is surely a great field for scientific determination.

But the greatest and most comprehensive of all the problems of the Far East and the southern archipelagos, is that of man's antiquity in these regions. We know that since the Tertiary these regions were and still are inhabited by anthropoid apes. We therefore have had there forms near to man since at least the Pliocene period. In the island of Java have been discovered the remains of a creature that is the closest to man of all non-human forms thus far known. Whether this being was directly ancestral to man or not does not matter; the point is that many things indicate this region as the possible site of man's earliest differentiation, of man's origin. But the truth in the case remains to be determined. Explorations in this field have thus far barely touched the surface. There are vast promising deposits, and almost endless numbers of caves that demand exploration. Of all the fields of anthropological research here is the most pregnant. And it lies fallow.

Connected with the preceding is the problem as to why early man has not populated the mainland of eastern Asia. In all this part of Asia, extending to the Turkestans, there has not been found thus far a single object which would unquestionably point to man's geologic antiquity. The objects thus far discovered over these vast regions are those of the Neolithic period, and apparently not even the oldest parts of the Neolithic. The man who occupies these territories is not allied with anything primitive; he is not very substantially different from the white man; he is more related to the white man than to the blacks; his origins point westward, not southward. The only conclusion that one can reach is that the region which is now known as China and the continent to the north of this, had never been peopled by early man, for which there must have been weighty reasons. On closer analysis it is possible to reduce these reasons to two only either early man never was in southern Asia; or he was there in the south but was prevented from reaching farther north by insurmountable, for him, natural

conditions. The fact that no trace of anthropoid apes has thus far been found in central or northeastern Asia would somewhat favor the second hypothesis. The barrier to the extension of these apes northward may have been the same that prevented a similar extension of early man or the human precursors. Though it is also possible that early man developed in the south but much farther westward, maybe even as far as the African continent. All this is to be determined. Yet certain facts indicate that, whether early man did or did not once exist in southern Asia, there did exist towards the north a barrier that might have prevented his spread in that direction. A large portion of China is covered by a peculiar Quaternary geologic formation, the so-called loess. The loess is generally poor in fossils, and geologists in China have inclined to the opinion that during the deposition of these accumulations the great region thereby covered was probably not as habitable as it is to-day; that it did not offer sufficient resources for man or many animals; that the loess formation may represent conditions such as exist in the Turkestans or southern Mongolia at this day. It appears to represent a region where the alluvia left after overflows of the rivers after they dried were disseminated by the winds and came to form the earth's surface under semi-desert conditions. But the actual facts are still to be established. This only shows how great is the need of actual investigation, geological, paleontological and from many other points of view, in these regions.

Such are at least some of the more particular, as well as the more comprehensive problems of the more eastern parts of the Asiatic continent, presented in a simple and meager manner. My object is merely to show how necessary it is for American anthropology to pay more attention to the Far East. The time has come when we must cease to be provincial. I would like to see our institutions establish proper research stations in eastern Asia where local workers could be trained for investigation in anthropology and related branches. And I would like to see the American men of science as well as others, help to establish for

SURVEYING FROM THE AIR

THE great possibilities of airplane photography in connection with the water and land work of the Coast and Geodetic Survey are looming up as a potential factor in expediting the mapping of our waterways and interior surveys. This very important subject has been the object of careful study and experiments by officers of the Survey, in collaboration with the other branches of the government, during the past year and the rapid advance in aerial photography, first seriously undertaken during the war, now promises, with proper development, a method of surveying that will probably far exceed expectations over the old methods in rapidity, economy, and minuteness of detail.

No little stress should be laid on the fact that, not only are the possibilities good for an early and complete revision of our shore topography, but the opportunities that present themselves for assisting materially in our hydrographic work shouldn't be underestimated.

With the necessary facilitates and cooperation supplied by the Army and Navy Aviation Corps to the Coast and Geodetic Survey, experience has already proven the value of aerial photography over the old method of surveying in revision surveys of our coast lines.

This work so far, is divided into two branches, Aerial Photo-Topography, and Aerial Photo-Hydrography, and the results are shown in the following recent practical demonstrations:

AERIAL PHOTO-TOPOGRAPHY

In July, 1919, experiments were made at Atlantic City, N. J., to ascertain the adaptability of airplane photographs for use in

topographic mapping. The area in the vicinity at Atlantic City was chosen as it is characteristic of so much of the coastal plain territory of the Atlantic coast. This project was essentially experimental in character, but developed into one of practical value, as the photographs are being used in a revision of the charts of the New Jersey coast.

This work was done in cooperation with the Air Services of the Army and Navy. Both land and sea planes were used, and in addition several photographs were made from a dirigible. Three types of mapping cameras were tried out, the "L" type, K-1, and Trilens. An officer of the survey kept in close touch with the work and furnished the ground control, constructing special targets in some

cases.

A mosaic was constructed by members of the Air Service of the Army, using the photographs made with the K-1 mapping camera. These were taken at an altitude of 7,000 feet, using a lens of 10 inch focal length, with a resulting scale of about 1:8,000. A rough control scheme was first laid out, and the mosaic constructed over this.

