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Sections
Dec., 19OI.]
Sections.
47 5
Second. Such laws as exist are not enforced, or enforced with such laxity a s to be equally dangerous. Third. Lamentable ignorance or gross carelessness on the part of those who design, construct or operate plants or industries. Fourth. Public indifference, due to familiarity with existing dangers, until local disasters cause spasmodic awakenings, followed too quickly by normal conditions. Your attention was invited to one phase of danger by the address of Mr. MeDevltt two m o n t h s ago, and the E n g i n e e r i n g Section has under discussion boiler design, having given partieular attention to the wreck of the "City of T r e n t o n , " and an expert jury is, u n d e r the coroner's direction, now discussing the subject of fireproof buildings and fire escapes. But we should not stop at this. The Institute many years ago prepared a report on boiler explosions which is to-day considered an authoritative expression. The E n g i n e e r i n g Section m a y supplement this by the result of its inquiry, It would seem that the time is ripe for a general discussion upon reducing hazards to life and property traceable to our industrial development and transportation methods. I t is not presumed that such discussion is to fix responsibility for disasters, for this is a grave matter which it is not the function of the Institute to locate; but we may be able to trace the causes with the expectation of suggesting remedial measures by a full and fair discussion of the deficiencies in existing laws, and possibly indicate failures to enforce protective measures which have been provided. We certainly could arouse public sentiment and probably be t h e means of instructing some upon details which have been imperfectly recognized. Such an investigation is in line with the work of the F r a n k l i n Institute and in keeping with its functions. I t will probably result in a committee making a report to the Institute which, if adopted, will carry the weight which has always been accepted as representing the honored name of our organization. It is r e c o m m e n d e d t h a t a committee, upon which t h e r e shall be a representative of the Committee on Meetings and of each of t h e Sections to which details of the investigation would fall, in addition to m e m bers selected from the Ihstitute-at-large, be formed to consider the hazards to h u m a n life and property traceable to our industrial development and transportation methods.
SECTIONS. ( A bstracls of Proceedings. ) PH'~SlC~,L SEc~IoN.--Slated Meeting, September 25th , 8 P.M. Dr. Geo. F. Stradling in the chair. Mr. Win. McClellan, of the University of Pennsylvania, presented a communication entitled, " A Review of R e c e n t Progress in H e a t . " Discussed by Messrs. Stradling , Riehards, Goldsehmidt, and Pawling. JESSE PAWLING, JR,,
Secrelaryo
476
Sections.
[J. F. I.,
CI4~MICAL S~C~rlOl~.--Proceedings of t h e Stated zWeeling, held Thursday, October 24th , 8 P.M. Dr. W. J. Williams in t h e chair. Present, 18 m e m b e r s a n d visitors. T h e evening was devoted to t h e subject of " Explosions at Fires, with Suggestions as to T h e i r O r g i n , " by Win. McDevitt, Inspector to t h e Philadelphia Board of Fire Underwriters. T h e speaker gave a n u m b e r of e x p e r i m e n t a l demonstrations of the explosibility of the chlorates, nitrates, a n d analogous m i n e r a l compounds, and of various organic products. Discussed by Messrs. It. W. Jayne, H. F. Keller, C. A . , t l e x a m e r and others. I n connection with the_subject, Dr. J a y n e m e n t i o n e d t h e explosion of an empty glycerin d r u m by heatng. W. ~. RIDENOUR,
Secretary. SECTION OF PHOTOGR&PItY &ND MICROSCOVv.--Proeeedings of the Stated Dr. Chas. F. Himes in t h e chair. Present, 21 m e m b e r s and visitors. The Special Committee on P h o t o g r a p h i c Record W o r k reported a revision of its classification of subjects proposed by Mr. J. W. Ridpath. T h e revised classification was approved. The question of t h e size of plate to be adopted as s t a n d a r d was considered. Mr. J. E. Ives called a t t e n t i o n to the fact t h a t the 5 x 7-inch plate was the largest in general use b y amateurs, a n d t h o u g h t it would be advisable t h a t t h e 6 ~ x 8 ~ - i n c h plate specified in the report be c h a n g e d accordingly. On Dr. Leffmann's motion, numerously seconded, this c h a n g e was u n a n i m o u s l y approved. The committee's report, With the above a m e n d m e n t , was t h e n adopted. (The report, as adopted, is hereto appended). Specimens of albums made t o embody t h e committee's views, were shown b y Mr. Ridpath, a n d were freely criticized b y t h e members. T h e c h a i r m a n presented for the a l b u m several prints of historical scientific apparatus, to wit : Dr. Priestley's original b u r n i n g glass, w i t h w h i c h h e h a d made t h e discovery of oxygen ; Priestly's air-gun, a n d o t h e r i n t e r e s t i n g subjects. H e called a t t e n t i o n to the desirability of h a v i n g the descriptive m a t t e r a p p e n d e d to such records as full, t h o u g h concise , as possible. On Dr. Leffmann's motion, the Special Committee was instructed to proceed with the p r e p a r a t i o n of a record album, w h i c h should e m b o d y the suggestions b r o u g h t out in t h e discussion of t h e subject. Mr. Martin J. W i l b e r t followed with a paper on " T h e Use of Sensitive Paper in X-ray W o r k , " whictl was illustrated with the aid of a large n u m b e r of p r i n t s made in connection with the work of the G e r m a n Hospital. Dr. H e n r y Leffmann exhibited a n d described a series of l a n t e r n slides relating to m o d e r n m e t h o d s of paper manufacture. T h e same speaker called attention to t h e fact t h a t the next meeting of t h e Section would be devoted to the subject of " Overexposure and Reversal i n P h o t o g r a p h y , " with especial reference to t h e investigations of Professor Nipher, of St. Louis. By invitation, Mrl W a n n e r gave a n account of some e x p e r i m e n t s t h a t he h a d made in this direction.
