Showing papers in "Nature in 1935"
TL;DR: The Principles of Insect Morphology by R. E. Snodgrass as discussed by the authors is one of the most important works in the field of insect morphology, and it has been widely used in the literature.
Abstract: THE author of this book ranks as the foremost American worker on insect morphology. His contributions on the subject are notable for their clarity and originality of thought, and the appearance of a volume, embodying his ideas in comprehensive form, is sure of a hearty welcome. In its preparation, Mr. Snodgrass has incorporated the results of much first-hand study with those of many recent investigators in the same field. He has produced an outstanding book wherein knowledge of facts is combined with that of function and, at the same time, theoretical conceptions of the origins and relationships of organs and parts are not overlooked. Principles of Insect Morphology
By R. E. Snodgrass. (McGraw-Hill Publications in the Zoological Sciences.) Pp. ix + 667. (New York and London: McGraw-Hill Book Co., Inc., 1935.) 36s. net.
770 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a selected population of n individuals each of whom has been measured in m tests is considered, and the (m) (m 1/2 intercorrelations for these m variables are subjected to either a Spearman or other factor analysis.
Abstract: FACTOR analysis is a subject upon which Prof. G. H. Thomson, Dr. Wm, Brown and others have frequently written letters to NATURE. This analysis is concerned with a selected population of n individuals each of whom has been measured in m tests. The (m) (m 1)/2 intercorrelations for these m variables are subjected to either a Spearman or other factor analysis.
422 citations
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TL;DR: A Study of History By Prof Arnold J Toynbee as mentioned in this paper is such a book and it is commonly agreed that western civilisation has now reached a supreme crisis in its history, since disillusionment, rife among laymen and men of science alike, is poisoning the well-springs of the spirit.
Abstract: OINCE it is commonly agreed that western civilisation has now reached a supreme crisis in its history, since disillusionment, rife among laymen and men of science alike, is poisoning the well-springs of the spirit, and since the most passionate desire of men of goodwill is to discover means of overcoming our present difficulties, any book which can help us to get our bearings and to see our problems in true perspective must command much closer attention than in easier times Prof Toynbee's superb and philosophic “Study of History”, of which the present volumes are the first section, is such a book A Study of History By Prof Arnold J Toynbee (Issued under the auspices of the Royal Institute of International Affairs) Vol1 Pp xvi + 476 2lsnet Vol 2 Pp vii + 452 2lsnet Vol 3 Pp vi + 552 21s net (London: Oxford University Press, 1934) 3 vols, 52s 6d net
354 citations
TL;DR: The theory of relativity has been before the scientific world for some twenty years, and the special theory considerably longer as mentioned in this paper, and it may be said that the theory may well have definitely superseded Newtonian mechanics in the treatment of macroscopic phenomena, with the partial exception of atomic problems, acquired a new foundation.
Abstract: THE general theory of relativity has now been before the scientific world for some twenty years, and the special theory considerably longer. Fifteen or sixteen years ago, the theory may be said to have definitely superseded Newtonian mechanics in the treatment of macroscopic phenomena, and the whole of physical science, with the partial exception of atomic problems, acquired a new foundation. The superstructure, of course, was in the main unaltered, for the new mechanics faded into the old for all but the most fundamental matters, but the basic laws and equations of physics demanded re-statement, and in a few particulars their requirements were at variance with those of classical theory. In these circumstances there was clearly a need for a general statement of the new position, and for more than a decade this need has been satisfied for English-speaking readers by one book—Eddington's well-known “Mathematical Theory of Relativity”. There is now a second. Relativity, Thermodynamics and Cosmology. By Prof. Richard C. Tolman. (International Series of Monographs on Physics.) Pp. xv + 502. (Oxford: Clarendon Press; London: Oxford University Press, 1934.) 30s. net.
280 citations
TL;DR: Beef muscle, calf brain and beef lungs desiccated at low temperature are ineffective when they form 20 per cent of the diet, but 20% of dried hog liver will prevent the disease.
Abstract: IN earlier papers1,2 a new deficiency disease in chicks has been described which is characterised by a tendency to large haemorrhages. It has been ascribed to the lack of a specific antihaemorrhagic factor which is different from vitamin C. More recent work has demonstrated that the factor in question is a fat-soluble vitamin occurring in hog liver fat, in hemp seed and certain vegetables, such as tomatoes and kale, and—to a less degree—in many cereals. Beef muscle, calf brain and beef lungs desiccated at low temperature are ineffective when they form 20 per cent of the diet, but 20 per cent of dried hog liver will prevent the disease.
