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Showing papers in "Nature in 1945"


Journal ArticleDOI
08 Sep 1945-Nature
TL;DR: Kaufmann as discussed by the authors surveys the general problems of scientific method, because of his belief that its chief issues are broadly identical in the natural and the social sciences, the difference between them being merely one of degree.
Abstract: PROF. F. KAUFMANN, formerly of Vienna and now at the New School of Social Research in New York, has long been concerned with problems of methodology. Here he attacks the most difficult of them, the methodology of the social sciences, though only in the second and shorter half of the book. In the first half he surveys the general problems of scientific method, because of his belief that its chief issues are broadly identical in the natural and the social sciences, the difference between them being merely one of degree. In the contrast between deductive reasoning and empirical procedure, around which he weaves his main argument, the author sees the key to "the solution of many apparently unrelated problems in natural and social science". Methodology of the Social Sciences By Prof. Felix Kaufmann. Pp. ix + 272. (London, New York and Toronto: Oxford University Press, 1944.) 20s. net.

1,538 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
01 Feb 1945-Nature
TL;DR: In this article, the first part of a work designed to cover all the phenomena of adsorption of gases on solids, by far the most thorough and comprehensive account that has yet appeared.
Abstract: DR. BRUNAUER has given in this, the first part of a work designed to cover all the phenomena of adsorption of gases on solids, by far the most thorough and comprehensive account that has yet appeared. It deals mainly with what is often called 'physical' adsorption, that is, adsorption in which the bulk of the adsorbate is held to the surface by van der Waals' forces, and the gas is below its critical temperature; but sufficient reference is made to 'chemisorption', where co-valent forces come into play, to put the whole subject of adsorption into proper perspective. The Adsorption of Gases and Vapours By Stephen Brunauer. Vol. 1: Physical Adsorption. Pp. vii + 511. (London: Oxford University Press, 1944.) 35s. net.

899 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
01 Sep 1945-Nature
TL;DR: This text-book of pharmacognosy has grown from a laboratory manual intended for use in practical classes, and now comprises the requirements for the Chemist and Druggist Qualifying Examination of the Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain.
Abstract: THIS text-book of pharmacognosy has already found wide recognition among teachers and students of pharmacy. Its subject matter has grown from a laboratory manual intended for use in practical classes, and now comprises the requirements for the Chemist and Druggist Qualifying Examination of the Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain. A Textbook of Pharmacognosy By T. C. Denston. Fourth edition. Pp. xviii + 594. (London: Sir Isaac Pitman and Sons, Ltd., 1945.) 27s. 6d. net.

701 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
28 Sep 1945-Nature
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present a method for microscopic examination of synthetic resins and materials incorporating such resins is of value in revealing the nature and distribution of fillers, colouring matter and reinforcements, and other features of the internal structure.
Abstract: VARIOUS softening methods have been used in preparing sections of hard material for microscopic examination; but none of these has been found effective for so-called 'improved wood' made up of wood veneers impregnated with phenol-formaldehyde or other resin and compressed and bonded at a high temperature. The microscopic examination of synthetic resins and materials incorporating such resins is of value in revealing the nature and distribution of fillers, colouring matter and reinforcements, and other features of the internal structure. It has also been found useful as a means of identifying the different kinds of resin used as adhesives in plywood1. In order to prepare microscope sections of the harder forms of these materials, some investigators have had recourse to the petrologists' method of grinding and polishing thin sections for examination by transmitted light, and the metallurgists' method of examining a polished surface by reflected light.

516 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
01 Jan 1945-Nature
TL;DR: The Dictionary of Philosophy as mentioned in this paper is a single volume containing explanations of philosophical terms and outline accounts of schools of thought, special subjects and individual thinkers, which is easy to handle and read.
Abstract: THIS is a single volume, easy to handle and read, containing explanations of philosophical terms and outline accounts of schools of thought, special subjects and individual thinkers. It looks as though the efforts of a number of specialists had been put together in alphabetical order with little editing. Many of the articles are just right; for example, that on ‘Hegelianism’, and most of the definitions of Aristotelian terms. A few articles are too brief for clarity; many are too long and try to do too much. The Dictionary of Philosophy Edited by Dagobert D. Runes. Pp. viii + 343. (London: George Routledge and Sons, Ltd., 1944.) 27s. 6d. net.

