VOLUME26 NUMBER 8
Industrial AND E N G I N E E R I N G Chemistry
-AUGUST
1934
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HARRISON E. HOWE,EDITOR
The Editor’s Page
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IR-CONDITIOKING ,4RD ECONOMIC RECOVERY. At various times during the economic depression, a longing bas been expressed for some discovery by science or an invention that might be the basis of a great new industry. Such things have been credited with forcing the business curve upward in the past, and there was reason to believe that, if something good enough could be found, history might repeat itself. Of the various new things, air-conditioning appears to come nearest meeting such a specification. A few hotels this summer are offering a limited number of airconditioned rooms on a basis somewhat experimental ; business is more attracted to air-conditioned restaurants than to others without such modern improvements; the railways which offer the more quiet, cleaner, and cooler cars take precedence over those which have not seen fit to invest in this new equipment. “Aircooled” is the headliner in many a theatre. Even the householder is beginning to look a t air-conditioning as its cost is constantly lowered. Now comes a really significant announcement. The Carrier-Brunswick International, Inc., a division of Carrier Engineering Corporation, pioneer in the field of air-conditioning, has a contract to air-condition the famous Robinson mine in the Rand near Johannesburg. The Rand produces about half the world’s gold with the amount definitely limited by conditions in the deep mines, some of which already extend to 8000 feet below the surface. Here temperatures from 100“ to 120’ F., combined with a humidity from 90 to 100 per cent, definitely limit operation, and while there is reason to believe that the richest deposits of gold lie at still greater depths, it has been humanly impossible to work them. The plan is to force dry, cold air, traveling at a rate of approximately 30 miles an hour, to the lowest parts of the mine. This will cool and dehumidify, as well as thoroughly ventilate, these remote depths where men strive for the precious metal. This first installation of the Robinson mine must be regarded as something of an experiment on which a half million dollars is being risked, but the chances for success are large and the
return on the operation promises to be most gratifying. There are doubtless other instances where airconditioning will allow further production of gold. We are told that in Nevada, for example, some mining operations were abandoned because of working conditions in the mines, even though not so deep as those in the Rand, rather than because of lack of ore. A great increase in the production of gold, according to the economists, would support amply any possible trade revival, enable the world to return to the gold standard, greatly restore confidence, and cause commodity prices to rise. I n fact, it would quickly change the present world economic situation and multiply the number of those who can smile. We wish all success to this bold engineering feat. It has frequently been said that, of all factors, science is the most likely to help find a way out of the slump, now in its fifth year. It would seem that science may make good this prediction. * .
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ATENT EXAMINERS. One sign of returning prosperity is the increasing number of resignations in the Patent Ofice, particularly among the junior examiners. Of the sixty-five divisions, about eight are devoted to chemistry, and another four are known as process divisions. Inquiry discloses that not only are these chemical divisions among the most active, as judged by the number of cases appearing for examination, but also if rated by the loss of their examiners. Places thin vacated may be filled from new appointments or by transfers from the less active divisions. In either case the risk is run of replacing an experienced man with one less capable. Mistakes may result and their cost to industry is beyond estimate. Why not make the service attractive as a career to even the best examiners? In this connection one would do well to consider the position of the nearly three hundred junior examiners now in Washington. A petition, signed by a group representing approximately all of these men, was printed in the Journal of the Patent OJffce Society
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INDUSTRIAL AND ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY
Vol. 26, No. 8
