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Showing papers in "Nature in 1927"


Journal ArticleDOI
01 Dec 1927-Nature
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors attributed organic evolution mainly to the combined action of variation and the struggle for existence, primarily the competitive struggle, and argued that if competition is greatest the results for evolution are nil; where the results are greatest competition is absent.
Abstract: DARWIN attributed organic evolution chiefly to the combined action of variation and the struggle for existence, primarily the competitive struggle. This involves certain difficulties. First, the factors named tend to mutual exclusion—the more variation the less struggle. Secondly, were there no variation, competition would be intense but barren; were variation so discontinuous as to exclude competition, many certainly of the variants would perish, but others would prosper, and since there would be greater variety than under competitive conditions, there would also be more abundant life and perhaps greater evolutionary progress. Thus, where competition is greatest the results for evolution are nil; where the results are greatest competition is absent.

1,118 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
09 Jul 1927-Nature
TL;DR: It is known that the gestures of articulation which produce the consonants L, T, and K are not alays made respectively in exactly the same position in the mouth, and that the exact position is more or less dependent on the vowel with which the consonant in question is associated as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: IT is well known that the gestures of articulation which produce the consonants L, T, and K are not alays made respectively in exactly the same position in the mouth, and that the exact position is more or less dependent on the vowel with which the consonant in question is associated.

535 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
01 Oct 1927-Nature
TL;DR: For the last four years Thorndike has so devoted himself to the investigation, that a special grant was assigned to it by the Carnegie Corporation; and his entire staff has been collaborating with him.
Abstract: MANY circumstances invest the present volume LtL with signal importance. Of such an unusual magnitude has been deemed the investigation which it reports, that a special grant was assigned to it by the Carnegie Corporation; and for the last four years Thorndike has so devoted himself to it, as even to give up for its sake his university teaching. Moreover, as indicated above, his entire staff has been collaborating with him. The Measurement of Intelligence. By Edward L. Thorndike E. O. Bregman M. V. Cobb Ella Woodyard, and the staff of the Division of Psychology of the Institute of Educational Research of Teachers' College, Columbia University. Pp. xxvi + 616. (New York: Teachers' College, Columbia University, n.d.) n.p.

444 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
J. B. Johnson1
08 Jan 1927-Nature
TL;DR: In this article, Johnson's theory of thermal noise was extended to the case of electric conductors, and the Johnson noise was called 1/f Johnson noise (1/f noise).
Abstract: ORDINARY electric conductors are sources of spontaneous fluctuations of voltage which can be measured with sufficiently sensitive instruments. This property of conductors appears to be the result of thermal agitation of the electric charges in the material of the conductor. While trying to perfect the design and manufacture of the vacuum valve, the pioneers of electronic engineering uncovered a fundamental problem — noise. Walter Schottky first postulated the existence of thermal noise and shot noise in 1918. In a letter to Nature in 1927, J. B. Johnson commented on voltage fluctuations that appear "to be the result of thermal agitation of the electric charges in the material of the conductor". Johnson would later become associated with thermal noise — now also known as Johnson noise — after he published a definitive experiment on noise in 1928, alongside Harry Nyquist's theoretical explanation [Johnson, J. B. Phys. Rev. 32, 97–109 (1928); Nyquist, H. Phys. Rev. 32, 110–113 (1928)]. But his letter of 1927 was intended to bring "a similar phenomenon" to the attention of Nature readers. In this case the fluctuations depend not on temperature but inversely on frequency — Johnson had discovered '1/f noise'.

424 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
21 May 1927-Nature
TL;DR: The first volume of the Critical Table of Numerical Data, Physics, Chemistry, and Technology as discussed by the authors was published by the National Research Council of the United States of America in 1926.
Abstract: THE volume under review constitutes the first of a series of five volumes of critical tables of numerical data relating to physics, chemistry, and technology. They have been prepared under the auspices of the International Research Council and the U.S. National Academy of Sciences by the National Research Council of the U.S.A., with Dr. Washburn as editor-in-chief. Dr. Washburn has worked through the agency of ten corresponding editors and advisory committees in the leading countries of the world, except Germany. International Critical Tables of Numerical Data, Physics, Chemistry and Technology. Prepared under the Auspices of the International Research Council and the National Academy of Sciences by the National Research Council of the United States of America. Editor-in-Chief: Dr. Edward W. Washburn. (Published for the National Research Council.) In 5 vols. Vol. 1. Pp. xx + 415. (New York: McGraw-Hill Book Co., Inc.; London: McGraw-Hill Publishing Co., Ltd., 1926.) Sold in sets only, 12 dollars per vol.

