REPORT OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE XX111 



Three classes of stars were observed : 



(a) Such variable stars as are too faint to be reached by any ex- 

 cept the largest telescopes. In particular, selection was made of 

 stars that have become too faint for the Harvard observers and 

 those cooperating with them. 



(b) Measurement of faint stars that are to be used as standards 

 of magnitude. In this work they are connecting stars of the 13th 

 magnitude with those of the 15th magnitude. The Lick and Yerkes 

 observatories are connecting the 15th magnitude stars with the 16th 

 magnitude, and the Harvard Observatory is connecting the nth 

 magnitude with the 13th magnitude. 



(c) A special study of the newly discovered Algol variable, 4. 1903 

 Draconis, has been made, and a preliminary article giving the re- 

 sults of these observations has been sent to the Astronomical Journal. 



Mary W. Whitney, Vassar College, Poughkeepsie, N. Y. Grant 

 No. 23. For measurement of astronomical photographs, etc. 



$1,000. 



Abstract of Report. — This work consists in the measurement and 

 reduction of stellar photographs taken at the observatory at Hel- 

 singfors, Finland, by Professor Donner. The measurement of the 

 eight plates is finished and the reduction is well along. A prelim- 

 inary catalogue of the mean places of 404 stars within two degrees 

 of the pole is nearly completed. The work was pressed during the 

 last quarter, as Professor Whitney then secured the services of an 

 expert computer. The intercomparison of the plates and the deter- 

 mination of proper motion remains to be studied. 



Bibliography. 



Robert Fletcher, Army Medical Museum, Washington, D. C. 

 Grant No. 30. For preparing and publishing the Index Medicus. 



$10,000. 



The Index Medicus was established in 1879, under the direction 

 of Dr. John S. Billings and Dr. Robert Fletcher, and discontinued 

 in 1899, after 21 volumes had appeared, for the lack of pecuniary 

 support. 



Abstract of Report. — The scope of this work is very broad with re- 

 lation to the medical sciences. It contains, in classified form, month 

 by month, reference to everything published throughout the world 

 which relates to medicine or public hygiene. The latter comprises 



