WOMEN ANALYTICAL CHEMISTS

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2756, 27 April 1916, Page 2

WOMEN ANALYTICAL CHEMISTS

Miss Elizabeth Winter Preston (says tlie Melbourne, correspondent of the "Sydney Morning Herald") is the first woman graduate from the Melbourne University to go into the industrial fiold as an analytical chemist; and to take up work which hitherto lias 'beer, done exclusively,by men. Miss Preston js a Master of Science, and the winner of the Dixson Award Scholarship at the Melbourne University. This _ scholarship stands for special efficiency • in chemistry work, and was won previously by three women—the Misses"Brenda Sutherland, A. Green, and Margaret Scott. At the present time Miss Preston has, sole charge of a large laboratory in a commercial house, which dealt* chiefly in malt. She spends considerable time in- experiment work on wheat, barley, etc., and in seeing that various products reach the standard demanded by the Pure Food Act. It is gratifying to know that the work of an analytical chemist can be well done by a woman, especially now, when so many women are desirous .of finding lucrative and congenial avenues of employment. Several women besides Miss Preston are already doing this work. Miss Ruth Sugden, jil.Sc, has been appointed as analytical chemist in a munitions factory, and Miss Jean Alexander does work on similar lines for a large wholesale firm. , Speaking here recently upon the question of the ivoman analytical chemist, Professor Orme Masson, who has charge of the Chemistry .School at the Melbourne University, said: "Till recently the demand for works chemists and analysts has been very small in Australia; that is, for those with proper scientific training.. The universities here have occasionally been applied to by manufacturer's in want of chemists, but for the most part our graduates—men and women alike —have had to look to educational work for a living, while our chemical industries have, with some exceptions, .been run by ,men whom wo should not call chemists. This, of course, reacted on the universities, as few students care to go in for a training that affords a poor outlook. There is no doubt that the chemical industries will be greatly stimulated after the war ceases, and that scientific work in them will be much more developed than in the past. The domand will create the supply, and the imiversities' w f ill cater more'than they have done for industrial science. Three' firms, who have consented to appoint women graduates, report that they arc doing well, and it is clear tha't the experiment is likely to be successful, and that this career for women will be popular 1 in future. The., work is eminently suited to women, affirmed; Professor Masson, and it is certain that they can make skilled analysts and reliable workers.

The Soldiers' Room. The dances which are arranged from time to time by the House Committee of the Soldiers' Room iu Sydney Street, more particularly when soldiers are ou leave, . aro a source of much pleasure ! to the nien who visit the rooms, and tho gymnasium in which they are held is an exceedingly popular place. Last evening Mrs. Luke was tlio hostess, and she. had brought with her Mrs. M'Douaid and Miss M'Donald, from Meanee, ' who are at present her guests. The arrangements for the dance had been, carried out by- tlio committee, ■ most of whom, .including the president (Mrs. Massey) were present. The Mayor was also a visitor to (the rooms last ovening. In addition to. the dancing there was music in tho general room, cards, billiards, etc., and the writing-room also was sought after by several soldiers. This'evening the. committee will be the hostesses, and arrangements have been made for another dance to be hold in the gymnasium. It has to be remembered that just as much aa the attendances at tho club are increasing, so in. proportion is the tas upon the resources of the committee, which' leaves an excellent opportunity for patriotic people to assist a cause in which good and very valuable •work is boing done l for the - soldiers. Opening of tho Langham Hostel. At tho opening oF the Langram Hostel for Returned Soldiers, an opportunity was given the visitors of_ inspecting the various rooms of the building and seeing for themselves ,what;is being done to secure the comfort of the soldiers who stay there. In all there are about sixteen bedrooms, witli'reading, dining, and billiard ( 'rooms on the second floor. The bedrooms are of varying size, some only largo enough for one man, while in others there is- room for two, three, or four men to sleep. Crimson ■ and white are the prevailing colours of the furnishing of these rooms, and in tho dining-room, in which the opening ceremony (performed by the Prime Minister) took place, were quantities of chrysanthemums. The tables, which had been set aside for the reception of gifts' brought, by the visitors, wore, by the time the afternoon ended, well supplied'with'gifts,'consisting largely of hoihe produce. A stall for fancy work, in charge of Mrs. Wilford, realised £19, and among subscriptions which were received wcre'twoguineas from the Mayor (Mr. Luko), ten '• guineas from • Miss Kennedy, and two guineas from Dr. Deck. Members of the committee received the .visitors, aiid among those who were present, in addition to the speakers, of .the ".occasion, were Mrs. Massey and the Mayoress (Mrs. Luke). Two very attractive features in connection with' the -hostel are the wide balcony, which runs around two sides of the building, open to the morning and afternoon sun, and the roof garden for sunny days. ' . ■