391 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
C. J. Davisson1, L. H. Germer1
01 Apr 1927-Nature
TL;DR: In this article, a narrow beam of electrons was directed against a target cut from a single crystal of nickel, and the intensity of scattering was measured in various directions in front of the target.
Abstract: IN a series of experiments now in progress, we are directing a narrow beam of electrons normally against a target cut from a single crystal of nickel, and are measuring the intensity of scattering (number of electrons per unit solid angle with speeds near that of the bombarding electrons) in various directions in front of the target. The experimental arrangement is such that the intensity of scattering can be measured in any latitude from the equator (plane of the target) to within 20° of the pole (incident beam) and in any azimuth.

341 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
01 Dec 1927-Nature
TL;DR: Niven as discussed by the authors argued that a reissue of the collected papers of an outstanding scientific man has been called for, and that the main papers involved must have been of very epoch-making type.
Abstract: IT is not often that a reissue of the collected papers of an outstanding scientific man has been called for. Some of the papers cannot fail to have historical value because of the part which their original publication played in the development of science; but that value alone would not be sufficient to secure the demand. The work involved must be of present-day importance. Therefore its consequences must still be in process of development; and it follows that if, as in the present case, the republication follows the first publication after an interval of half a century, the main papers involved must have been of very epoch-making type. The condition of present value is a sufficient test; but the most essential condition is that of permanent value. Present value persisting after the lapse of fifty years suggests permanence, and at least points to some enduring quality—the direct impress of the distinctive personality of the man. The Scientific Papers of James Clerk Maxwell. Edited By W. D. Niven. (Photographic Reprint by arrangement with the Cambridge University Press.) Vol. 1. Pp. xxxii + 607. Vol. 2. Pp. viii + 806. (Paris: J. Hermann, 1927.) 3 livres 6.

277 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
01 Jan 1927-Nature
TL;DR: The first edition of Heath's translation of Euclid's "Elements" as discussed by the authors was published in 1908, and the movement in favour of a textbook for schools that discarded Ethclid's order and proofs was in full vigour, and, in reference to that movement, Sir Thomas Heath contented himself with saying: “It is, perhaps, too early yet to prophesy what will be the ultimate outcome of the new order of things; but it would at least seem possible that history will repeat itself and that, when chaos has again come into geometrical teaching
Abstract: THE preface to the first edition of Sir Thomas Heath's translation of Euclid's “Elements” begins with the following quotation from De Morgan: “There never has been, and until we see it we never shall believe that there can be, a system of geometry worthy of the name, which has any material departures (we do not speak of corrections or extensions or developments) from the plan laid down by Euclid.” In 1908, when that edition appeared, the movement in favour of a textbook for schools that discarded Ethclid's order and proofs was in full vigour, and, in reference to that movement, Sir Thomas Heath contented himself with saying: “It is, perhaps, too early yet to prophesy what will be the ultimate outcome of the new order of things; but it would at least seem possible that history will repeat itself and that, when chaos has again come into geometrical teaching, there will be a return to Euclid more or less complete for the purpose of standardising it once more.” The Thirteen Books of Euclid's Elements. Translated from the Text of Heiberg, with Introduction and Commentary, by Sir Thomas L. Heath. Second edition, revised with additions. Vol. 1: Introduction and Books I., II. Pp. xii + 432. Vol. 2: Books III.-IX. Pp. vi + 436. Vol. 3: Books X.-XIII. and Appendix. Pp. vi + 546. (Cambridge: At the University Press, 1926.) 70s. net.

