206 ANNUAL EEPORT SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION, 19 30 



that the solar radiation forms ozone in the upper regions of the at- 

 mosphere, and that when the sky is clear, and when the wind is 

 from the west or the southwest, some of the ozone is found at the 

 earth's surface, thus augmenting the exhilarating effect of the out- 

 door air, when we are taking a stroll under such weather conditions. 

 It may explain also why we are apt to feel less energetic when the 

 wind is from the east, for then the ozone is absent. Old-fashioned 

 fishermen may even contend that it provides justification for their 

 deep convictions to the effect that " When the wind is from the east, 

 the fishing is the least." But no one gives credence to what fisher- 

 men say. 



A NEW TOOL FOR THE CHEMIST 



To the chemist the ultra-violet lamp has opened up new methods 

 of identification. Since so many substances exhibit characteristic 

 fluorescent properties, this fact may be utilized for identification and 

 for the detection of small quantities of certain contaminations or ad- 

 ulterations. The ultra-violet lamp may be used in food analysis, 

 in clinical chemistry, and in mineralogy to identify rock components. 

 The modern Sherlock Holmes will use not only his microscope but 

 also his ultra-violet lamp. In the examination of documents, to de- 

 tect suspected alterations, to establish the authenticity — or the re- 

 verse — of old paintings, this strange radiation is of great assistance. 

 In the paint industry it may be employed to study the resistance to 

 sunlight of various paints and varnish mixtures. Its applications 

 for the chemist seem indeed almost endless. It is a tool of great 

 value to the analyst as well as to the physician. But it must, of 

 course, be handled with caution. Such a lamp is not a plaything. 



ANCIENT AND MODERN SUN WORSHIP 



Man has since time immemorial recognized sunlight as a natural 

 agency of paramount influence. Many primitive races worship the 

 sun as a deity, a practice at one time quite general and extending 

 over long periods of time. Our American Indians still conduct 

 their sun dances. The ancient sun worship, not only in Africa and 

 in Asia, but also in Europe, and on this continent, had its gruesome 

 aspects for it entailed, frequently, human sacrifice — sacrifice to the 

 sun god. The modern sun cult, should, however, exhibit no such in- 

 human features. Only ignorance, leading to the reckless misuse of 

 sun therapy, can call for victims. Let us hope, therefore, that this 

 new health-giving agency may be employed wisely and conserva- 

 tively by the enthusiastic devotees of the modern sun cult and that 

 experimentation in this field may be limited to persons who have 

 the necessary knowledge and skill. 



