SECRETARY'S REPORT 41 



moreland Hills, Md. During the 37 years since graduation from the 

 University of California with a degree in chemistry, Dr. Foshag ad- 

 vanced knowledge of the minerals of Mexico particularly and of the 

 world. Borax minerals claimed his interest for several years. While 

 assigned for work in Mexico during World War II, he witnessed the 

 early stages in the origin of the Paricutin Volcano and followed its 

 growth until activity subsided. 



Four members of the honorary scientific staff were lost through death 

 during the fiscal year. Dr. Theodore S. Palmer, a member of the 

 staff of the Bureau of Biological Survey, U. S. Department of Agri- 

 culture, for 44 years and an associate in zoology of the National 

 Museum since August 1, 1933, died at his home in Washington, D. C, 

 on July 23, 1955, at the age of 87. Dr. Frank L. Hess, custodian of 

 rare metals and rare earths in the division of mineralogy and petrology 

 since December 11, 1917, died August 29, 1955, in Washington, D. C, 

 at the age of 83. Prior to 1925 Dr. Hess had been employed by the 

 U. S. Geological Survey, and from that time until his retirement in 

 1944, by the Bureau of Mines. William B. Marshall, assistant curator 

 in the division of mollusks until his retirement in 1934 and associate 

 in zoology since May 1, 1934, died in Washington, D. C., on Decem- 

 ber 18, 1955, at the age of 91. Gerrit S. Miller, Jr., curator of the 

 division of mammals for 42 years and research associate of the Smith- 

 sonian Institution since January 1, 1941, died in Washington on Feb- 

 ruary 24, 1956, at the age of 84. 



Respectfully submitted. 



Remington Kellogg, Director. 



Dr. Leonard Carmichael, 

 Secretary, Smithsonian Institution. 