Meeting, held Thursday, November 7, 19oi, at 8 P.M.
Dec., 19or. ~
Sections.
477
Mr. I r e s exhibited and described for Mr. Samuel Sartain a n u m b e r of celluloid transparencies. WM. I-I. WAHL,
Secretary pro bern. APPENDIX.
[Report of the Special Committee on Photographic Record Work.~ H A L L OF THE F R A N K L I N INSTITUTE,
PHILADELI~HIA, October r, 19Ol ,
To the Seclion o f Photography and Microscopy : T h e Comittee o n Record Work, appointed in accordance with t h e resolution adopted at t h e stated m e e t i n g of t h e Section in May last, respectfully reports t h a t it has held several meetings, a n d decided to r e c o m m e n d t h e following plans :
W h i l e p h o t o g r a p h s of any c o n v e n i e n t size will be accepted if satisfactory, it is r e c o m m e n d e d t h a t t h e 5 x 7-inch plate b e chosen w h e n e v e r possible. /ks it is expected t h a t albums will be provided by t h e Institute, prints should be sent in u n m o u n t e d a n d properly trimmed. E x c e p t in special eases duplicates are not to be sent. I t is proposed t h a t a supervising committee, chosen in some way t h a t will secure t h e full representation of t h e Section, shall have charge of t h e accepta n c e of pictures and t h e i r a r r a n g e m e n t in t h e albums or elsewhere. Pictures become t h e property of t h e Institute, unless specific a r r a n g e m e n t s otherwise are made. , T h e committee offers t h e following classification of subjects, suggesting t h a t t h e a r r a n g e m e n t iu t h e albums or elsewhere shall conform to t h e system. CLASSlIZlCATION. (I) Machines, implements a n d scientific a p p a r a t u s , especially those passing out of use ; i n c l u d i n g m a n i p u l a t i o n s in manufactures a n d trades. (2) Transportation by land a n d water, a n c i e n t and modern. (3) Buildings, bridges, and o t h e r useful structures, illustrating methods of erection. (4) Buildings of historic interest, particularly scientific institutions, to include i m p o r t a n t a n c i e n t l a n d m a r k s liable to be t o r n down. (5) Portraits of distinguished m e n w h o h a v e made i m p o r t a n t contributions to t h e sciences a n d m e c h a n i c arts. (6) Documents of historic or public interest, including those of a scientific character. (7) Catastrophics a n d incidents of public interest. T h e c o m m i t t e e has considered t h e question of albums, a n d s u b m i t s v a r i o u s samples for t h e e x a m i n a t i o n of members. H~NRY LEFFMANN, U. C. W A N N E R ,
.
J. W. Rxm,A~r~,
Committee. M I N I N G AND MI~TALLURICAL SEc~IoN.--ProceeSings of the Staled Meeti n K held Wednesday, N o v e m b e r I3th , Prof. P. L. Garrison in t h e chair. P r e s e n t , 32 m e m b e r s and visitors.
478
Sections.
[J. F. 1.