215 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
01 Jun 1927-Nature
TL;DR: In this paper, a fine beam of homogeneous cathode rays is sent nearly normally through a thin celluloid film and then received on a photographic plate 10 cm. away and parallel to the film, the central spot formed by the undeflected rays is surrounded by rings, recalling in appearance the haloes formed by mist round the sun.
Abstract: IF a fine beam of homogeneous cathode rays is sent nearly normally through a thin celluloid film (of the order 3 × 106 cm. thick) and then received on a photographic plate 10 cm. away and parallel to the film, we find that the central spot formed by the undeflected rays is surrounded by rings, recalling in appearance the haloes formed by mist round the sun. A photograph so obtained is reproduced (Fig. 1). If the density of the plate is measured by a photometer at a number of points along a radius, and the intensity of the rays at these points found by using the characteristic blackening curve of the plate (see Phil. Mag., vol. 1, p. 963, 1926), the rings appear as humps on the intensity-distance curves. In this way rings can be detected which may not be obvious to direct inspection. With rays of about 13,000 volts two rings have been found inside the obvious one. Traces have been found of a fourth ring in other photographs, but not more than three have been found on any one exposure. This is probably due to the limited range of intensity within which photometric measurements are feasible.

189 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
01 Nov 1927-Nature
TL;DR: The results of further experiments now enable me to state definitely that Puccinia graminis is also heterothallic, and proof has been obtained that the pycnia (spermogonia) of the Rust Fungi are not, as many botanists have supposed, male conceptacles producing non-functional spermatia, but are active organs having a non-male function which they carry out through the agency of flies.
Abstract: IN a letter to NATURE, published July 23, 1927, I showed, on the basis of experimental evidence, that Puccinia helianthi is heterothallic. The results of further experiments now enable me to state definitely that Puccinia graminis is also heterothallic. Moreover, since my first letter was written, proof has been obtained that the pycnia (spermogonia) of the Rust Fungi are not, as many botanists have supposed, male conceptacles producing non-functional spermatia, but are active organs having a non-male function which they carry out through the agency of flies. This discovery was made as follows.

110 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
01 May 1927-Nature
TL;DR: The structure of the solar atmosphere above and sluronllllding sunspots has been discussed in a previous article in NATURE as discussed by the authors, where the evidence pointed to a hydrodynamical rather than an electtro N S Fie.
Abstract: The structure of the solar atmosphere above and sluronllllding sunspots has been Plustrated in a previous article in NATURE.1 Silngle spots often lie at the centre of an apparent vortex resembling a terrestrial tornado or cycloriec soe i times nearly radial in form, more cornmmonly showing marked clockwise or counter-clockwise curvature. Bipolar spots (Fig. 1) are often suyrounded by a field of force similar to that of a bar magnet, though in rany eases the structure is verv different. I havo recenttly discssed the mature of these fields of force,2 but the evidence, which favoured a hydrodynamical rather than an electtro N S Fie. 1.-PIueld of forcE in thi hydrogeh st-rsosphcrr aurroundingt Ang. 21, M C4 T oe ibrditturt cf the, byclrOge-hr lnral Thase I reljlf siurroidig 111 Dor ite e.mgnetl poles. magnetie explanation, was inconclusive, especially in view of the prevalence of the bar margnet type so frequently assoEiated with bipolar spots. This seemed to point to an eleetronnagnetic origin, and the impossibility uf analysing adequately the structure of the hydrogen flocculi in thfese bipolar fields has greatly impeded progress.

Journal ArticleDOI
01 Aug 1927-Nature
TL;DR: Rice as mentioned in this paper pointed out that the existing knowledge of this subject in its relation to the breeding of farm animals, some was acquired long since by direct practical experience and has been handed down for countless generations.
Abstract: IT is becoming more and more realised that it is a matter of primary importance to the stock-breeding industry to possess an understanding of the processes of reproduction and development. Of our existing knowledge of this subject in its relation to the breeding of farm animals, some was acquired long since by direct practical experience and has been handed down for countless generations. It follows that such knowledge, although generally sound—for otherwise it could scarcely have stood the test of time—was necessarily limited and uncorrelatcd, for it existed without reference to scientific system and is not founded on scientific principles. In recent years, however, a great deal of attention has been paid to the science of breeding, and although it cannot be said that research methods have led as yet to any spectacular developments of economic importance, nevertheless a great number of observations have been made and deductions arrived at which in the aggregate arc already having an important effect upon practice. Breeding and Improvement of Farm Animals. By Prof. Victor Arthur Rice. (McGraw-Hill Publications in the Agricultural and Botanical Sciences.) Pp. xiv + 362. (New York: McGraw-Hill Book Co., Inc.; London: McGraw-Hill Publishing Co., Ltd., 1926.) 17s. 6d. net.

