Period Chemistry Dead? No, It is Going Strong..
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T o the Editor: It was stated that1 "It has been, and probably will remain, the fate of steroid chemistry periodically to be pronounced dead and incapable of yielding another finding of chemical or biological significance, only to be revived shortlv and raised to new heiahts by some new discovery ." Also this opinion is accepted by Appelzweig2 "has steroid research passed its peak? There are many coeent reasons to believe that it has. With the vastlv improved techniques for isolating, identifying, and synthesizing natural compounds, it is not likely that many steroid substances of major endocrine importance remain to be discovered." Actually, v e are expecting more and more patents in this field, especially after the application of steroid drugs in the remedy of different diseases. As we have declared beforea a new era of steroid chemistry begins with the octant rule and easily handling of circular dichroism, so \ye are expecting more and more publications on the stereochemistry of steroids emphasizing the configuration and conformation of these fine molecules. Djerassi4 described steroid chemistry as a veritable gold mine of interesting problems and very convenient model substance; indeed this golden mine is very young and it is walking strong with both patents and publications.
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1 FRIED,J., "Some Recent Advances in Steroid Chemistry," in. "Biolo~iesl Activities of Steroids in Ilelation to Cancer" " (Editors: PINCUS,G., AND VOLLMIR,E. P.), Academic Press, New York, 1960, pp. 9-24. 1 APPLEZWEIG, N., "Steroid Drugs,': MoGrew-Hill Book Co., New York, 1962, p. 124. 3 Doss, S. H., J. Chem. Doe., 11, 104 (1971). 4 D~snnss~ C., , "Steroid Ileactions," Holden-Day, Inc., San Francisco, 1963, p. ii.
S. H. Doss
Are There Jobs in the Chemical Industry for Baccalaureate-Level Chemists?
To the Editor: Recent reports dealing with the problems of oversupply of PhD-level scientific manpower for the period from 1970 to 1985 [CARTTER,ALANM., Science, 172, 132 (1971)l suggest that employment possibilities for baccalaureate-level chemists should be explored. Recently we asked several chemical industries ahout the employment situation for BA chemists now and in the foreseeable future. 780 / Journal of Chemical Education
The results clearly indicated that chemical industry can use baccalaureate-level chemists. However, high school graduates are often hired instead because the companies have found that many college graduates expect more sophisticated work than they are given and soon become disillusioned and unproductive. The college student should be told that his initial work will be routine and that i t will become more independent when he has demonstrated the necessary capacity. We also asked what strengths and weaknesses were observed in recent BA-level employees. We were surprised to find that almost all respondents indicated that although recent BA-level employees are welleducated technically, their knowledge of communications skills is very poor. They cannot write intelligent reports or c~mmunicat~e well orally. We believe it is particularly noteworthy that a marked failure to teach communication skills is being observed generally in college chemistry graduates. Perhaps as chemical educators we have been too willing to assume that this task is reserved for instructors in other deparlments. While we definitely need their assistance, we must build on the foundation which they lay. We must convey to our students our genuine concern for their development in this vital area as convincingly as we do t.he need to learn chemical principles. If we speak and write clearly and correctly we will probably experiance a minimum of difficulty. If, via our example, we indicate that communication skills are not important to us, how can we expect our students to take the matter seriously?
Notes on High School Safety
T o the Editor: I have two comments regarding the otherwise excellent article by John Young in the May issue [J. CHEMEDUC.,48, A349 (1971)l. Sulfuric Acid Concentrated: If this is spilled on the skin DO NOT immediately flush with water as the heat of solvation will compound the acid burn with severe thermal burns. Instead, as much of the viscous material should be toweled off as is convenient in a short time. Then use copious amounts of cold water followed by weak base if available. Thermal burns heal better if the area burned is flushed with the coldest possible water for a period not less than 15 min immediately following the burn, irrespective of how serious it may be. (Total immersion in ice water is ideal for extensive burns.) This must be done immediately. As the author states, do not use grease. The cold water method has the desirable side effectof relieving pain.
