ADVISORY C0MMITTE;E ON GEIOPHYSICS 35 



II. Laboratory of Geophysics in Washington:. 



In view of the special nature of the geophysical and geochemical 

 experimentation which the elucidation of the profounder problems 

 of the earth requires, and of the absence of many of the requisite 

 appliances in the laboratories now established, we recommend that 

 a central laboratary of geophysics be established by the Carnegie 

 Institution at Washington, and that its scope be broad enough to 

 embrace geochemistry and any other science essentially involved in 

 the problems of the earth. We designate this a central laboratory 

 because we recognize the need of special branch laboratories in va- 

 rious parts of the world for the determination of certain questions 

 which require special localization. We further recognize that alli- 

 ance and co-operation should be sought with all independent labo- 

 ratories engaged in any branch of geophysical studies without refer- 

 ence to country. So far as practicable such laboratories should be 

 utilized rather than new branch laboratories be constructed. The 

 central and branch laboratories should be constructed for the spe- 

 cial investigations for which they are designed, and should be 

 manned with reference to the problems to be investigated. 



If this project be carried out the geophysical work of the world 

 may be harmonized and unified. It is believed that as a certain re- 

 sult geology will soon be placed on a broader and deeper basis, and 

 that an epoch in its history will have been inaugurated of even 

 greater import than any of the past. 



For the geophysical work outside of the central laboratory, as al- 

 read}^ remarked, existing laboratories and the services ol men en- 

 gaged in them should be utilized as far as possible. For instance, 

 in the seismological work — including all earth tremors — a scheme 

 of co-operation should be planned with Milne, Darwin, and many 

 others. In securing the co-operation of independent laboratories 

 now existing, it will doubtless be necessary to subsidize to some ex- 

 tent such as are doing very meritorious work. Often a man en- 

 gaged in a piece of research is the best qualified to do that particular 

 work. Such a man should be encouraged to do the service which 

 he can most advantageously perform ; thus would be utilized the 

 best talent wherever located or however associated, Indeed, it is 

 felt that a vital part of this proposal for a system of Carnegie lab- 

 oratories of geophysics is the development of a staff" and a directory 

 at Washington, which may serve as a center of correlation , through 