Journal ArticleDOI
01 Sep 1927-Nature
TL;DR: In this article, the ideas of the soul, disease, and medicine all discussed under "funeral rites" are discussed in Ashanti social, economic, and political organisation, where religious ideas permeate everyday life and there is no trace of the division into civil and religious life that we are accustomed to in Europe.
Abstract: WHEN a magnificent feast is given and the numerons dishes are all excellent, it is perhaps ungracious to complain that the disorder of the courses makes digestion somewhat difficult, and that the table decorations (the appendices), though interesting in themselves, have not been arranged so as to decorate the table. Yet the excellence of his material provokes this complaint against the arrangement of Capt. Rattray's book. It is somewhat disconcerting to find the ideas of the soul, disease, and medicine all discussed under “funeral rites.” So far as practical field method goes we would not change this at all; Capt. Rattray has derived all his knowledge from the sound method of watching ceremonies and discussing them with well-chosen informants, but it would have helped us to understand better had the ideas of the soul been given earlier, and not as an interruption to a ritual which had already begun. For an appreciation of Ashanti social, economic, and political organisation (as for most other ‘so-called’ savage societies) this knowledge of the spiritual background of life is essential, because religious ideas permeate everyday life and there is no trace of the division into civil and religious life that we are accustomed to in Europe. For example, law is founded on religious sanctions, just as the curious treatment of a new-born infant depends on the beliefs concerning the soul and the ever-powerful influence of the dead. Religion and Art in Ashanti. By Capt. R. S. Rattray. With chapters by G. T. Bennett, Vernon Blake, H. Dudley Buxton, R. R. Marett, C. G. Seligman. Pp. xviii + 414 + 116 plates. (Oxford: Clarendon Press; London: Oxford University Press, 1927.) 30s. net.

Journal ArticleDOI
05 Mar 1927-Nature
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors make an attempt to understand the physical significance of the quantum theoretical formulae, which is not a report on the present status of quantum mechanics, since such a report has recently been published by W. Heisenberg, the founder of the new theory.
Abstract: The purpose of this communication is not to give a report on the present status of quantum mechanics. Such a report has recently been published by W. Heisenberg, the founder of the new theory (Die Naturwissenschaften, 45, 989, 1926). Here we shall make an attempt to understand the physical significance of the quantum theoretical formulae.

Journal ArticleDOI
01 Nov 1927-Nature
TL;DR: In this article, the combustion of 2CO+O2 (moist and dry) in a steady high tension direct current discharge was studied experimentally and the experiments have resulted in some new observations which seem to have an important bearing upon the function of steam in the combustion process of carbonic oxide.
Abstract: IN conjunction with Mr. D. L. Hodge, for some time past I have been studying experimentally the combustion of 2CO+O2 (moist and dry) in a steady high tension direct current discharge, and the experiments have resulted in some new observations which seem to have an important bearing upon the function of steam in the combustion of carbonic oxide. We hope soon to communicate a detailed account of them to the Royal Society; meanwhile, in view of the general interest in the subject, we should like to make the following brief statement of the results.

Journal ArticleDOI
08 Oct 1927-Nature
TL;DR: Gifttiere und ihre Giftigkeit: E. N. Pawlowsky, Geschichte der Wirklichkeit der wirtschaftlichen Beziehungen der Wirtschaftsgesellschaft in jena 1927.
Abstract: Gifttiere und ihre Giftigkeit. Von Prof. Dr. E. N. Pawlowsky. Pp. xvi + 516. (Jena: Gustav Fischer 1927.) 27 go1d marks.

Journal ArticleDOI
01 Jul 1927-Nature
TL;DR: An attempt to solve the problem of heterothallism in Rust fungi by sowing the sporidia of Puccinia helianthi on leaves of young Sunflower plants and observing whether or not aecia are produced.
Abstract: THE phenomenon of heterothallism (the separation of sex in different individuals) is known to occur in the Phycomycetes (Mucor), in the Ascomycetes (Ascobolus, Penicillium), in a large number of Hymeno-mycetes (mushrooms and toadstools), and in the Smut fungi. Therefore the question arises: Does heterothallism occur in tho Rust fungi? An attempt to solve this problem, which is of considerable theoretical and perhaps practical interest, has been made by the author by sowing the sporidia of Puccinia helianthi on leaves of young Sunflower plants and observing whether or not aecia are produced: (1) when a single sporidium is sown by itself, and (2) when two sporidia are sown close together.