455 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
01 Nov 1945-Nature
TL;DR: In this paper, Miller and Dollard discuss the importance of imitation in social learning and imitation is a pervasive and universal process that its significance has been overlooked, perhaps because imitation is easy to be lightly passed over.
Abstract: MOST past studies of learning have been concerned with the acquisition of intellectual or motor habits and skills. The learning process has been studied, so to speak, in a social vacuum. With the subject of imitation, text-books have usually dealt casually, explaining it in terms of current theory, nativistic, 'associationist' or, more rarely, in terms of learning. Familiar phenomena are the ones most liable to be lightly passed over, and it is perhaps just because imitation is so pervasive and universal a process that its significance has been overlooked. Social Learning and Imitation By Neal E. Miller John Dollard. (International Library of Sociology and Social Reconstruction.) Pp. x + 284. (London: Kegan Paul and Co., Ltd., 1945.) 15s. net.

401 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
07 Apr 1945-Nature
TL;DR: The Structure and Reproduction of the Algae by Prof. F. E. Fritsch and the Cambridge University Press.
Abstract: WITH the publication of this volume the whole botanical world, and algologists in particular, owe a special debt of gratitude to Prof. Fritsch. Although ten years have elapsed since the appearance of the first volume, it is no mean achievement under present conditions to have produced this companion work, and both Prof. Fritsch and the Cambridge University Press are to be congratulated on their courage and determination. The Structure and Reproduction of the Algae By Prof. F. E. Fritsch. Vol. 2: Foreword, Phaeophyceae, Rhodophyceae, Myxophyceae. Pp. xiv + 939. (Cambridge: At the University Press, 1945.) 50s. net.

347 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
01 Jan 1945-Nature
TL;DR: In this brief review, the main facts are given about the discovery of the antidote to lewisite known as BAL, owing to its medical importance; more detailed papers based upon the original reports are being prepared.
Abstract: IN the first fortnight of the War (1939) fundamental research was initiated in the Oxford Department of Biochemistry by Peters and carried out under his direction by a group of workers as an extra-mural research with the support of and for the Chemical Defence Research Department, Ministry of Supply; the object was to find antidotes for vesicants, both arsenical such as lewisite (CH.Cl: CH.As.Cl2) and also those of the mustard gas type. In this brief review, the main facts are given about the discovery of the antidote to lewisite known as BAL, owing to its medical importance; more detailed papers based upon the original reports are being prepared. An attempt is made to include the more relevant work from elsewhere and also to focus the main stages in this discovery, as this may prove useful in planning future work of this type.

248 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
01 Jan 1945-Nature
TL;DR: In this article, the apparent contact angles of water with leaves suggest that these are apparent rather than true contact angles, and they have been extended to porous surfaces and to surfaces so rough that much air is entrapped at the interface between the water and the solid.
Abstract: THE large values given by Fogg1 for the contact angles of water with leaves suggest that these are apparent rather than true contact angles. Adam2 and Wenzel3 have shown that rough surfaces give an apparent contact angle which is greater than the true contact angle for the smooth material of the surface when the true contact angle is greater than 90°. We have recently extended this theory to porous surfaces4, and to surfaces so rough that much air is entrapped at the interface between the water and the solid; large apparent contact angles are then possible when the true contact angle is even less than 90°. The apparent contact angle is given by where θD is the apparent or observed contact angle, θ is the true angle, f1 is the area of solid – water contact and f2 is the area of air – water contact per unit superficial area of the interface.

