FOREWORD vii 



tioned. The presiding chairmen for these sessions were, respec- 

 tively, G. Failla, S. C. Lind, A. M. Brues, Karl Sax, and A. H. 

 Dowdy, whose stimulating guidance in moderating the various 

 phases of the program was greatly appreciated. The committee 

 is especially indebted to its executive secretary, Dr. Harvey M. 

 Patt, who implemented the arrangements for the symposium to 

 the smallest detail and devoted the greater part of a year to its 

 preparation. 



The hospitality of Oberlin College, made available through the 

 good offices of Mr. Donald Love, secretary of the college, and 

 President William Stevenson, contributed immeasurably to the 

 success of the meeting. 



The symposium committee is also deeply appreciative of the 

 efforts of Dr. Joseph G. Hamilton, Chairman of the Subcommittee 

 on Radiobiology, of Dr. L. F. Curtiss, Chairman of the Committee 

 on Nuclear Science, and of Dr. R. C. Gibbs, Chairman of the 

 Division of Physical Sciences, of the National Research Council, 

 who gave constant encouragement and smoothed the road to the 

 final culmination at Oberlin. 



The symposium was honored by the attendance of Dr. Detlev W. 

 Bronk, Chairman of the National Research Council, who addressed 

 the assembly on the nature and scope of the Council's activities 

 and called attention to the opportunities and responsibilities of 

 scientists, as set forth in its charter, to serve in an advisory capacity 

 to agencies of the government in matters pertaining to science. 



The subcommittee acknowledges with deep appreciation the 

 support of the symposium by the Atomic Energy Commission and 

 the Office of Naval Research through contracts with the National 

 Academy of Sciences. 



H. L. Friedell, Chairman 

 Special Symposium Committee 



January, 1952 