Journal ArticleDOI
01 Dec 1927-Nature
TL;DR: In this paper, it was shown that the number and size of the rings correspond remarkably with what is to be expected from the known crystalline structure of gold and aluminium, using de Broglie's expression for the wave length of the cathode rays.
Abstract: IN a letter to NATURE of June 18, Mr. Reid and I described the rings formed when a beam of cathode rays was sent at normal incidence through a thin film of celluloid and struck a photograph plate placed some distance behind the film. These were attributed to a diffraction of the cathode rays by the film, the cathode rays behaving as waves of wave-length h/mv according to do Broglie's theory of wave mechanics, and regularities in the structure of the film, or in the size of the molecules, making it behave as a kind of diffraction grating. In a paper now awaiting publication by the Royal Society, this work has been confirmed and extended to films of gold, aluminium, and of an unknown (probably organic) substance. In particular, the relation that the size of the rings is in all cases inversely as the momentum of the cathode rays is fully confirmed, and the number and size of the rings correspond remarkably with what is to be expected from the known crystalline structure of gold and aluminium, using de Broglie's expression for the wave- length of the cathode rays.

Journal ArticleDOI
Alfred J. Lotka1
01 Jan 1927-Nature
TL;DR: In this article, the general theory as well as a number of special cases have been set forth in "Elements of physical biology" (published by Williams and Wilkins, Baltimore, 1925), in which work a considerable number of references to the journal literature are given.
Abstract: WITH regard to Prof. Volterra's interesting article, “Fluctuations in the Abundance of a Species considered Mathematically,” in NATURE of October 16, page 558, I may be permitted to point to certain prior publications on the subject, of which Prof. Volterra seems to be unaware. The general theory as well as a number of special cases have been set forth in “Elements of Physical Biology” (published by Williams and Wilkins, Baltimore, 1925), in which work a considerable number of references to the journal literature are given. Among other things Prof. Volterra's diagram “Fig. 2” will be found on page go of the book cited; the expression for the period of isochronous small oscillations in the case of two species is also found on the same page. Prof. Volterra refers to certain applications of his analysis to problems of sea fisheries, to a passage in Darwin's “Origin of Species,” to extinction of species, to pathogenic germs, and to parasitology. An application to sea fisheries is found in the book cited on page 95; to a passage in Herbert Spencer on page 61; to the extinction of species on pages 94, 95; to pathogenic germs on pages 77, 79, 147 et seq.; to parasitology on page 83.

Journal ArticleDOI
17 Dec 1927-Nature
TL;DR: Westermarck as discussed by the authors was one of the first to use inductive method and a ruthless critic of insidious fallacies, achieving a worldwide reputation as a historian of human marriage and a leading sociologist, a reputation later on increased by his analysis of "Moral Ideas" in which he established himself as a psychologist and a philosopher of first magnitude.
Abstract: PROF. WESTERMARCK, by the publication of his first masterpiece in 1891, gained a worldwide reputation as a historian of human marriage and a leading sociologist, a reputation later on increased by his analysis of “Moral Ideas,” in which he established himself as a psychologist and a philosopher of the first magnitude. His merits as a master of inductive method and as a ruthless critic of insidious fallacies, are rivalled only by his power of building sound theories on the bedrock of biology and of our knowledge of human nature. The fame gained by his theoretical work has ever since eclipsed Westermareks other equally astonishing achievement as a first-hand student of the savage or barbarous tribes of the Maghrib—the extreme west of the Oriental World. Westermarcks great learning somehow suggests the library, and his philosophic detachment and literary charm, a comfortable study in some ancient university cloister; and it is difficult to imagine him in the saddle, climbing inaccessible mule tracks in the Great Atlas; or as a daring ethnographic explorer of the Rif, braving dangers so real that at times he had to be declared outside consular responsibility and the protection of civilised government. Ritual and Belief in Morocco. By Edward Westermarck. In 2 vols. Vol. 1. Pp. xxxii + 608. Vol. 2. Pp.xxii + 629. (London: Macmillan and Co., Ltd., 1926.) 50s. net.