185 citations
TL;DR: Compton's X-RAYS in Theory and Experiment as mentioned in this paper was originally conceived as a second edition of Compton's deservedly celebrated "X-Rays and Electrons" and contained far more than twice the amount of data and interpretation.
Abstract: “X-RAYS in Theory and Experiment” was originally conceived as a second edition of Compton's deservedly celebrated “X-Rays and Electrons”. That book was published just at the time when the great revolution in physical theory, characterised by the new quantum mechanics, was making itself felt, and the changes which this new outlook produced?changes due not in small part to the work of the authors?have caused instead a second book to be written, twice as large, and containing far more than twice the amount of data and interpretation. X-Rays in Theory and Experiment
Prof. Arthur H. Compton Prof. Samuel K. Allison. Second edition of ” X-Rays and Electrons” by Arthur H. Compton. Pp. xiv + 828. (New York: D. Van Nostrand Co., Inc.; London: Macmillan and Co., Ltd., 1935.) 31s. 6d. net.
167 citations
TL;DR: This isotope of phosphorus 15P32, which has a half-life value of 17 days, can be utilised as an indicator of inactive phosphorus in the same way that the radioactive isotopes of lead, bismuth and so on were formerly used as indicators of these elements.
Abstract: RECENT progress in the production of radioactive isotopes by neutron bombardment makes the radioactive isotope of phosphorus 15P32 easily accessible. This isotope, which has a half-life value of 17 days, can be utilised as an indicator of inactive phosphorus in the same way that the radioactive isotopes of lead, bismuth and so on were formerly used as indicators of these elements. If, for example, we add active 15P32 to 1 mgm. of inactive phosphorus in such quantity that the Geiger counter registers 1,000 impulses per minute, carry out with the phosphorus activated in this way any sort of chemical or biological reaction and then find that the product obtained gives 1 impulse per minute, we may conclude that 1/1,000 mgm. of the phosphorus originally introduced is present in the product investigated.
162 citations
TL;DR: The word is usually applied to the power of a structure to withstand for an indefinite time all the loads and forces that may be brought to bear on it.
Abstract: THE meaning of stability is not easy to define. In dynamics and mechanics we have stability of steady motion and stability of equilibrium, of position and of friction. To the civil engineer the word is usually applied to the power of a structure to withstand for an indefinite time all the loads and forces that may be brought to bear on it.
158 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the question of the completeness of quantum mechanical description has been discussed on the basis of a "criterion of physical reality" which the authors formulate as follows: "If, without in any way disturbing a system, we can predict with certainty the value of a physical quantity, then there exists an element of the physical reality corresponding to this physical quantity".
Abstract: IN a recent article by A. Einstein, B. Podolsky and N. Rosen, which appeared in the Physical Review of May 15, and was reviewed in NATURE of June 22, the question of the completeness of quantum mechanical description has been discussed on the basis of a ” criterion of physical reality”, which the authors formulate as follows: ” If, without in any way disturbing a system, we can predict with certainty the value of a physical quantity, then there exists an element of physical reality corresponding to this physical quantity”.
152 citations
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TL;DR: In fact, without modern transport by sea, land and air, the distribution of gas, water and electricity, in fact all the amenities of modern civilisation, would be impossible.
Abstract: NO single element has exercised such a profound influence on the social organisation of mankind as iron. To-day, directly or indirectly, it enters into every moment of our lives, sleeping or waking; the production of our food, our clothing, our homes, our furniture; and without it modern transport by sea, land and air, the distribution of gas, water and electricity, in fact all the amenities of modern civilisation, would be impossible. We are still in the Iron and Steel Age, and likely to become more and more dependent on them for our material well-being.
134 citations
TL;DR: Hilbert and Bernays as mentioned in this paper present a systematic exposition of mathematical foundations from the point of view of the school of thought which he has founded, which is probably the most important book on mathe-matical foundations which has appeared since Whitehead and Russell's “Principia Mathematical Grundlagen der Mathematik in Einzeldarstellungen, herausgegeben von R. Hilbert and P. Bernays.