238 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
G. A. Barnard1
01 Aug 1945-Nature
TL;DR: In this article, a 2 × 2 table is used to test whether an experiment yields results in the form of a 2× 2 table, and the results are shown to be true or false.
Abstract: IF an experiment yields results in the form of a 2 × 2 table:

225 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
22 Sep 1945-Nature
TL;DR: The Specificity of Serological ReactionsBy Dr. Karl Landsteiner.
Abstract: THE study of serological reactions has for years attracted many workers. There have been fierce controversies between the exponents of differing theories, and these controversies have stimulated both thought and work. During the last thirty years progress has been very rapid, and continues to be so, although relatively little work has been possible in Great Britain during the war years. The production of a revised edition of this extremely valuable book is therefore most welcome. The Specificity of Serological Reactions By Dr. Karl Landsteiner. Revised edition. With a Chapter on Molecular Structure and Intermolecular Forces, by Linus Pauling. Pp. xiv + 310. (Cambridge, Mass.: Harvard University Press; London: Oxford University Press, 1945.) 28s. net.

Journal ArticleDOI
01 Mar 1945-Nature
TL;DR: For infinitely diluted suspensions of rigid spheres, Einstein this paper derived on a rigorously theoretical basis the formula η = η0 (1 + kc), where η is the viscosity of the suspension, η 0 is the viscosity of the pure solvent, c is the concentration by volume and k = 2·5 is a constant.
Abstract: FOR infinitely diluted suspensions of rigid spheres, Einstein1 derived on a rigorously theoretical basis the formula η = η0 (1 + kc),... (1) where η is the viscosity of the suspension, η0 is the viscosity of the pure solvent, c is the concentration by volume and k = 2·5 is a constant. It has been shown that (1) is also valid for non-spherical particles, the factor k being a function of their shape, rigidity and Brownian movement. For elongated rigid particles, k > 2·5.

Journal ArticleDOI
22 Dec 1945-Nature
TL;DR: Salts, mostly nitrates, of some forty metals were tested, covering the whole range from total lethality down to such weak con- centrations that no cytological effect could be detected.
Abstract: AN investigation has been carried on for some time in this Laboratory into the immediate cytological effect of salt solutions on root meristems of Allium Cepa. Salts, mostly nitrates, of some forty metals were tested. A dilution series of 10–16 concentrations were studied for each substance, covering the whole range from total lethality down to such weak concentrations that no cytological effect could be detected. Fixations of root tips were made after 4 and 24 hours respectively. All slides were stained with crystal-violet.

Journal ArticleDOI
01 Feb 1945-Nature
TL;DR: PERSISTENCE of vision is the basis of the cinematograph, but there is no persistence of vision when the eye is moved in ordinary circumstances; if there were, reading would be a difficult and slow process.
Abstract: PERSISTENCE of vision is the basis of the cinematograph, but there is no persistence of vision when the eye is moved in ordinary circumstances. If there were, reading would be a difficult and slow process. This is explained by the double function of the ocular muscles, the decomposed photochemical products being pressed in the direction in which the eye moves, beyond the fixation point.

Journal ArticleDOI
01 Jan 1945-Nature
TL;DR: In this paper, the surface area and volume of small objects are estimated based on the measurement of their average linear intercept (mean chord) and two theorems related to the average lin intercepts.
Abstract: IN recent correspondence, Mr. P. A. P. Moran1 has suggested a simple method of finding the surface area of small objects from their average area of projection. Another simple method of finding the surface area and also the volume of small objects is based on the measurement of their average linear intercept (mean chord). Some years ago, while working on the determination of the grain-size of rocks, I derived two formulae and discovered two theorems related to the average linear intercepts. The formulae can be applied to the calculation of the average grain-size in granular aggregates in which the sizes and the shapes of grains are the same. The theorems, so far as I can see, have a purely academic interest, although their application to granular aggregates may be attempted.