Journal ArticleDOI
01 May 1927-Nature
TL;DR: The substance giving this reduction was named by its protocol-number “Cxii, ” being the twelfth substance prepared and examined in my work on tissue oxidation and the function of the adrenal cortex, and isolated in crystals, which on recrystallisation showed a constant melting-point.
Abstract: IN a previous paper (Biochem. Z., 181, 433; 1927) it was shown that extracts of the adrenal cortex strongly reduce silver nitrate and iodine. This reduction could not be accounted for either by adrenalin or glutathione, and seemed to be specific to the interrenal tissue. To exclude any anticipation of function and chemical structure, the substance giving this reduction was named by its protocol-number “Cxii,” being the twelfth substance prepared and examined in my work on tissue oxidation and the function of the adrenal cortex. Having been enabled to resume this work at the Biochemical Laboratory, Cambridge, the substance has been further investigated and finally isolated in crystals, which on recrystallisation showed a constant melting-point.

Journal ArticleDOI
11 Jun 1927-Nature
TL;DR: Dunne as discussed by the authors wrote: "Tis the sunset of life gives me mystical lore, And coming events cast their shadows before." An Experiment with Time. http://www.anexperimentwithtime. net.
Abstract: “Tis the sunset of life gives me mystical lore, And coming events cast their shadows before.” An Experiment with Time. By J. W. Dunne. Pp. iv + 208. (London: A. and C. Black, Ltd., 1927.) 8s. 6d. net.

Journal ArticleDOI
01 Jan 1927-Nature
TL;DR: Can this difference in the contribution of the male and female account for the dissimilar results of reciprocal crosses in other characters than variegation?
Abstract: MANY cases are known in which the results of reciprocal crosses between green and variegated plants fail to agree. In all these cases the progeny reproduce the appearance of the female parent alone. Cases are also known in which a cross made one way between two true breeding green races results in variegation, whereas in the reciprocal cross the appearance of variegation is either deferred to a later generation or is absent. We know that the female contributes all, or the greater part, of the cytoplasm, and it has therefore been supposed that the cytoplasm, or its inclusions, is partly or wholly responsible for this difference in inheritance. Can this difference in the contribution of the male and female account for the dissimilar results of reciprocal crosses in other characters than variegation?

Journal ArticleDOI
01 Aug 1927-Nature
TL;DR: In this article, it was shown that X-rays falling on a polished surface at small glancing angles are totally and nearly totally reflected, which was explained by Compton as being due to the fact that the index of refraction of X-ray is a little less than unity: n=1, where is small compared 2 with unity.
Abstract: As has been discovered by Compton1, X-rays falling on a polished surface at small glancing angles are totally—or at least nearly totally—reflected. This phenomenon was explained by Compton as being due to the fact that the index of refraction of X-rays is a little less than unity: n=1, where is small compared 2 with unity.

Journal ArticleDOI
01 Oct 1927-Nature
TL;DR: In this paper, it was shown that in the spectra of the gaseous nebulae several very strong lines are found which have not been duplicated in any terrestrial source.
Abstract: IN the spectra of the gaseous nebulae several very strong lines are found which have not been duplicated in any terrestrial source. Many lines of evidence point to the fact that the lines are emitted by an element of low atomic weight. Since the spectra of the light elements, as excited in terrestrial sources, are well known, this leads to the conclusion that there must be some condition, presumably low density, which exists in the nebulae, that causes additional lines to be emitted.

Journal ArticleDOI
10 Sep 1927-Nature
TL;DR: The International Society of Soil Science (ISS) was formally constituted at Rome in May 1924 and held its first triennial Congress at Washington, D.C., on June 13-22, 1927, under the presidency of Dr. G. Lipman as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: INTERNATIONAL meetings of scientific workers on soils have been held at intervals since 1909, when a small group met at Budapest. Eventually the International Society of Soil Science was formally constituted at Rome in May 1924. The new body held its first triennial Congress at Washington, D.C., on June 13–-22, 1927, under the presidency of Dr. J. G. Lipman, of Rutgers University, New Jersey. About four hundred delegates were present. Very extensive preparations were made by the American Organising Committee on which Dr. Shutt, Dominion chemist, and other Canadian representatives served. Dr. Schreiner and Dr. McCall, of the United States Bureau of Soils, were chairman and secretary respectively of the executive committee. Thanks to the efforts of Dr. Lipman, no less than 75,000 dollars was obtained in donations from various sources towards the cost of the Congress, and the subsequent tour of North America. Some thirty nations accepted the invitation of the United States Government to send official delegates. The largest unit—more than twenty delegates—came from Soviet Russia; Germany sent ten, and Great Britain seven. Most of the countries within the British Empire were also represented.

