VOL.7, NO. 4
ABSTRACTS
935
Superfluous Publications. P. D. FOOTB.Science, 71, 14 (Jan. 3,1930).-F. considers most of the privately issued journals t o belong t o this class. They have limited circulations, are difficult to catalog, and because of miscellaneous content are inadequately reviewed. Workers in the institutions which publish such journals are usually forced t o publish their work in them. G. H. W. Big Changes Ahead. J. T . FLYNN. Amevical~,109, 11-3 (Jan., 1930).-An interview with C. F. Kettering, head of the Research Laboratories of the General Motors Corporation, proves the accuracy of the statement that "he specializes in stirring things up." He startles the reader by "Our business is t o keep the customers dissatisfied." Some changes which he forecasts include: express highways for our fast auto traffic, refrigerated homes as well as vapor-heated homes, a new and modern house that will entirely supplant any house built as long ago as 1900, new foods and new fabrics not buccaneered from either the animal or plant world but synthesized in factories. "Keep your eye on this wonderful science of organic chemistry," he admonishes, "it is going to do wonderful things t o this country in the next decade or two." B. C. H. Transformation of Energy by Rubber. I. WILLIAMS. Rubber Chem. Tech., 3, 74-86 (Jan., 1930).-Energy expended on raw or wlcanized rubber is consumed largely by producing plastic flow and reversible elastic strain. Most rapid energy transfer is the most completely reversible since plastic flow is reduced. Rebound increases with temperature, but is not greatly affected by vulcanization. Heat liberated by elastic strain can he transformed almost quantitatively into mech. work. Heat due to internal friction which will be caused by both elastic and plastic flaw is not reversible. Sufficient increase in temperature causes large energy loss due to considerable but limited permanent flow of rubber. This cannot be plastic flow of elastic portion, since it is limited in extent, but can better be explained by some mechanical change such as breaking of anchorage between portions of plastic material and elastic network. C. W. E. The Swelling of Vulcanized Rubber in Liquids. J. R. SCOTT. Rubber Chem. Tech., 3, 3-18 (Jan., 1930).-Influence of nature of swelling of liquids, of substances added to liquids, of nature of rubber, of external factors and relation between swelling and other properties of mbher are discussed a t length. Practical applications of swelling tests are given. C. W. I3.
Problem Children Have Too Little Calcium in Blood. Crossness, tiredness, misbehavior and all the other symptoms of problem cases, hoth child and adult, result when the blood has too little calcium, Dr. Walter Timme, of the Neurological Institute, has concluded. But whether dietary efforts to increase the calcium, by taking lots of milk, fresh fruits and vegetables, and cereals, would relieve the condition, Dr. Timme did not say in his recent address before the New York Academy of Medicine. Scientists now think that the supply of calcium t o the blood is controlled by the tiny parathyroid glands in the nedt. When these glands reduce the supply of calcium there is apparently a disturbing effect on the nerves and subsequent conduct of the individual who then misbehaves, showing inordinate fatigability, irritability of temper, and a t times even incorrigibility, non-amenability to discipline, and assaultiveness. "They were easily aroused to a high pitch of anger a t the slightest provocation." Dr. T i m e said, " a word, an insinuation, or even a glance being sufficient t o amuse intense antagonistic reaction. These patients became problem cases a t home, a t school, or in whatever environment they found themselves, because of their nou-adaptability and uncompromising attitude. Occasionally their behavior became so exaggerated that apparently hypomaniac states developed therefrom and several of these patients were ameliorated. At home. a had to be confined in institutions until the symptoms ~. harsh word from any member of the family, a t the table for instance, would result in a plate or knife or some other utensil being thrown a t the aggressor. In school, a blow. shout, or a curse would be hurled a t a f&w student or even a t the teacher." Upsets in the mutual relationships of the glands and nerves are responsible for many of the drug and alcohol habitues and the easily led characters among the criminal classes, Dr. Timme said.-Science Sewice
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