Journal ArticleDOI
01 Jul 1945-Nature
TL;DR: The coefficient of friction for metal surfaces with a boundary film is about 0·05-0·15 as mentioned in this paper, which is considerably less than for clean surfaces, but is much higher than for fluid lubrication.
Abstract: WHEN surfaces in relative motion are separated by a fluid layer of appreciable thickness, the resistance to motion is due to the viscosity of the interposed layer. This type of lubrication is essentially a problem in hydrodynamics; the friction is very small and there is no wear of the moving surfaces. It is clear, however, that in many practical cases fluid lubrication is impossible. In many sliding mechanisms, or at the beginning and end of a reciprocating stroke, it is difficult for a thick continuous film of lubricant to be maintained, and even in rotating parts the thick film may break down and only a thin film of lubricant may remain. In such cases the friction is influenced by the nature of the underlying surfaces as well as the chemical constitution of the lubricant, and Hardy referred to such a state as ‘boundary lubrication’. Boundary lubrication is of great importance in practice, and the nature of the surface film will determine whether serious wear or seizure will take place. The coefficient of friction for really clean metals which have been out-gassed in a good vacuum is high and may be1 about μ = 6. For ordinary unlubricated metal surfaces which are exposed to the air the coefficient of friction is of the order of μ = 0·5–1. For metal surfaces lubricated with a boundary film μ is about 0·05–0·15. This is considerably less than for clean surfaces, but is much higher than for fluid lubrication.

Journal ArticleDOI
01 Jul 1945-Nature
TL;DR: A small central area of the fovea was unable to discriminate blue-green colours and, in other ways also, appeared to have the characteristics of the tritanopic form of colour-blindness.
Abstract: LAST year, one of us (E. N. W.1) demonstrated that a small central area of the fovea was unable to discriminate blue-green colours and, in other ways also, appeared to have the characteristics of the tritanopic form of colour-blindness. The observations were made with small painted test spots suitably fixated on the foveal centre. The results aroused considerable interest and led to correspondence in Nature2,3,4,5, in which it was pointed out that Konig6, some fifty years ago, had noted that his foveal centre was tritanopic: his observation, however, did not appear to have been generally accepted7.

Journal ArticleDOI
01 Feb 1945-Nature
TL;DR: Krige and Jensen as discussed by the authors studied the Lovedu, a group of 33,000 Bantu tribesmen living in the mist-covered mountains of northern Transvaal, South Africa.
Abstract: GENERAL SMUTS, in his foreword, commends this book as one of the most honest and penetrating researches into native life that he has come across. The tribute is well deserved. Dr. and Mrs. Krige selected a fascinating subject for study: the Lovedu, living among the mist-covered mountains of northern Transvaal. Insignificant as regards numbers and the extent of their territory, 33,000 tribesmen occupying a reserve of 150 square miles, their reputation was, and still is, great among the Bantu of South Africa; their queen was held to be the most powerful of all rain-makers, and even chiefs so distant and renowned as Chaka and Moshesh sought her aid in extremity. Many foreign ambassadors and potentates gathered at her court, bringing cattle or daughters or sisters to win the favour of "Transformer of the Clouds". To Europeans she was a mystery; was reputed to be very light-coloured (Was she really a white woman?) and to be immortal. Rider Haggard familiarized her as "She-who-must-be-obeyed". There is substance in the fantasies that gathered about her. She figures as one of the Divine Rulers of whom Sir James Frazer has written. The Realm of a Rain Queen A Study of the Pattern of Lovedu Society. By Dr. E. Jensen Krige and J. D. Krige. (Published for the International Institute of African Languages and Cultures.) Pp. xvi + 336 + 16 plates. (London, New York and Toronto: Oxford University Press, 1943.) 21s. net.

Journal ArticleDOI
H. P. Rooksby1
01 Apr 1945-Nature
TL;DR: In this paper, it was shown that the structure of nickel oxide is not strictly cubic, but only pseudo-cubic, and that some of the X-ray reflexions can be explained by a small distortion of the cubic lattice along an octahedral axis.
Abstract: IN a previous communication1, it was recorded that precision X-ray powder methods with a large-diameter camera show that the structure of nickel oxide is not strictly cubic, but only pseudo-cubic. Splitting of some of the X-ray reflexions into more than one component is explained if a small distortion of the cubic lattice along an octahedral axis is assumed, so that the true symmetry is rhombohedral hexagonal.