Journal ArticleDOI
01 Sep 1927-Nature
TL;DR: In this article, the characteristics of wireless waves deviated by the upper atmosphere have been observed at the station of the Radio Research Board of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DRSI).
Abstract: DURING the past year and a half systematic observations have been made at this station on the characteristics of wireless waves deviated by the upper atmosphere These observations, which have been made as part of the programme of the Radio Research Board of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, were begun in collaboration with Mr M A F Barnett and have more recently been continued with Mr J A Ratcliffe's assistance

Journal ArticleDOI
01 May 1927-Nature
TL;DR: It is shown that carbon monoxide at a high partial pressure inhibits the respiration of yeast and cocci cells, and that a respiratory substance involved in this process has a much higher affinity for oxygen than for Carbon monoxide, and this substance is dissociated by the visible rays of light.
Abstract: WARBURG (Biochem. Zeitschr. 177; 1926) has shown recently that carbon monoxide at a high partial pressure inhibits the respiration of yeast and cocci cells. He also found that a respiratory substance involved in this process has a much higher affinity for oxygen than for carbon monoxide, and that the carbon monoxide compound of this substance is dissociated by the visible rays of light.

Journal ArticleDOI
19 Feb 1927-Nature
TL;DR: In this article, the magnetic properties of the atom are regarded from the point of view of the wave mechanics, and the electron is taken as a wave of two components, like light, not of one like sound.
Abstract: In an article in ‘Nature’ last February I put forward a suggestion, of necessity in so concise a form as to be not very easily intelligible, that when the magnetic properties of the atom are regarded from the point of view of the wave mechanics, they suggest that the electron is to be taken as a wave of two components, like light, not of one like sound. The theory and its mathematical development were only outlined in ‘Nature,’ and the object of the present work is to give them in fuller detail. Recently Pauli has published a paper on the same subject, and arrived at the same mathematical results, but owing to the fact that he is more disposed to regard the wave theory as a mathematical convenience and less as a physical reality, he stops short of the point which was the guiding principle to me, and refuses to interpret the two functions that we both obtain as formed from a vector. I shall therefore here develop somewhat fully the arguments and analogies which seem to me to show that the vector is the right form in which to regard it. The chief part of the paper is concerned with developing the results given in ‘Nature’; owing to other work I have not carried the matter much farther yet. The main new points are general formulae for the intensities of spectral lines, and for the magnetic moment, and the form the theory must take for several electrons—in which my first suggestion was wrong, and which Pauli has developed from his point of view. In a future paper I hope to discuss the motion of a free electron in a magnetic field, together with other problems. Since writing the account of the theory in ‘Nature’ I have had the immense benefit of a visit to Prof. Bohr’s Institute in Copenhagen, and have thus enjoyed the advantage of discussing the subject with him, Dr. Klein and the other members in detail. I may take the opportunity here to express my thanks to them for their interest in the matter and for many helpful criticisms.

Journal ArticleDOI
01 Sep 1927-Nature
TL;DR: Tansley and Chipp as mentioned in this paper published floras of many of the British colonies, but such floristic data is only the pioneer work which should form the basis for further research.
Abstract: OWING to the foresight and initiative of Sir Joseph Hooker, we now possess published floras of many of the British colonies, but such floristic data is only the pioneer work which should form the basis for further research. The time has now come when the investigation of the vegetation of the Empire can be profitably undertaken, and indeed urgently demands attention. Quite apart from the value of such knowledge for its own sake, an ecological survey of the Empire is of paramount importance for its further economic development. To exploit the natural vegetation of any region to the best advantage, we require to know much not only with respect to its existing composition and structure, but also its potentialities under the more or less artificial conditions imposed by man. Aims and Methods in the Study of Vegetation. Edited by Prof. A. G. Tansley Dr. T. F. Chipp. (Published by the British Empire Vegetation Committee.) Pp. xvi + 383 + 19 plates. (London: The Crown Agents for the Colonies, 1926.) 12s. 6d.