a positive liking for alcotate, just as there have been those who had no objection to drinking alcohol containing a fair percentage of pyridine. The number of these is of no consequence. The introduction and approval of alcotate is undoubtedly a serious blow to the wood distillation industry, as with the disappearance of the market for denaturing grade alcohol they are left with only charcoal as a product for which there is some demand and no powerful competitor. Industry, blamed to some extent so long as methanol was used as a denaturant, and in a vulnerable position should it be removed without an adequate substitute, must be pleased with the success of the research which has brought the new denaturant. As i t will be used in completely denatured alcohol only, its introduction will not interfere with the manufacture of delicately perfumed soaps and other products where the odor would be objectionable. The preparation of alcotate is therefore a cause of considerable satisfaction, not to say rejoicing.
In 1932 WO events of unusual interest have been scheduled for 1932. One is the International Congress early in April in Madrid; the other is the second meeting of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers with its sister institute in Great Britain. The International Congress should be an especially notable event. It is to be the first of a new series, taking up the work of the old congresses, the last of which met in Washington and Kew York in 1912. In certain respects the two decades that will have intervened have been the most productive in the field of chemistry. There certainly will be no dearth of important subjects for discussion a t hiadrid. Plans are being developed whereby the various interested countries will make suggestions through authorized channels and the resulting program will undoubtedly attract a large attendance. In Great Britain the return visit of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers follows an earlier delightful experience, after -which a group of the British Institute visited Canada and the United States. When they departed their American hosts could only regret that they had so little time here, and looked forward to renewing acquaintances and furthering friendships in 1932 in Great Britain. The enthusiasm of those who made the earlier trip should be potent in securing a much larger attendance for the 1932 affair. Our object in referring to these events a t this time is to emphasize what seems to us to be the importance of arranging these two meetings so that each will help the other. Whether the American goes abroad for his first or his fiftieth time, he wishes to make the most of his opportunities. The date of the International Congress in Madrid has been made early in April, that the best possible weather in Spain may be enjoyed. To go much later would mean running the risk of heat. It would seem to us ideal if the chemical engineers could schedule their meeting for some time in June, so that those interested might first go to Spain and then have the opportunity of using their time profitably in traveling through selected parts of Continental Europe en route to England. where they could arrive in time for the second series of meetings just when the weather has become most favorable in the British Isles. Even though the numbers involved might be comparatively small, such a combination of opportunities should be offered to those who make the effort to go. Further, such a grouping of events might have a decisive influence upon the attendance at the meetings.
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It would seem to be a matter so easily arranged that merely to mention it should assure such a coordination.
The Mediterranean Fruit Fly HE Secretary of Agriculture on Kovember 15 lifted the federal quarantine on Florida products, instituted on account of the Mediterranean fruit fly. If, as is expected, it is shown that the fly has been eradicated, then this feat will be recorded as well nigh the first real victory of the race over an insect. We know too well that the arrival of other unwelcome insect visitors has resulted in their finding what still seems to be a permanent home. True, their depredations have been minimized by the entomologist who has called upon the chemist and anyone else who could contribute anything to assist him in his warfare. By and by we are forced to live with the new insect, we become accustomed to paying the bounty which he annually levies, and he loses his place on the front page, but he takes his toll nevertheless. Following the unexplained appearance of the Mediterranean fruit fly in the Florida citrus region, forces were marshaled for the encounter. There are some who still insist that the fruit fly has never been in Florida, but they constitute a lay minority. The Federal Government since April, 1929, has expended approximately $6,355,000 in the effort to exterminate the pest completely. Added to this must be counted the cooperation of the citizens and of the officials of Florida. The first infestation was discovered in April, 1929, and the eradication campaign began a t once. Intensive inspections and field work were resumed in July of this year, 700 inspectors being employed. Between August 1 and November 1 approximately 600,000 specimens were submitted for examination and none was identified as being a Mediterranean fruit fly. This inspection covered both commercial and noncommercial properties and also large areas of wild hosts. At present there is no known infestation in the entire state. However, federal inspectors will be retained to discover any infestations which may possibly remain. It is believed that Florida officials will take such steps as may be necessary for further eradication should the future require. Through the eradication campaign many differences of opinion have arisen, and many discussions have taken place. The results, however, have justified the program and make an impressive tribute to science in service where local conditions can be so controlled as to make its work really effective. The many sympathizers with the Florida citrus group will rejoice with them in this scientific victory.
Lower Prices or Better Quality THESE days of competition many a manufacturer is ImeetNconfronted with the problem-Shall prices be reduced to those of his competitor? A maker may be the pioneer in a certain field. He may have developed the article in question, exploited it, improved it, only to find a newcomer following his footsteps and perhaps getting an increasing share of business through lowered prices. Shall he meet the price competition or is there a better way? We know of several instances where the better way has been found. The decision has been, not to reduce the price, but to improve the quality. Research has been relied upon to effect such improvements. Standards have been raised and the product has been placed upon a plane so much higher than that of the original or of the competitor’s as to reestablish it and meet the new competition with newer competition. It is logical and seems simple-it is for those who employ research, but well nigh impossible for those who do not.
