REPORT OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE xlvii 



Research Assistants. 



In pursuance of the policy approved by the Trustees at their 

 meeting in November, 1902, the sum of $25,000 was set aside by 

 the Executive Committee for the purpose of assisting a certain num- 

 ber of young investigators who have shown exceptional ability and 

 desire to pursue special lines of inquiry, under the oversight of 

 qualified guides, more or less authoritative, according to the circum- 

 stances of each case. 



Announcement of this plan was made by a printed circular, which 

 was published in the winter of 1 902-1 903, and addressed to the heads 

 of universities, colleges, laboratories, and other scientific institutions. 

 It reads as fellows : 



" It is the purpose of the Carnegie Institution of Washington, 

 among other plans, to encourage exceptional talent by appointing a 

 certain number of Research Assistants. 



' ' These positions will not be those commonly known as ' Fellow- 

 ships ' or ' Scholarships ' ; nor is the object of this provision to con- 

 tribute to the pajmient of mechanical helpers or of assistants in the 

 work of instruction. It is rather to discover and develop, under 

 competent scrutiny and under favorable conditions, such persons as 

 have unusual ability. It is not intended to provide means by which 

 a student may complete his courses of study, nor to give assistance 

 in the preparation of dissertations for academic degrees. Work of 

 a more advanced and special character is expected of all who receive 

 appointment. 



"The annual emolument will vary according to circumstances. 

 As a rule, it will not exceed $1,000 per annum. No limitations are 

 prescribed as to age, sex, nationality, graduation, or residence. 

 Appointments will at first be made for one year, but may be continued. 



" It is desirable that a person thus appointed should work under 

 the supervision of an investigator who is known to the authorities 

 of the Carnegie Institution to be engaged in an important field of 

 scientific research, and in a place where there is easy access to 

 libraries and apparatus, but there may be exceptions to this. 



' ' Applications for appointments may be presented by the head of 

 or by a professor in an institution of learning or by the candidate. 

 They should be accompanied by a statement of the qualifications of 

 the candidate, of the research work he has done, and of that which 

 he desires to follow, and of the time for which an allowance is desired. 

 If he has already printed or written anything of interest, a copy of 

 this should be enclosed with the application. 



" Communications upon this subject should be distinctl}' marked 

 on the outside envelope, and on the inside. Research Assistant, and 

 should be addressed to the Carnegie Institution of Washington." 



