98 JOURNAL OF THE WASHINGTON ACADEMY OF SCIENCES VOL. 11, NO. 4 



use could well be extended to other sciences. Phase-rule models in 

 chemistry, for instance, concentrate a great deal of information into 

 a small space and put it into a form very useful for instruction.-' 

 Another minor method is the distribution of type collections of ma- 

 terial, made up in considerable number from a common supply, and 

 distributed usually by sale. This has been used in the fields of min- 

 eralogy and petrology and certain branches of biology. Collections of 

 photographs have been similarly used by some of the Federal bureaus. 

 The number and field of usefulness of such reproducible collected sets 

 of material objects is likely to be enlarged. 



The general problem of distribution to the public. — I have referred 

 repeatedly to the "bulk" and "heterogeneity" of our present output 

 of scientific information, and hope that by inference as well as by 

 direct statement I have already impressed the idea that haphazard 

 dissemination does not constitute orderly distribution. '-'' We have 

 accomplished little if we have merely reached the auditory or optic 

 nerve of the public without reaching its understanding. Have 

 we any assurance, for example, that the Science Service for the news- 

 papers (after performing its obvious and useful duty of preventing 

 misinformation) will do more than merely replace on the newspaper 

 page an equivalent area of advice, gossip, or fun, producing about 

 the same permanent effect as the displaced material? I hope the 

 plans of the Service will include some method of measurement of its 

 permanent results, for, in , chemical terms, if there is no solubility 

 there will be no absorption, however large we make the area of con- 

 tact; and if the absorption turns out to be small we shall have to do 

 something to increase the solubility.-^ 



In conclusion, I wish to express ni}' indebtedness to various mem- 

 bers of governmental and private institutions in Washington for 

 assistance and suggestions in the preparation of this address. 



^ The Geophysical Laboratory has received a number of requests for copies of its models 

 of silicate systems, but is not equipped to manufacture and sell such a product. Some 

 commercial or philanthropic agency would do a service by taking up this kind of distribu- 

 tion. 



^^Dissemination: "Propagation by means of diffusion or dispersion .... Propagation 

 by means of promulgation; a spreading abroad for or with acceptance, as of opinions." 

 (Centur}'^ Dictionary). The disseminator selects what is to be promulgated and the pub- 

 lic is at his mercy. Distribution: "Allotment in shares or according to requirements The 



division of the aggregate produce of the industry of any society among the individuals who 

 compose it." The public does the selecting and the distributor renders the product ac- 

 cessible. 



^^ "One can readily conceive a Dark Ages which was such because of too much instead 

 of too little information." The Villager 4: 94. November 6, 1920. 



