REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT, 1921. 7 



In the past year a modest chemical laboratory has been erected 



for the Department of Botanical Research at Carmel, California. 



^^ . , This Department has carried its work farther 



New Cnenucal . i c • i 



Laboratory for into the field of physical and chemical research 



Botanical Research. • .-, ne , _, • p j- 



m the effort to secure more information con- 

 cerning the basis of plant activities. The new laboratory 

 offers improved opportunity for fundamental work on photo- 

 synthesis or the chemistry of compounds arising under the 

 influence of light. It is hoped that with present facilities a 

 nearer approach to the solution of this difficult but funda- 

 mental problem in the physiology of plants may be obtained. 



An important project in the purely humanistic field is that 



concerning the ancient Maya civilization of Central America. 



rox-j- The expedition of 1921, led into this region by 



Advance of Studies r-^ r ^ ^ o ./ 



on Ancient Maya Dr. S. G. Morley, has secured most significant 



Civilization. . • i • > -i /• ^i • i 



new materials m study of the ancient monu- 

 ments and in excavation of building sites. The story of 

 this people contributes much that may become critical or 

 determinative in our interpretation of early American history, 

 and we know that the great bulk of this record still remains 

 unread. In the past year the Institution has had the benefit of 

 effective cooperation in this work by Mr. William Gates, whose 

 study of both modern and ancient Maya language involves sig- 

 nificant lines of investigation which should relate themselves 

 closely to the archseological studies. Mr. Gates has made avail- 

 able to the Institution his large collection of Maya manuscripts 

 and of general literature on Middle American work, and the data 

 contained therein will be of much value for future researches. 



In addition to important results secured through investiga- 

 tions organized and supported by the Institution, it has been our 

 privilege to help in the advance of much significant work con- 

 ,. ,. ducted by distinguished investigators connected 



Investigations • -i i • • 



by Research with Other orgamzations. In the course of the 



past year the Institution has cooperated in this 



manner with Dr. T. H. Morgan, of Columbia University, in the 



