24 CARNEGIE INSTITUTION OF WASHINGTON. 



Work of construction is now moving rapidly forward, and it is expected that 

 the laboratory will be ready for occupancy not later than July i, 1907. 



The researches of all three investigators in this field have been prosecuted 

 vigorously during the year, and many results have been announced, as shown 

 by the list of publications issued (page 31) and in the bibliography (pages 

 45-52). Amongst these important results it may suffice here to instance 

 two only, namely, the volume by Professor Adams and his associate, Pro- 

 fessor Coker, on the elastic properties of some of the principal rocks, of 

 interest and value alike to the geologist and the engineer ; and the process 

 developed by Dr. Day for the production of the remarkable substance known 

 as quartz glass, which promises to be of great practical value by reason of its 

 high melting point and its low rate of expansion under temperature changes. 



Attention is specially invited to the full text of the first report of Prof. 



J. F. Jameson, who succeeded Prof. Andrew C. McLaughlin as Director of 



the Department of Historical Research in October, 1905. 



todcaTlies^rch!^' ^^ ^^ unusual degree the field of this department presents 



a somewhat bewildering array of opportunities for fruitful 



research, whether carried on independently or by cooperation with other 



agencies. There is thus room for the play of a great variety of opinions, 



many of which must be conflicting, with respect to the proper functions of 



such a department. Under these circumstances it is no easy task to fix on 



a program which may command a consensus of approval from professional 



historians and come within the limits of administrative necessities. In his 



report for the year the Director outlines a program which appears to meet 



these requirements and to demand only time, patience, and industry, along 



with adequate support, for its successful execution. 



Early in the year Professor Jameson visited several European countries, 

 inspecting similar departments of work there and searching especially for 

 the sources of American historical documents in foreign archives. 



A bibliography of works on American History and a reprint of Professor 

 McLaughlin's Report on the Diplomatic Archives of the Department of 

 State, 1 789-1 840, have been issued by the department during the year. 

 Several reports on American historical materials in the archives of England, 

 Spain, Cuba, and the United States have been brought also to a forward 

 state of preparation for publication. 



Mr. Burbank reports that the year just passed has proved very successful 

 for the extensive experiments and investigations in plant, fruit, and flower 

 development carried on by him thru aid granted by the 

 Mr. Luther Burbank. Institution. By great good fortune the earthquake 

 which proved so destructive to the city of Santa Rosa in 

 which he lives and to the surrounding country, did very little damage to 

 his property. In one respect, doubtless, the earthquake was advantageous 