After the transaction of the usual formal business, Dr. J. A. Matthews, of Columbia University, New York, read a p a p e r on " T h e Constitution of Metals and Binary Alloys." T h e communication was profusely illustrated with stereopticon views, a n d was discussed by Messrs. Paul Kreuzpointner, Robert Job, W. R. Webster, A. E. Outerbridge, Jr., James Christie, a n d the author. Paper and discussion are reserved for publication in full. G. I-I. CLAMER,
Secretary, MECIIANICAL AND t~NGINEERING SECTION.--Slated Meeting held Thursday, November I4th , 8 P.M. Mr. James Christie in the chair. Present, 45 members and visitors. The subject for discussion was " S t e a m Boiler inspection, with Especial reference to Design, Construction and Service." The discussion was opened by Mr. Geo. B. Hartley, a n d was participated in by Messrs. J o h n M. H a r t m a n , R. D. Kinney, Jos. C. Steinmetz, James Christie, and ottmrs. The discussion will be printed as a s u p p l e m e n t to the subject of the discussion held at t h e stated meeting October Ioth. DANIEL EPPELSHEINIER, JR.,
Secretary. EIAtCTRICAI, S~;c'rioN.--Stated meeting. Thursday, November 2Ist. Mr. Thomas Spencer in t h e chair. Present, 52 m e m b e r s and visitors. Dr. A. E. K e n n e l l y , in his remarks on t h e Electrical Arts at the PanAmerican Exposition, took up t h e subject of h i g h t e n s i o n switches, and gave an historical sketch of the development of the switch from its earliest form, in which a simple wire was laid across two terminals, to t h e special devices in use to-day w h i c h control currents equivalent to capacities of 50o0 horse-power. He spoke successively of the bell switch, t h e earliest types of knife switches and automatic circuit breakers, and the oil switches, a n d special h i g h potential switches which are now being used, all of which showed t h e great amount of ingenuity which h a d been displayed in t h e i r design and manufacture. Regarding t h e Edison storage cell, he stated t h a t no tests had lately been made as to its efficiency, but exhibited several plates which are used in this type of cell. Mr. C. J. Reed spoke on polarization in batteries, and called attention to the numerous different definitions which h a d been given to this term ; each definition was correct if taken from the p o i n t of view of t h e definer; but none of them seemed to really take in the actual effects or results which took place in the batteries. Mr. Reed t h o u g h t t h a t t h e proper definition of polarization was a progressive electro-chemical exhaustion of t h e electro-chemical reagents. Paper was discussed at some length and discussions proved of considerable interest. RICHARD L. BINDER,
Secretary.
Sections.
47 5
Second. Such laws as exist are not enforced, or enforced with such laxity a s to be equally dangerous. Third. Lamentable ignorance or gross carelessness on the part of those who design, construct or operate plants or industries. Fourth. Public indifference, due to familiarity with existing dangers, until local disasters cause spasmodic awakenings, followed too quickly by normal conditions. Your attention was invited to one phase of danger by the address of Mr. MeDevltt two m o n t h s ago, and the E n g i n e e r i n g Section has under discussion boiler design, having given partieular attention to the wreck of the "City of T r e n t o n , " and an expert jury is, u n d e r the coroner's direction, now discussing the subject of fireproof buildings and fire escapes. But we should not stop at this. The Institute many years ago prepared a report on boiler explosions which is to-day considered an authoritative expression. The E n g i n e e r i n g Section m a y supplement this by the result of its inquiry, It would seem that the time is ripe for a general discussion upon reducing hazards to life and property traceable to our industrial development and transportation methods. I t is not presumed that such discussion is to fix responsibility for disasters, for this is a grave matter which it is not the function of the Institute to locate; but we may be able to trace the causes with the expectation of suggesting remedial measures by a full and fair discussion of the deficiencies in existing laws, and possibly indicate failures to enforce protective measures which have been provided. We certainly could arouse public sentiment and probably be t h e means of instructing some upon details which have been imperfectly recognized. Such an investigation is in line with the work of the F r a n k l i n Institute and in keeping with its functions. I t will probably result in a committee making a report to the Institute which, if adopted, will carry the weight which has always been accepted as representing the honored name of our organization. It is r e c o m m e n d e d t h a t a committee, upon which t h e r e shall be a representative of the Committee on Meetings and of each of t h e Sections to which details of the investigation would fall, in addition to m e m bers selected from the Ihstitute-at-large, be formed to consider the hazards to h u m a n life and property traceable to our industrial development and transportation methods.
SECTIONS. ( A bstracls of Proceedings. ) PH'~SlC~,L SEc~IoN.--Slated Meeting, September 25th , 8 P.M. Dr. Geo. F. Stradling in the chair. Mr. Win. McClellan, of the University of Pennsylvania, presented a communication entitled, " A Review of R e c e n t Progress in H e a t . " Discussed by Messrs. Stradling , Riehards, Goldsehmidt, and Pawling. JESSE PAWLING, JR,,
Secrelaryo
476
Sections.
