20 ANNUAL REPORT SMITHSONH.N INSTITUTION^ 19 31 



than that of control plants in the greenhouse. Other interesting 

 results were also obtained, which, if applicable to palms, as seems 

 likely, would be of considerable practical importance. 



In the field of pure physics and physical chemistry, the intensity 

 distribution in the mercury spectrum has been determined directly, 

 and in cooperation with the Fixed Nitrogen Research Laboratory the 

 spectra of HCl, HON, and the halogen substitution products of 

 benzene have been investigated in the region between the visible 

 and 2/x. This work has been done by Doctors McAlister and Wulf 

 and Mr. Liddel. 



Several additional rooms have been prepared and equipped for the 

 use of the division. The research field of the division is so wide 

 and interesting both to pure science and agriculture that a con- 

 siderable expansion of its resources and personnel is greatly to be 

 desired. 



INTERNATIONAL CATALOGUE OF SCIENTIFIC LITERATURE 



In compliance with the resolution passed at the last international 

 convention held in Brussels in July, 1922, the United States bureau 

 of the catalogue has been kept in existence pending resumption of 

 publication, and the compiling of necessary records of current Ameri- 

 can scientific publications has been continued so that they may be 

 indexed when publication is resumed. 



Every effort is being made by the United States bureau, through 

 the chairman of the executive committee of the catalogue, to hasten 

 the necessary reorganization, but the financial depression and other 

 unfavorable conditions have so far prevented the development of a 

 definite plan. Besides the necessary cooperation of the regional bu- 

 reaus, all that is needed to put the enterprise on its feet is a capital 

 fund of $76,000, to refinance the central editing and publishing 

 bureau. 



NECROLOGY 



FRANK WIGGLESWORTH CLARKE 



Frank Wigglesworth Clarke, honorary curator in the Division of 

 Mineralogy, United States National Museum, since 1883, died at his 

 home in Washington on May 23, 1931, in his eighty-fifth year. Doc- 

 tor Clarke was chief chemist at the United States Geological Survey 

 from 1883 to 1925, when he retired from active service. 



The mineral collection in the National Museum had been recognized 

 as a distinct entity for but a short time prior to Doctor Clarke's ap- 

 pointment as honorary curator. He laid the foundation for these 

 now justly celebrated mineral and gem collections. In addition to 



