6 74
T H E J O U R N A L OF I N D U S T R I A L A N D ENGINEERING C H E M I S T R Y
though much suffering has been alleviated by discoveries made in other lands. Fortunately, through t h e generous provision of wealthy individuals, certain institutions have been established and endowed where t h e chemist and t h e biologist can work in t h e closest cooperation. The importance of t h e intimate cooperation of these workers is evidenced by t h e work on t h e synthesis of a new anti-syphilitic drug which was recently accomplished in the laboratories of t h e Rockefeller Institute for Medical Research. This remedy is now tested from t h e clinical viewpoint in t h e hospital of t h e same institution. Similar institutions, however, are few in number and t h e capacity for work of this kind is necessarily restricted. The laboratory technique, from t h e chemist’s standpoint, is fortunately quite similar whether in preparing explosives, dyestuffs or medicinals; and t h e war period has developed many brilliant organic chemists whose talent could be applied t o t h e relief of suffering. How can this application be made? A suggestion has been advanced which seems t o cover t h e situation admirably, namely, t h a t an institution somewhat analogous t o t h e Mellon Institute be founded, in which adequate provision for laboratory tests of all kinds would be made and t o which, through t h e establishment of fellowships, manufacturing organizations could send well-trained young men for working out specific problems. Cooperation should be established between this institution and t h e organic laboratories of our universities, as well as with t h e hospitals of the country. An institution of this character would prove a great stimulus t o the creation of more adequate research facilities within t h e manufacturing establishments, for t h e great glory of the Mellon Institute lies, it seems t o us, not so much in t h e actual results obtained under its roof as in t h e indirect creation of research departments in industries which first caught t h e full significance of research through t h e fellowships established in that institution. Perhaps there is a better method t o accomplish this object. The columns of THIS J O U R N A L stand a t t h e disposal of any who will contribute t o t h e discussion. If the heart of any man should be moved in behalf of humanity t o fill this great need from t h e abundance of his riches, he can count with certainty upon t h e counsel of t h e ablest scientists of this country in working out t h e safe policies and many details of so important an undertaking. A DYESTUFF SECTION OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
The American Dyestuff Manufacturers’ Association and t h e dyestuff section of t h e Chemical Alliance afford ample machinery t o care for questions of general policy, internal and external, affecting t h e newly developed industry in this country. These, however, are strictly trade organizations. Without desiring t o inflict any further burden of organization
Vol.
IO,
No. g
upon t h e industry, which has its hands full in supplying pressing commercial needs, we would like t o second t h e suggestion of Mr. R. Norris Shreve (page 7 5 0 ) as t o t h e formation of a dyestuff section of t h e AMERICAS CHEMICAL SOCIETY. The days of experimental and large scale production of known dyestuffs have been accomplished. T o rest content with i h e present status of t h e industry would not be characteristic or worthy of this nation, which is justifiably proud of its initiative, resourcefulness, and inventive spirit. New lines must be developed a n d new advances made in technical methods, if we are t o be more t h a n mere copyists. No surer provision could be made for these efforts t h a n t h e semiannual gathering of t h e research men from t h e various dyestuff laboratories, in t h e atmosphere of a great assembly of chemists. The presentation of papers and their discussion would establish facts of value t o all, broader viewpoints would be obtained and sympathetic personal relationships formed which would stand in good stead. It is natural, perhaps, t h a t each commercial organization should desire t o retain for itself t h e benefits of research, yet, carried too far, it is a short-sighted policy, in view of t h e varied workings of different minds, Too much secrecy as t o certain fancied advantages has already proved in some cases the cause of industrial “dry rot.” Community of knowledge as t o scientific achievement, safeguarded by critical discussion of results, will prove so valuable a means of industrial advanFe t h a t it must not be neglected. Success t o those who are taking t h e preliminary steps for the formation of a dyestuff section of t h e AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY! I
THE BULL’S EYE Look out for t h e bull’s eye on the chemical products (not machinery) t o be exhibited a t the Fourth National Exposition of Chemical Industries. Since its inception this annual display of t h e results of chemists’ activities has sought t o accomplish one thing above others, namely, an exhibition of progress made in products manufactured for t h e first time in this country during t h e war period. Unfortunately in t h e past no distinguishing mark has been given t o such products, consequently only a confused idea could be obtained by t h e layman, and even by many chemists, as t o actual progress made. An effort will be made t o correct this during t h e coming Exposition by placing a “bull’s eye” upon all new products whose manufacture has been developed since t h e outbreak of t h e war. This new feature will prove of interest t o all, and we are equally sure t h a t t h e large number of exhibits bearing no such distinguishing mark will be a revelation t o t h e public of t h e manifold achievements of American chemists prior t o the war.