Abstract: THAT the foundations of mathematics are A important is a proposition which will find few opponents, for the science of mathematics is commonly regarded as man's securest intellectual possession. What constitutes these foundations is a subject on which agreement has not been reached. There are, however, three main directions into which the body of modern research has branched, namely, the logistic, the intuitionistic and the formalistic theories. Broadly speaking, the logistic theory regards mathematics as a branch of logic, the intuitionistic theory regards the theorems of mathematics as having actual significance, the formalistic theory regards mathe matics as devoid of meaning per se. The most powerful exponent of the formalistic attitude is Hilbert, and the present volume is the first part of a systematic exposition of mathematical foundations from the point of view of the school of thought which he has founded. This is probably the most important book on mathe-matical foundations which has appeared since Whitehead and Russell's “Principia Mathematical Grundlagen der Mathematik
Band 1. Von D. Hilbert und P. Bernays. (Die Grundlehren der mathematischen Wissenschaften in Einzeldarstellungen mit besonderer Beriick-sichtigung der Anwendungsgebiete, herausgegeben von R. Courant, Band 40.) Pp. xii + 471. (Berlin: Julius Springer, 1934.) 37.80 gold marks.
TL;DR: The rediscovery of Mendelism and the announcement of mutation at the turn of the present century marked a new epoch in biology, and soon gave abundant meaning to the observations regarding chromosomes which the cytologists had already accumulated.
Abstract: THE development of cytology in its relation to genetics is a chapter of more than usual interest in the history of biology. Cytology in the modern sense developed during the last quarter of the nineteenth century as a purely observational science. The general nature and behaviour of cells, nuclei and chromosomes were worked out during that period, although the cell theory, of course, originated much earlier. The rediscovery of Mendelism and the announcement of mutation at the turn of the present century marked a new epoch in biology, and soon gave abundant meaning to the observations regarding chromosomes which the cytologists had already accumulated. Henceforth cytology and the young science of genetics mutually influenced each other, and each derived increasing strength from the observations of the other. Introduction to Cytology. By Lester W. Sharp. (McGraw-Hill Publications in the Agricultural and Botanical Sciences.) Third edition. Pp. xiv ‘ 567. (New York and London: McGraw-Hill Book Co., Inc., 1934.) 30s. net.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigated the properties of wires of the high permeability nickel-iron alloys of the mumetal group and found some interesting results when such wires were made to carry alternating current at audio-frequencies.
Abstract: IN the course of an investigation into the properties of wires of the high permeability nickel-iron alloys of the mumetal group, we have found some interesting results when such wires are made to carry alternating current at audio-frequencies.
TL;DR: Washburn as discussed by the authors reported that water vapour, when condensed at very low temperatures, formed an amorphous rather than a crystalline solid, but he did not know of any X-ray evidence to this effect.
Abstract: DURING the last visit of the late Dr. E. W. Washburn to Toronto in the latter part of 1933, in an address on the properties of heavy water, he announced that water vapour, when condensed at very low temperatures, formed an amorphous rather than a crystalline solid. He reported that he did not know of any X-ray evidence to this effect. Mr. Fraser Oliver undertook to test this theory by taking X-ray photographs of the ice formed by condensation of water vapour on the outside of a copper rod. The copper rod could be maintained at any given temperature. The X-ray photographs were taken by the Hull-Debye-Scherrer method.
TL;DR: Experimental embryology has recently made important advances, and the time has perhaps come when it would be profitable to consider the way in which the new embryological theories would formulate the well-known problems of cancer research.
Abstract: THE fundamental fact about cancerous tissue is that it has escaped from the normal growth-controlling agents of the body. The escape often involves a change in histological type. The problems which are raised are clearly connected with those studied in experimental embryology, where again it is the causal mechanism underlying growth and histological change which is under investigation. Experimental embryology has recently made important advances, and the time has perhaps come when it would be profitable to consider the way in which the new embryological theories would formulate the well-known problems of cancer research.
TL;DR: In this article, an exact expression for the potential of a vertical infinitesimal dipole was given, where most of the terms are negligibly small at moderately low frequencies for distances from the source greater than a wave-length.
Abstract: THE purpose of this letter is to point out an error in sign in Prof. A. Sommerfeld's original paper (1909) on the attenuation of radio waves1. This error in sign has recently been reflected in Bruno Rolf's graphs2 of the Sommerfeld formula, predicting dips to zero in the field intensity at finite distances from a radio transmitter and other anomalous phenomena. This error in sign has been corrected in Prof. Sommerfeld's 1926 papers3 and also does not occur in the derivation by B. van der Pol and K. F. Niessen4. In this latter paper an exact expression is given for the potential of a vertical infinitesimal dipole (equation 21). After expanding this expression, I found that most of the terms are negligibly small at moderately low frequencies for distances from the source greater than a wave-length, giving for the potential function of a vertical dipole over a plane earth: where e is the dielectric constant of the ground referred to air as unity, is the conductivity of the ground in electromagnetic units, c is the velocity of light in cm. per sec., is the wave-length in cm. and r is the distance in cm.
