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NOTE. 



Technical Optics. 



Arrangements have recently been completed for an important 

 development in national industry on the scientific side by the 

 establishment of a new Department of Technical Optics, in con- 

 nexion with the Imperial College of Science and Technology at 

 South Kensington. The department in question forms part of a 

 larger scheme adopted by the London County Council in August 

 last for the provision of instruction in this most important subject 

 (in which the Council promised to find certain moneys for the 

 scheme, if the Government also contributed), including post- 

 o-raduate and research work at the Imperial College ; a trade school 

 and senior day and technical courses at the Northampton Institute ; 

 and junior technical courses at two junior technical institutions, 

 one in North London and one in South London. 



Since August last the Government, including the new Depart- 

 ment of Scientific and Industrial Eesearch and the Imperial 

 College, have decided financially to support the Council's scheme, 

 and all the necessary assents have been obtained. The amount of 

 money immediately available is 4000/. a year for working expenses, 

 and 5000/. for equipment and more immediate necessities of the 

 department. 



The new department is under the management of a Technical 

 Optics Committee, of which the Eight Hon. Arthur H. D. Acland 

 is Chairman, and which at present consists of thirteen members, 

 representing the Admiralty, the Army Council, the Ministry of 

 Munitions, the Eoyal Society, the National Physical Laboratory, 

 employers in the optical trades, glass manufacturers, and the 

 Imperial College, while two further members have yet to be 

 elected representative of glass-workers and metal-workers. The 

 same Committee appointed by the L.C.C. is also an Advisory 

 Committee to the Council. 



Mr. Frederic J. Cheshire has been appointed head of the new 

 department at the Imperial College for a period of five years, with 

 the title of Director of Technical Optics, and Professor of Technical 

 Optics at the Imperial College. Mr. Cheshire's long experience 

 and great ability in optical matters practically ensure a successful 

 beginning. He has been associated with optical instruments for 

 many years at the Patent Office, and since the formation of the 

 Ministry of Munitions has been Deputy Director-General of the 



