DEPARTMENT REPORTS. 59 



vacancy has been filled by the appointment of Mr. H. L. Curtis from the 

 graduate school of the University of Michigan. 



ADDITIONS TO EQUIPMENT. 



Additions to the working equipment of the department here consisted 

 in the main of remodeling and reconstructing stock pieces already on our 

 shelves. The eight-inch induction coil has been rebuilt and provided with 

 an adjustable condenser and independent vibrator of latest approved type. 

 The air pump has been rebuilt and equipped with power attachment. A five 

 horse power D. C. motor has been purchased for the electrical laboratory. 

 During the early part of last summer there were built and installed, 

 under the direction of the director of the department and from designs 

 made by him, a large number of pieces for laboratory work. By this 

 method not only were the pieces better suited to our special needs but 

 also the cost was very materially lessened. The expenditure of two or 

 three hundred dollars in installing a suitable shop for the repair and con- 

 struction of apparatus, and the appointment of a capable mechanic as 

 "Instrument maker," as is done in other institutions, would be a source 

 of great saving and convenience; not alone to this, but also to many other 

 of the College departments. 



WORKING QUARTERS. 



Through the going into operation of the new five-year courses several 

 classes lapsed which will nest year have to be provided for. Even under 

 this condition — the number of students being thereby somewhat lessened 

 — it was found impossible to find recitation rooms for our classes. The 

 futility of attempting to reach satisfactory results with classes of eighty 

 students for recitation under a single instructor, and in rooms unpro- 

 yided with blackboard facilities is too patent to need comment. 



The ill-lighted, unsanitary basement in which all our laboratory courses 

 are conducted is not only a menace to the health of those compelled to 

 work therein, but acts also as a strong deterrent to the doing of good 

 work. To those of our students who come from the well-equipped labora- 

 tories of our better high schools the conditions existent are discouraging 

 at the outset. While all students are influenced toward careless and 

 slovenly work and methods by such inadequate and unsuitable accommo- 

 dations. I feel that I cannot too strongly again urge this matter upon 

 your attention for immediate action as demanded by consideration of the 

 health of our students and instructors, and the success of their work. 



STUDENTS ENROLLED. 



There were enrolled during the year the following numbers of students 

 in the several courses : 



Agricultural 105 



Women's 100 



Mechanical 224 



Total 429 



Very respectfully submitted, 



MARTIN D. ATKINS, 

 Professor of Physics and Electrical Engineering. 

 June 30. 1903. 