TL;DR: It has been shown recently by Chadwick and Goldhaber as discussed by the authors that some light nuclei, particularly lithium and boron, are disintegrated by slow neutrons, and the simplest reaction, namely, should, according to the accepted masses of the particles, release some two million e.volt more energy than is observed.
Abstract: IT has been shown recently by Chadwick and Goldhaber1, and by Fermi and his collaborators2, that some light nuclei, particularly lithium and boron, are disintegrated by slow neutrons. In the case of boron, the mass-energy relations seemed best satisfied by assuming a disintegration into three particles1. The simplest reaction, namely: should, according to the accepted masses of the particles, release some two million e. volts more energy than is observed. Unless the existence of new isotopes, He5 or Li8, of improbably low masses, be assumed, no other disintegration into two particles would fit the mass-energy relations.
TL;DR: The Johan Hjort as discussed by the authors used Hughes echo sounding gear (magnetostriction system, frequency 16,000 cycles per second) for oceanographic investigations in the Lofoten area.
Abstract: THE vessel used for the annual oceanographical investigations in the Lofoten area (the Johan Hjort) had a Hughes echo sounding gear (magnetostriction system, frequency 16,000 cycles per second) installed before leaving Bergen last February. The gear worked smoothly all along the coast and besides furnishing a great number of interesting sections, revealed many features hitherto unsuspected; among others, that the clay flooring of deep fjords is invariably about 10 m. thick and generally very flat.
TL;DR: The first attempts of W. H. George by the powder method failed to show any pattern indicative of a crystal structure, and though later long spacings were reported by G. L. Clark and K. E. Korrigan, it was impossible to base any unambiguous interpretation on their results as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: SINCE insulin was first prepared crystalline1 in 1926, several efforts have been made to obtain X-ray photographs of the crystals. The first attempts of W. H. George2 by the powder method failed to show any pattern indicative of a crystal structure, and though later long spacings were reported by G. L. Clark and K. E. Korrigan3, it was impossible to base any unambiguous interpretation on their results. The fact that pepsin could be made to give a single crystal X-ray diffraction pattern4 suggested that the problem of insulin, which is in many respects a more stable crystalline species, could be attacked in the same way if large enough crystals could be grown. This was made possible by D. A. Scott's study of the crystallisation of insulin in the presence of salts of zinc and of other metals5.
TL;DR: The hormone is an organic acid, dissociation constant about 10−4.5, the activity of which is readily destroyed by oxidising agents, and has about the same solubilities in various organic solvents, and distils in the same temperature range in vacuo, as the auxin, or growth-promoting hormone, obtained from Rhizopus suiniis.
Abstract: IN a recent brief communication on the chemica-nature of the root-forming hormone of plants1, the following evidence was brought forward:
TL;DR: In this article, the authors used the measurements of ionisation density in Region F2 of the ionosphere made at the Radio Research Station, Slough, together with the daily magnetic character figures from the Abinger Observatory supplied to us by the Astronomer Royal.
Abstract: Now that measurements of upper-atmospheric ionisation can be made, using methods of radio exploration, it is of interest to see whether abnormal values of ionisation density are associated with periods of magnetic activity. We have conducted such an inquiry using the measurements of ionisation density in Region F2 of the ionosphere made at the Radio Research Station, Slough, together with the daily magnetic character figures from the Abinger Observatory supplied to us by the Astronomer Royal.
TL;DR: In this article, the diffusion coefficients and the rates of fall under gravity in air of atmospheric condensation nuclei were measured and the average was about 18 × 106 cm, which is a probable average value for the mobility of the large atmospheric ion.
Abstract: WE have measured the diffusion coefficients and the rates of fall under gravity in air of atmospheric condensation nuclei. The values obtained for the diffusion coefficients are fairly consistent, the average being about D = 18 × 106cm.2/sec. The well-known relation between mobility in an electric field and diffusion coefficient gives mobility = D × e N/P. If e is the electronic charge, e N/P is very nearly 40, and the corresponding mobility is 7.2 × 104 cm./sec./ volt/cm., which is a probable average value for the mobility of the large atmospheric ion.