[J. F. I.,
CI4~MICAL S~C~rlOl~.--Proceedings of t h e Stated zWeeling, held Thursday, October 24th , 8 P.M. Dr. W. J. Williams in t h e chair. Present, 18 m e m b e r s a n d visitors. T h e evening was devoted to t h e subject of " Explosions at Fires, with Suggestions as to T h e i r O r g i n , " by Win. McDevitt, Inspector to t h e Philadelphia Board of Fire Underwriters. T h e speaker gave a n u m b e r of e x p e r i m e n t a l demonstrations of the explosibility of the chlorates, nitrates, a n d analogous m i n e r a l compounds, and of various organic products. Discussed by Messrs. It. W. Jayne, H. F. Keller, C. A . , t l e x a m e r and others. I n connection with the_subject, Dr. J a y n e m e n t i o n e d t h e explosion of an empty glycerin d r u m by heatng. W. ~. RIDENOUR,
Secretary. SECTION OF PHOTOGR&PItY &ND MICROSCOVv.--Proeeedings of the Stated Dr. Chas. F. Himes in t h e chair. Present, 21 m e m b e r s and visitors. The Special Committee on P h o t o g r a p h i c Record W o r k reported a revision of its classification of subjects proposed by Mr. J. W. Ridpath. T h e revised classification was approved. The question of t h e size of plate to be adopted as s t a n d a r d was considered. Mr. J. E. Ives called a t t e n t i o n to the fact t h a t the 5 x 7-inch plate was the largest in general use b y amateurs, a n d t h o u g h t it would be advisable t h a t t h e 6 ~ x 8 ~ - i n c h plate specified in the report be c h a n g e d accordingly. On Dr. Leffmann's motion, numerously seconded, this c h a n g e was u n a n i m o u s l y approved. The committee's report, With the above a m e n d m e n t , was t h e n adopted. (The report, as adopted, is hereto appended). Specimens of albums made t o embody t h e committee's views, were shown b y Mr. Ridpath, a n d were freely criticized b y t h e members. T h e c h a i r m a n presented for the a l b u m several prints of historical scientific apparatus, to wit : Dr. Priestley's original b u r n i n g glass, w i t h w h i c h h e h a d made t h e discovery of oxygen ; Priestly's air-gun, a n d o t h e r i n t e r e s t i n g subjects. H e called a t t e n t i o n to the desirability of h a v i n g the descriptive m a t t e r a p p e n d e d to such records as full, t h o u g h concise , as possible. On Dr. Leffmann's motion, the Special Committee was instructed to proceed with the p r e p a r a t i o n of a record album, w h i c h should e m b o d y the suggestions b r o u g h t out in t h e discussion of t h e subject. Mr. Martin J. W i l b e r t followed with a paper on " T h e Use of Sensitive Paper in X-ray W o r k , " whictl was illustrated with the aid of a large n u m b e r of p r i n t s made in connection with the work of the G e r m a n Hospital. Dr. H e n r y Leffmann exhibited a n d described a series of l a n t e r n slides relating to m o d e r n m e t h o d s of paper manufacture. T h e same speaker called attention to t h e fact t h a t the next meeting of t h e Section would be devoted to the subject of " Overexposure and Reversal i n P h o t o g r a p h y , " with especial reference to t h e investigations of Professor Nipher, of St. Louis. By invitation, Mrl W a n n e r gave a n account of some e x p e r i m e n t s t h a t he h a d made in this direction.
Meeting, held Thursday, November 7, 19oi, at 8 P.M.
Dec., 19or. ~
Sections.
477
Mr. I r e s exhibited and described for Mr. Samuel Sartain a n u m b e r of celluloid transparencies. WM. I-I. WAHL,
Secretary pro bern. APPENDIX.