This mosaic and also the individual photographs have been the subject of study by engineers of the survey, especially with reference to control and interpretation. Various methods of reduction for chart use were tried out. A study was made of the accuracy of mosaics and individual photographs. The possibilities of control using the photographs themselves to establish a graphic triangulation, have been investigated. The most important point brought out from the study of the results of the work at Atlantic City, was the possibilities in revision work, especially along those sections of the Atlantic coast where the shoreline is subject to frequent changes owing to the action of the sea.

AERIAL PHOTO-HYDROGRAPHY

At the same time that the experiments at Atlantic City were being made, a distinct line of investigation was being pursued at Key West, Florida. Photographs were made by the Naval Air Service to determine the pos

sible use of aerial photographs in connection with hydrographic surveys. The primary object in view was the elimination of wire drag work, especially in the clear water of the Florida coast. An attempt was made to photograph small coral heads and pinnacle rocks, as it is the existence of these needle-like dangers to navigation that require the use of a wire drag. The equipment at the Air Station at Key West was limited, but thorough tests were made with that available. Various types of cameras were used, as well as different combinations of filters and plate emulsions. Photographs were made at altitudes of from 200 feet up to 4,000 feet, and under various light conditions. It was hoped that some combination of the various factors involved would produce satisfactory results.

The problem of control was solved, by including in each photograph, two vessels of the survey. The photographs could not be corrected for tilt with only two known points as a base, but the control as furnished by the positions of the two vessels, was found to be sufficient for the experiments.

A well-surveyed area near Key West was chosen, and the vessels proceeded on parallel courses over this area at full speed, the plane flying forth and back above the course. The courses and positions of the vessels were recorded as in ordinary sounding work. The photographer in the plane recorded the exact time that each exposure was made, with other data such as altitude, exposure, plate, filter, etc. Each photograph was later oriented by plotting the positions of the vessels on the chart at the instant the exposure was made.

These experiments proved very conclusively that photographs from the air, using present day equipment, are of little practical value to the hydrographer. When any of the underwater features did appear in the photographs, contrast in color was the most prominent,

with no indication as to whether the contrast indicated shoal or deep water. Vari-colored bottom, of uniform depth, appears in the photograph as apparent difference in depth. Many charted shoals are not indicated in the photographs, while adjacent ones show clearly.

Taken altogether, the results are so uncertain, that the chances of eliminating field work in hydrography are very remote. Developments in the art of photography may change this viewpoint.

REVISION OF THE COAST OF NEW JERSEY

In March, 1920, the Army Air Service photographed the coast line of New Jersey from Cape May to Seabright. A single flight was made using the K-1 camera. The plane flew at an altitude of 10,000 feet, and under very good air conditions. The camera was mounted in gimbals, with a lead weight at the lowest point to assist in maintaining the optical axis of the camera in a vertical position. Level bubbles were placed on the camera, to aid in keeping the camera in the proper position. This is the most satisfac tory way to suspend the camera, and control its verticality, at the present time. The photographs are being used for a revision of the charts of the coast of New Jersey. The individual photographs are 18 X 24 cm. in size, and the approximate scale is 1:10,000. The photographs are mounted in strip mosaics, for convenience sake, not over four feet in length. The length is generally determined by the position of control points. This composite photograph is compared with the topographic sheet of the same area, and control points identified. The scale of the photographic mosaic is determined, and by means of the pantograph, the data are reduced to the scale of the chart, and transferred from the photographs to tracing paper.

The photographing of this 120 miles of coast line took less than two hours time in an

airplane. The development of the films and printing took two days time of one man. Two rolls of film were used, a total of 183 photo

graphs. The work of interpreting the photographs, assembling mosaics, comparison with topographic sheets, and reduction to the scale of the chart of the outside shore line required 15 days of office work by one engineer.

E. LESTER JONES

U. S. COAST AND GEODETIC SURVEY

SCIENTIFIC EVENTS

THE BRITISH NATIONAL UNION OF

SCIENTIFIC WORKERS

THE annual meeting of the council of the National Union of Scientific Workers was held at King's College on November 13. We learn from Nature that in his address Dr. J. W. Evans, the retiring president, dealt with the subject of "Research at the Universities." Dr. Evans paid a tribute to the achievements of scientific workers during the war, and pointed out that the task ahead of them was of even greater consequence and allowed of no relaxation of effort. After summarizing the activities of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, he expressed dissatisfaction with the present attitude of this department towards the scientific and technical faculties of the universities. He considered that a teaching staff engaged in research work, both in pure science and in its applications to industry, was in a more favorable position to discover and develop new principles than research workers isolated and restricted in the laboratories of research associations of even government research institutions. In conclusion, Dr. Evans urged the importance of universities including in any course in science some training in research methods. This he embodied in a resolution which was supported by Professor Soddy, who stated that Professor Perkin had already applied this principle to the chemistry courses at Oxford University. Chemistry students there had shown by their enthusiasm how much the change was appreciated.