TL;DR: In this article, the influence of a magnetic field on the velocity of flow of anisotropic liquids (p-azoxyanisol and anizaldazin) through a capillary tube was investigated.
Abstract: IT is known that a magnetic field has an influence on the orientation of the molecules in anisotropic liquids1. As it seems probable that the coefficient of viscosity of theso substances will depend on whether, and in which direction, the molecules are orientated, a magnetic field may be expected to influence the value of the viscosity coefficient. The first experiments on this subject were made by M. W. Neufeld2, who investigated the influence of a. magnetic field on the velocity of flow of anisotropic liquids (p-azoxyanisol and anizaldazin) through a capillary tube. But, as is well known, in a layer of anisotropic liquid so thin as that in the capillaries used by Neufeld {diameter 0·09 mm.), the action of the field may be impeded by the directive action of the walls. Consequently, Neufeld's experiments cannot be regarded as definitive.
TL;DR: The sea anemone fauna of Great Britain is now known much better than that of any other area in the world, largely as a result of the twenty years work that has been put into Prof. T. A. Stephenson's magnificent monograph, just completed by the appearance of the descriptive volume as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: THE sea anemone fauna of Great Britain is -oo now known much better than that of any other area in the world, largely as a result of the twenty years work that has been put into Prof. T. A. Stephenson's magnificent monograph, just completed by the appearance of the descriptive volume. The British Sea Anemones. By Prof. T. A. Stephenson. Vol. 2. (Ray Society Vol. 121 for the Year 1934.) Pp. xii + 426 + 16 + plates 15–33. (London: Dulau and Co., Ltd., 1935.) 37s. 6d.
TL;DR: The present note is the first report on this investigation, and records the results obtained in experiments involving a total of 350 animals.
Abstract: As the outcome of considerations which will be discussed more fully in a forthcoming paper, experiments were performed to test the effect of certain polycyclic hydrocarbons on the growth-rate of the Jensen rat sarcoma. The present note is the first report on this investigation, and records the results obtained in experiments involving a total of 350 animals.
TL;DR: In this paper, the results of an ascent with a Geiger-Muller tube counter by registering balloons into the stratosphere to a height of 28 km were communicated by registering a balloon into the sky.
Abstract: A YEAR ago we communicated the results of an ascent with a Geiger-Muller tube counter by registering balloons into the stratosphere to a height of 28 km.1. We found that the curve of the number of impulses obtained with the counter is identically the same as the intensity curve obtained with an ionisation chamber.
TL;DR: It is possible to polish a copper surface electro-lytically by making it the anode in an aqueous solution of orthophosphoric acid at high current density as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: IT is possible to polish a copper surface electro-lytically by making it the anode in an aqueous solution of orthophosphoric acid at high current density (minunum 25 amp./dm.2). This mode of polishing is particularly suitable for metallographic examinations, and has been used for the examination of copper deposits in presence of various colloids.
TL;DR: A special examination of the Eocene beds of the Punjab Salt Range with the view of determining their exact age has been carried out by PINFOLD as discussed by the authors, who has recently made a special examination on behalf of the Attock Oil Company.
Abstract: MR. E. S. PINFOLD and I have recently made a special examination, on behalf of the Attock Oil Company, of the Eocene beds of the Punjab Salt Range, with the view of determining their exact age. It will be remembered that opinions as to this have varied greatly in the past, some geologists referring them to the Laki, others to the Khirthar, while others again have shelved the question of their precise age by calling them “Hill” limestones or “Nummulitic beds”, etc.
TL;DR: The authors verified van't Hoff's prediction that unsymmetrically substituted allenes exhibit enantiomorphism, and showed that they do not in fact exhibit allene enantiomorphicity.
Abstract: WE have succeeded in verifying the prediction made by van't Hoff in 1875, but hitherto unverified, that unsymmetrically substituted allenes, would be found to exhibit enantiomorphism.
TL;DR: The sensitivity of calorimetric measurement can be increased by working at very low temperatures, and it may be worth while to point this out, as low temperature technique is now within the reach of non-specialised laboratories as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: IT is often of importance to determine in absolute measure energy changes connected with radioactive transformations, but only in a few cases has it been possible to employ calorimetric methods for this purpose, since in general the amounts of energy liberated in unit time are too small. The sensitivity of calorimetric measurement can be increased, however, by many orders of magnitude by working at very low temperatures, and it may be worth while to point this out, as low temperature technique is now within the reach of non-specialised laboratories.