Journal ArticleDOI
R. S. Twigg1
01 Mar 1945-Nature
TL;DR: This paper used RESURIN to estimate the bacterial content of milk and used it as a basis for a number of tests for the hygienic quality of milk, such as pH, pH, and pH.
Abstract: RESAZURIN was discovered by Weselsky1, and first used by Pesch and Simmert in 19292 for estimating the bacterial content of milk. It has lately been extensively used in Great Britain as a basis for a number of tests for the hygienic quality of milk3,4. Reduction takes place in two stages

Journal ArticleDOI
06 Oct 1945-Nature
TL;DR: Cohn and Cohn as discussed by the authors published Proteins, Amino-Acids and Peptides as Ions and Dipolar Ions, with chapters by John G. Kirkwood, Hans Mueller, J. L. Oncley and George Scatchard.
Abstract: THE misfortunes of war have rendered this impressive book, published in 1943, inaccessible in Britain until recent months. No shorter description is possible than to say it is worthy of those great men to whom it is dedicated, Bate Hardy, Loeb, Osborne and Sorensen. Proteins, Amino-Acids and Peptides as Ions and Dipolar Ions Edwin J. Cohn John T. Edsall, with chapters by John G. Kirkwood, Hans Mueller, J. L. Oncley and George Scatchard. Pp. xviii + 686. American Chemical Society Monograph Series. (New York: Reinhold Publishing Corporation, 1943.) 13.50 dollars.

Journal ArticleDOI
01 Aug 1945-Nature
TL;DR: A number of strains of this mould are found which produce another substance, which is proposed to name ‘viridin’, characterized by remarkably high fungistatic activity.
Abstract: THE mould Trichoderma viride Pers. ex Fries is generally known to possess marked powers of antagonism to other fungi. It has been previously shown1 that some strains of this mould produce gliotoxin. We have recently found a number of strains which produce another substance, which we propose to name 'viridin', characterized by remarkably high fungistatic activity.

Journal ArticleDOI
01 Jan 1945-Nature
TL;DR: The evidence given seems to indicate a unique structure for the compound stipitatic acid, a metabolite of the mould Penicillium stipitatum, to which, after lengthy examination, the authors could ascribe no reasonable structure.
Abstract: Birkinshaw, Chambers and Raistrick1 have described stipitatic acid, a metabolite of the mould Penicillium stipitatum, to which, after lengthy examination, they could ascribe no reasonable structure. The evidence they give, however, does seem to indicate a unique structure for the compound. The evidence is as follows:

Journal ArticleDOI
01 Jun 1945-Nature
TL;DR: The idea of nature by R. G. Collingwood as mentioned in this paper was written in 1933-34, after the "Essay on Philosophical Method", and was intended as an application of that method.
Abstract: COLLINGWOOD'S illness and early death prevented him from saying fully or as effectively as possible all that he had to say. Prof. Knox, the editor, points out that the work now published was written in 1933–34, after the "Essay on Philosophical Method", and was intended as an application of that method. Since the author did not publish anything at the time, we may infer that he was not satisfied with it. In spite of some later revision it must be taken as no more than a substantial fragment. It suffers more than most of Collingwood's work from a tendency to rash statements and occasional labouring of small points. Nevertheless, the book is a valuable contribution to philosophy, and supplements what we have already of Collingwood's highly original and distinctive way of thought. The Idea of Nature By R. G. Collingwood. Pp. viii + 184. (Oxford: Clarendon Press; London: Oxford University Press, 1945.) 15s. net.