last spring. From this we learn that, in several cases, The procedures or manufacturing formulas in the men after five years’ service are receiving slightly less Pharmacopeia have been worked out for the guidance than when they entered the department. This has been of the individual pharmacist who, in making small lots, due to various deductions because of economy measures, obviously proceeds in a manner quite different from that and there has been a lack of promotions which are employed by the manufact,urer. The latter, though normally given men for efficient service. When this he may not follow the official formula, nevertheless petition was written there were 123 examiners, base pay produces a standard and approved product. Further, $2000, actually receiving $1630 annually; 58, with a a drug is also considered adulterated if mixed or packed base pay of $2100, were getting $1710; another 53 of‘the with any substance so as to reduce its quality or $2200 class were getting $1790; 17, with base pay strength, and yet it is well known that many vegetable $2300, were getting $1880; and 23, with base pay drugs naturally contain active principles in excess of $2400, were actually receiving but $1960. This situa- the amount named in the Pharmacopeia and they tion has improved somewhat with the restoration of must be reduced to a recognized standard strength, which has been officially set, if they are to be used satpart of the pay cuts. Now these men are trained. More than 90 per cent isfactorily by the physician. The bill in its latest form also contained a number of of them have technical degrees, have had technical and ofice experience, have studied law, and many have been terms new t o legislation and not adequately defined. admitted to the bar. It is not to be expected that The word “disease” is an example, and if you will concapable men will long submit to such conditions, and sult the 11th revised edition of Steadman’s Medical industry is not slow to take advantage of the situation, Dictionary you will find six general definitions and offering equal security in position, better remuneration, fifty-five special definitions of “disease.” Other words not specifically defined were used in the bill which, as and greater opportunities for advancement. But is this the best thing for industry? It, seems to can easily be foreseen, would have made a great holius that the men who know and who, through knowing, day for the legal profession. The language was also avoid errors expensive to business should be retained so broad as virtually to require a manufacturer to open in these important places. The Patent Office should be his plant to the inspection of a representative of the not merely a training ground, not just a means to an Department of Agriculture, who might thereby disend. It should be attractive as a career, and the cover the secrets of manufacturing processes and the steps necessary to make such a career something eagerly details of specially devised equipment, with no guarantee whatever that this information would remain consought after should be taken without delay. fidential. Experience in other fields, as for example, industrial alcohol, has shown that unfortunately inspectors in the past have not been above capitalizing URE FOOD, DRUGS, AND COSMETICS. such special information. Again, the Secretary of Among the bills which failed of enactment in Agriculture would have it in his power to close down a the recent Congress was the one variously known great plant if there were differences of opinion as to the as the Tugwell or the Copeland, designed to strengthen method of manufacturing or labeling a single product the position of those who, as federal officials, would of the plant. He might likewise prohibit interstate protect the consuming public in the matter of food, commerce in entirely acceptable products if only one drugs, and cosmetics. The bill went through a number item in a long list of manufactures was in dispute. of changes, but now that a new effort will be made, we Of course the effort of special interests left imprints urge thorough study, and particularly a united front, upon the bill, one amendment under adulterated food on the part of those representing the legitimate manu- providing exemption of citrus fruits artificially colored. facturing industry. The public desires and deserves While it is recognized that wholesome citrus fruits can more complete protection against the quack, the un- be colored without harm to the consumer, strictly scrupulour manufacturer, and the conscienceless dealer. speaking that is one form of deception. Should a bill Some abuses cannot be prevented under present laws intended to right existing evils wink at such practice and a new bill undoubtedly will be introduced in the in one case and bear down hard in another? The industries concerned have within their ranks next session of Congress to better the situation. But the legislation to be enacted should be fair, reasonable, many men who see the necessity of bettering conditions and enforceable with justice. and who can bring to the problem a wealth of experiA number of objectionable features were included ence. If officials of equal ability and broad mindedin the last draft. Many of these could be easily cor- ness could work with such a group, an adequate and rected and still achieve the ends sought. For example, forcible bill should result. With this enacted into under the bill a drug would be deemed to have been law those who deserve it could be punished, honesty adulterated if it failed to meet the definition, manu- and fair dealing could be rewarded, and the consumer facturing formula, and description set forth in an offi- could be fully protected. Is it too much to hope that cial compendium such as the U. S. Pharmacopeia. such a procedure may be followed?
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