Continuing, Professor Soddy said that since the president had prepared his address there had been a complication brought about by a request from the War Office that the universities should undertake research into the development to the utmost extent of chemical warfare research for offensive and defensive purposes. He expressed the view that it was a matter that must inevitably be considered, sooner or later, by the union. It ought to be considered before rather than after the occasion arose. He was glad that the executive

of the union had already decided to appoint a committee to go into the whole question.

The resolution disapproving of the policy of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, in establishing and financing research associations, which hands over to the private use of profit-seeking monopolies valuable knowledge obtained at the expense of the whole community, and places the research associations in a position to exploit the scientific workers of the country for their own benefit, was carried unanimously. Professor Soddy stated that the government had capitulated to the big business interests in politics and departed altogether from its original intentions. There was no greater example of unfair competition than in the chemical industries.

Mr. A. A. Griffith, in moving a resolution that for the present Advisory Council of the department should be substituted a council elected on different principles pointed out that there could be little effective criticism of the department under the existing arrangement whereby the government practically appointed its own critics. It was certain that a council part of which was elected by democratically constituted scientific organizations would result in more careful scrutiny and criticism of the acts of the department.

A resolution by Mr. F. A. Potts to the effect that scientific workers employed as whole-time officials in government departments should enjoy status and pay not less than those enjoyed by the administrative class of civil servants was carried unanimously.

Professor Leonard Bairstow was elected president for the ensuing year.

PLANT PATHOLOGY AT THE BROOKLYN BOTANIC GARDEN

IN the ninth annual report of the Brooklyn Botanic Garden for 1919 attention was called to the need in this country of additional provision for fundamental research in plant diseases, and to the desirability of establishing at the garden a laboratory or institution of plant pathology. This institution is strategically located for the prosecution of certain phases of plant disease research since it is at the

center of one of the largest market garden regions in the country, is at the port of entry for most of our foreign plant importations, and at the terminus for the largest domestic shipments by rail of fruits and vegetables. The plant disease problems in connection with this commercial activity are many, and are of the highest scientific interest as well as of great economic importance. These facts have been recognized by the Botanic Garden governing committee and other friends of the garden, and a fund of fifty thousand dollars has been subscribed to become available over a period of four years from January 1, 1921. It is the intention to give special emphasis to the pure science phase of plant disease problems. A curatorship of plant pathology has been established, and it is planned to erect an experimental greenhouse at an early date. Dr. George Matthew Reed, of the Office of Cereal Investigations, Bureau of Plant Industry, Washington, D. C., has been appointed to the new curatorship beginning January 1, 1921.

THE AMERICAN PHYSICAL SOCIETY

THE annual meeting (the 106th regular meeting) of the American Physical Society will be held in Chicago, on December 28, 29 and 30, 1920, in affiliation with Section BPhysics of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. The meetings will be held in the lecture room of the Kent Chemical Laboratory of the University of Chicago.

The program of technical and scientific papers, to be given on Tuesday and Thursday, will be in charge of the Physical Society. On

Wednesday morning there will be a joint

session with the Optical Society of America.

The session on the afternoon of Wednesday, will be in charge of Section B, at which time Professor Max Mason, the retiring vice-president and chairman of Section B, will give an address on "From Oersted to Einstein." This will be followed by a symposium on "Recent Progress in Magnetism" with papers by S. J. Barnett, S. R. Williams and A. H. Compton.

Other meetings for the current season are as follows:

107. February 25-26, 1921. New York. 108. April 22-23, 921. Washington.

109. Time not determined. Pacific Coast Section.

DAYTON C. MILLER,
Secretary

CASE SCHOOL OF APPLIED SCIENCE,
CLEVELAND, OHIO

THE MATHEMATICAL ASSOCIATION OF

AMERICA

THE fifth annual meeting of the Mathematical Association of America and the second annual meeting of Illinois section will he held at the University of Chicago on Tuesday and Wednesday, December 28 and 29, 1920, in affiliation with the American Association for the Advancement of Science and in connection with the western meeting of the American Mathematical Society. The Illinois section will meet jointly with the Association in all its sessions, but will hold a separate business meeting on Tuesday afternoon.

On Wednesday evening at half past six there will be a joint dinner at the Quadrangle Club of all the mathematical organizations, together with Section D (Astronomy) of the American Association.

The meetings will be held in Ryerson Physical Laboratory and in the physiological laboratory. The former is situated near the corner of 58th Street and University Avenue, the latter is the southwest building of the Hull Biological group near 57th Street.

It is proposed that the Mathematical Association of America should emphasize in its meetings the presentation of historical papers,

and to this end it welcomes the opportunity to meet the newly organized Section L (Historical and Philological Sciences, including the History of Science) of the American Association for the Advancement of Science in two joint sessions for the reading of such papers. It is also planned that the association should encourage the presentation of expository papers of a fairly elementary character, and several such papers have been included in this program.