Journal ArticleDOI
01 Apr 1945-Nature
TL;DR: In this article, a method of using a haemacytometer in which counting is stopped when a fixed number of cells has been recorded has been explained, which can be applied to other populations and reveals some interesting relationships.
Abstract: HALDANE1 has recently explained a method of using a haemacytometer in which counting is stopped when a fixed number of cells has been recorded. This sampling technique, with suitable modifications, can be applied to other populations and the theory reveals some interesting relationships.

Journal ArticleDOI
01 Aug 1945-Nature
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors used a thermostated double-acting recording surface balance of the Wilhelmy-Dervichian type to reveal an interesting series of phase changes in condensed monolayers of normal chain fatty acids of high molecular weight.
Abstract: INVESTIGATIONS using a thermostated double-acting recording surface balance of the Wilhelmy-Dervichian type1,2 reveal an interesting series of phase changes in condensed monolayers of normal chain fatty acids of high molecular weight As an example, we may take the surface pressure – area curves for n-docosanoic (behenic) acid3 spread on acid (0·01 N hydrochloric acid) substrate shown in Fig 1 At the lowest temperature the solid film gives a smooth pressure – area curve and the area can be reduced down to about 18·6 sq A per molecule before a gradual collapse sets in At this area the chains are evidently vertical and as closely packed as in the normal three-dimensional hydrocarbon crystal, in which the cross-section of the chains is about 18·4 sq A This close-packed solid phase may be denoted by CS When the temperature is raised, another phase, L2, appears5, the stability range of which increases with temperature At 8·2° a new phase, which we may call L'2, appears and is quite marked in the curve for 10° in Fig 1 At 13·8° the high-pressure phase S appears and the curve for 14·8° shows a transition S r CS which is rapidly displaced towards higher pressures with raising temperature Above 18°, CS has disappeared and S shows a sharp collapse at about 55 dynes pressure The smallest area at which the phase S is stable is about 19·3 sq A It seems likely, therefore, that the molecules are vertical and perform strong torsional oscillations6 or complete rotations, as the area per chain corresponds to that found in hydrocarbon crystals near the melting point4 (A few degrees below the melting point some hydrocarbons show a gradual, others an abrupt, change from a state of lower symmetry into one of hexagonal symmetry, in which the vertical chains are rotating about the long axis)

Journal ArticleDOI
01 Feb 1945-Nature
TL;DR: In this paper, it was shown that the atomic vibration spectrum of a diamond crystal should exhibit eight distinct monochromatic frequencies, the highest frequency corresponds to the triply degenerate vibration of the two Bravais lattices of the carbon atoms with respect to each other, this being active in the Raman effect.
Abstract: THE new approach to the dynamics of crystal lattices made by Sir C. V. Raman1 leads in the case of diamond to the result2,3 that the atomic vibration spectrum of this crystal should exhibit eight distinct monochromatic frequencies. Of these, the highest frequency (1,332 cm.-1 in spectroscopic units) corresponds to the triply degenerate vibration of the two Bravais lattices of the carbon atoms with respect to each other, this being active in the Raman effect. The other seven frequencies represent oscillations of the layers of carbon atoms parallel to the faces of the octahedron or the cube occurring normal or tangential to these planes with the phase reversed at each successive equivalent layer. All the seven modes of vibration of this description are inactive in the Raman effect as fundamentals. The octaves of these frequencies may however, appear as frequency shifts in the Raman spectrum, though with intensities extremely small compared with that of the Raman line of frequency shift 1,332 cm.-2. Besides the octaves, various combinations of these frequencies may also appear in the Raman spectrum.

