SCIENCE NOTES.

Digger (Invercargill RSA), Issue 24, 27 August 1920, Page 13

SCIENCE NOTES.

SUN AS A SOURCE OF POWER. In a recent paper on this subject, Mr C. Le Roy Meisinger records that in certain subtropical regions, where coal is scarce, such as Egypt, the Punjab, and the Karoo of South Africa, teakwood boxes, blackened within, fitted with glass tops and properly insulated, have been found to register from 240 to 275 deg. Fahr, in the middle of the day, and, with the addition of an auxiliary mirror, to reach even 320 deg. These boxes are used as ovens for cooking, as well as for many o%er purposes. LABORATORY ACCURACY. The accuracy of calibrated glassware, of hydrometers, thermometers, weights, and other items of laboratory equipment, as well as the chemicals and reagents employed, is at the very basis of our scientific work, and it is therefore very important that the effort to assist in perfecting these standard materials should be encouraged. It is believed that a service can be rendered both to the manufacturers and the scientists through proper standardisation, and this can be efiected through the . co-operation of makers and users. That such a movement is important is shown by steps that are being taken both in Germany and England to standardise chemical apparStus and glassware. PLANT PATHOLOGY. The science of plant pathology or the investigation and control of diseases of plants, particularly those caused by fungi, has been pushed forward of late with the greatest rapidity in the United States. Experts have co-operated very closely in the endeavour to save as mnch as possible of every crop from the ravages of disease. One party of American pathologists met for the puS"pose of studying potato diseases. Tours into important potato-growing areas were arranged, and the best methods for the controi of the various diseases were discussed. Yisits were also made by other parties to the largest green houses in America, and to the tobacco-growing regions, where much useful investigation work was carried out. AN ENGINEERING FEAT. WThat engineers consider to be one of the greatest feats of the age was accomplished by a Chicago engineer, when his organisation moved a reinforced concrete "bullding a. distance of 450 feet to make room for a new, large office buildin.g. The structure moved is three storeys high and is ocbupied as an offlce building. It was a question of either tearing it down or moving it. Inasmuch as it was practically new, the razing of it was considered almost shameful, so its removal was decided upon. The proposed site required the crossng of a street on which a car line travelled. This necessitated the cutting of trolley wires and telephone cables. During the entire period of moving — six days — business was not suspended a minute ; telephone. communication was uninterrupted and business continued as usuai. Three electric motoi's were pressed into service for the task. The building measures 60 by 95 feet and weights approximately 3000 tons unoccupied.