1915'] Cooperation in Matters Chemical 69 



in providing better laboratory and library facilities and more 

 fellowships for graduate students. 



In connection with the subject of university research in 

 pure chemistry, may I be permitted a word concerning a 

 special class — the men in charge of laboratories in smaller 

 institutions of learning. Fresh from doctorate training, they 

 enter upon the new responsibilities filled with zeal and a fine 

 fire for continuation of research. After a period of adjust- 

 ment to normal duties of the new environment and with 

 thoughts turned to independent research there comes the 

 realization of the poverty of equipment both in laboratory 

 and in library facilities as compared with former surround- 

 ings. Then comes a period of earnest effort to better this 

 equipment, only to find how many other undeniable de- 

 mands are being made on the very limited institutional funds. 

 There follows a period of depression and discouragement, and 

 then — how often that worker is lost to the cause of pure 

 chemistry ! 



But is the situation really as bad as it sometimes seems ? 

 Many of the most valuable researches in the literature have 

 been conducted on inexpensive material and often under most 

 discouraging circumstances. If money is lacking, there are 

 endowment funds to aid research, and, to supplement inade- 

 quate library facilities, there is the splendid library service 

 of the United Engineering Society of ISTew York City. By 

 such means it may still be possible to follow that first fine 

 impulse. 



The great danger to research in pure chemistry in Amer- 

 ica at the present time lies in the mental distraction and de- 

 moralization resulting from engrossing consideration of daily 

 developments of the European war. The mammoth scale 

 and startling disclosures of that fearful struggle as depicted 

 in the morning, evening and ever appearing "extra" news- 

 papers challenge our constant attention and fill us with the 

 horrors of the situation. Is it right that we give way to this 

 demoralization and thus increase the disastrous effects of such 

 abnormal times ? 