Journal ArticleDOI
14 Apr 1945-Nature
TL;DR: Abrams as discussed by the authors describes a taxonomic survey of the Pacific States with a focus on the endemic genera and species of the region of Washington, Oregon, and California, which is a region of great interest to the taxonomist.
Abstract: THE region of the Pacific States with which the book under review deals is of great interest to the student of geographical distribution and the taxonomist. The area is peculiarly rich in endemic genera and species, and this is especially true of California. The Pacific States show interesting geographical connexions with the flora of Eastern Asia in genera, however, which are probably too recent in origin to be adduced in support of any hypothesis of continental drift, but are to be regarded rather as evidence of the similarity of ecological conditions and the high efficiency of dispersal agents, not perhaps excluding man himself. Thus the saxifragaceous species Leptarrhena pyrolifolia is native both to the coastal regions of north-west America and to eastern Asia. Again, the genus Pectiantia comprises five species of which three are endemic to the Pacific States, whereas the other two are natives of Japan. But it is in the endemics of the region that the chief interest of the flora rests. Some of these, such as Romneya Coulteri, the genera Eschscholtzia and Lewisia, are familiar to British horticulturists. In the family Polygonaceae the monotypic genera Gilmania, Nemacaulis and Hollisteria are all endemic to California while of the 150 known species of Eriogonum 80 are found in the Pacific States, many of them endemic. In the Crassulaceae there are some 35 endemic species belonging to the genera Sedella, Budleya, Stylophyllum, Hasseanthus and Gormania. In the Cruciferse most of the species of Thelypodium, Streptanthus and Caulanthus are endemic. The Rosacese, too, provide a large number of endemics, particularly in the genera Horskelia (19 spp.) and Ivesia (17 spp.). In the Leguminosse the outstanding genera in this respect are Lupinus, of which 58 species are probably endemic, Hosackia, of which most of the 39 species are endemic, while Astragalus is represented by 137 species of which 83 are probably endemic. Illustrated Flora of the Pacific States Washington, Oregon and California. By Leroy Abrams. In 4 vols. Vol. 2: Polygonaceae to Krameriaceae, Buckwheats to Kramerias. Pp. viii + 635. (Stanford University, Calif.: Stanford University Press; London: Oxford University Press, 1944.) 45s. 6d. net.

Journal ArticleDOI
01 Feb 1945-Nature
TL;DR: Cohen, Cook and Cook as mentioned in this paper showed that colchicine must be 7-membered, but the exact location of the acetamido group remains uncertain; the isolation by Windaus of 4-methoxyphthalimide from the oxidation product of acetylcolchinol methyl ether suggested that the group was adjacent to ring C, but Lettre and Fernholz3 have found that only β-anisylethylamine derivatives act as mitosis poisons.
Abstract: IN view of the remarkable physiological properties of colchicine its chemical nature is of some interest. Until recently, the structure (I) proposed by Windaus1 has been generally accepted, although the stability of colchicine did not suggest a 9-amino-9: 10-dihydrophenanthrene system, and although the salicylaldehyde enol structure of ring C appeared fantastic. Cohen, Cook and Roe2 have now provided evidence that ring B must be 7-membered, but the exact location of the acetamido group remains uncertain; the isolation by Windaus of 4-methoxyphthalimide from the oxidation product of acetylcolchinol methyl ether suggested that the group was adjacent to ring C, but Lettre and Fernholz3 have found that only β-anisylethylamine derivatives act as mitosis poisons.

Journal ArticleDOI
01 Oct 1945-Nature
TL;DR: The fact that birds can reflect radio waves with sufficient strength to be detected by radar sets was confirmed by Shire and Varley in a secret report of the Army Operational Research Group, Ministry of Supply, in April 1942 as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: PERMISSION has now been obtained to publish the fact that birds can reflect radio waves with sufficient strength to be detected by radar sets. Evidence of this was given to us in the summer of 1941 by Dr. E. S. Shire, then developing centimetric radar equipment at the Air Defence Research and Development, Establishment, Ministry of Supply. Confirmation was obtained by G. C. Varley in September 1941, when echoes observed on an operational centimetric set at Dover were established by visual checks to come from gannets (Sula bassana) flying singly above the sea. The facts were published in a secret report of the Army Operational Research Group, Ministry of Supply, in April 1942. Much fuller details, with numerous further records, were published in a secret report dated February 1945.