TRENDS
How science and technology can and should be brought to bear on many of theproblems of today’s world is the theme of a special issue of Science Journal (Vol. 5A, No.
4, October 7969). Ten articles in 73pages are devoted to this timely subject. ‘(Technology and Human Values” by E. G. Mesthene, Harvard University, points out that our values are not absolute and unchanging but rather originate in a society’s choices. Technology’s main efect on these values and our choices is to open up fresh options. These articles are summed up by C. H. Waddington, University of Edinburgh, with his article, cCAssessingthe Priorities,” dealing with the obligation of science to involve itself in its ejects on society. Papers from the IV International Congress on Catalysis, including the Moscow and Novosibirsk symposia, are now available in preprint form from Prof. J. W , Hightower, Chemical Engineering Defiartment, Rice University, Houston, Tex. Price is only 825plus postage and yields 738papers plus abstracts of 79 others, in 2673pages in sixpaperback volumes. I t is in English. Ultrasound provides a w a y of pinpointing voids in composites. An ultrasonic tank has been developed at National Planning Laboratories, London, England (New Scientist, Vol. 44, No. 677, Oct. 76, 7969) to measure nondestructive& the elastic sti$ness of new materials. A sample of the material is immersed in a liquid between an ultrasonic transmitter and receiver. By rotating the sample and observing the received ultrasound, the elastic properties of the sample can be measured.
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in packed tubular reactors according to A. D. Caldwell and P. H. Calderbank, School of Engineering Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, England (British Chemical Engineering, Vol. 74, No. 9, September 7969, pfi 7 799- 720 7). When exothermic reactions are carried out in tubular reactors packed with catalyst, the rate of heat generation varies markedly along the length of the reactor, giving rise to undesirable temperature peaks. It is shown that a variety of temperaturefrojles may be imposed on such a reactor by diluting the catalyst with inert material in a suitable manner, and that in certain cases the reactor Performance can be improved by this strategy. Catalyst dilution i s a means of temperature control
Ion selective membrane electrodes with the origins of the membrane potential and its Nernstian character are discussed in an article by G. J.Moody, R. B. Oke, and J. D. R. Thomas, Department of Chemistry, University of Wales, Carday, Wales (Laboratory Practice, Vol. 78, No. 9, September 7969, pp 941-9451. The means whereby pH responsive glass can be readily modified so as to solicit spec@ metal ion selectivity with some recent applications of metal ion selective glass electrodes in various jields are outlined. Industrial noise can be one of the most insidious and wasteful injuries we can inflict on ourselves. Continuous exposure to extremely loud noise, year in and year out, can produce a kind of deafness that wrecks the intelligibility of wanted sound, is incurable, and is beyond the satisfactory he& of a hearing aid. Harry A . Winnerling, Engineering Department, Hercules, lnc. (Hercules Chemist, Vol. 59, October 7969) discusses the efects of industrial noise on employees and what steps one chemical company is taking to minimize theproblem. YOL. 6 1 NO, 1 2 D E C E M B E R 1 9 6 9
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