[Report of the Special Committee on Photographic Record Work.~ H A L L OF THE F R A N K L I N INSTITUTE,
PHILADELI~HIA, October r, 19Ol ,
To the Seclion o f Photography and Microscopy : T h e Comittee o n Record Work, appointed in accordance with t h e resolution adopted at t h e stated m e e t i n g of t h e Section in May last, respectfully reports t h a t it has held several meetings, a n d decided to r e c o m m e n d t h e following plans :
W h i l e p h o t o g r a p h s of any c o n v e n i e n t size will be accepted if satisfactory, it is r e c o m m e n d e d t h a t t h e 5 x 7-inch plate b e chosen w h e n e v e r possible. /ks it is expected t h a t albums will be provided by t h e Institute, prints should be sent in u n m o u n t e d a n d properly trimmed. E x c e p t in special eases duplicates are not to be sent. I t is proposed t h a t a supervising committee, chosen in some way t h a t will secure t h e full representation of t h e Section, shall have charge of t h e accepta n c e of pictures and t h e i r a r r a n g e m e n t in t h e albums or elsewhere. Pictures become t h e property of t h e Institute, unless specific a r r a n g e m e n t s otherwise are made. , T h e committee offers t h e following classification of subjects, suggesting t h a t t h e a r r a n g e m e n t iu t h e albums or elsewhere shall conform to t h e system. CLASSlIZlCATION. (I) Machines, implements a n d scientific a p p a r a t u s , especially those passing out of use ; i n c l u d i n g m a n i p u l a t i o n s in manufactures a n d trades. (2) Transportation by land a n d water, a n c i e n t and modern. (3) Buildings, bridges, and o t h e r useful structures, illustrating methods of erection. (4) Buildings of historic interest, particularly scientific institutions, to include i m p o r t a n t a n c i e n t l a n d m a r k s liable to be t o r n down. (5) Portraits of distinguished m e n w h o h a v e made i m p o r t a n t contributions to t h e sciences a n d m e c h a n i c arts. (6) Documents of historic or public interest, including those of a scientific character. (7) Catastrophics a n d incidents of public interest. T h e c o m m i t t e e has considered t h e question of albums, a n d s u b m i t s v a r i o u s samples for t h e e x a m i n a t i o n of members. H~NRY LEFFMANN, U. C. W A N N E R ,
.
J. W. Rxm,A~r~,
Committee. M I N I N G AND MI~TALLURICAL SEc~IoN.--ProceeSings of the Staled Meeti n K held Wednesday, N o v e m b e r I3th , Prof. P. L. Garrison in t h e chair. P r e s e n t , 32 m e m b e r s and visitors.
478
Sections.
[J. F. 1.
After the transaction of the usual formal business, Dr. J. A. Matthews, of Columbia University, New York, read a p a p e r on " T h e Constitution of Metals and Binary Alloys." T h e communication was profusely illustrated with stereopticon views, a n d was discussed by Messrs. Paul Kreuzpointner, Robert Job, W. R. Webster, A. E. Outerbridge, Jr., James Christie, a n d the author. Paper and discussion are reserved for publication in full. G. I-I. CLAMER,
Secretary, MECIIANICAL AND t~NGINEERING SECTION.--Slated Meeting held Thursday, November I4th , 8 P.M. Mr. James Christie in the chair. Present, 45 members and visitors. The subject for discussion was " S t e a m Boiler inspection, with Especial reference to Design, Construction and Service." The discussion was opened by Mr. Geo. B. Hartley, a n d was participated in by Messrs. J o h n M. H a r t m a n , R. D. Kinney, Jos. C. Steinmetz, James Christie, and ottmrs. The discussion will be printed as a s u p p l e m e n t to the subject of the discussion held at t h e stated meeting October Ioth. DANIEL EPPELSHEINIER, JR.,
Secretary. EIAtCTRICAI, S~;c'rioN.--Stated meeting. Thursday, November 2Ist. Mr. Thomas Spencer in t h e chair. Present, 52 m e m b e r s and visitors. Dr. A. E. K e n n e l l y , in his remarks on t h e Electrical Arts at the PanAmerican Exposition, took up t h e subject of h i g h t e n s i o n switches, and gave an historical sketch of the development of the switch from its earliest form, in which a simple wire was laid across two terminals, to t h e special devices in use to-day w h i c h control currents equivalent to capacities of 50o0 horse-power. He spoke successively of the bell switch, t h e earliest types of knife switches and automatic circuit breakers, and the oil switches, a n d special h i g h potential switches which are now being used, all of which showed t h e great amount of ingenuity which h a d been displayed in t h e i r design and manufacture. Regarding t h e Edison storage cell, he stated t h a t no tests had lately been made as to its efficiency, but exhibited several plates which are used in this type of cell. Mr. C. J. Reed spoke on polarization in batteries, and called attention to the numerous different definitions which h a d been given to this term ; each definition was correct if taken from the p o i n t of view of t h e definer; but none of them seemed to really take in the actual effects or results which took place in the batteries. Mr. Reed t h o u g h t t h a t t h e proper definition of polarization was a progressive electro-chemical exhaustion of t h e electro-chemical reagents. Paper was discussed at some length and discussions proved of considerable interest. RICHARD L. BINDER,
Secretary.