1915^ CoopEiiATioN IN Matteks Chemical 79 



True, the work of the chemist has shown in later years 

 how to prepare this substance from the nitrogen of the air, 

 but such processes have not been able to compete commercial- 

 ly in this country with its manufacture from sodium nitrate 

 and sulfuric acid. Equally true, we now see no immediate 

 probability of any shutting off of the supply of nitrate from 

 Chili; in the question of preparedness for war, however, 

 probability has no place where certainty can be assured. 



It would seem the part of wisdom, therefore, to accum- 

 ulate, through governmental aid or agency, sufficient extra 

 supplies of sodium nitrate to assure, in case of war, maxi- 

 mum activity of explosive manufactories until sufficient 

 plants could be erected for the adequate manufacture of 

 nitric acid from the air. The annual importation of this ma- 

 terial averages 550,000 tons, which represents an investment 

 of approximately fifteen million dollars. The presence of an 

 extra year's supply within our borders might prove of in- 

 estimable value. If, happily, the war cloud passes, such 

 accumulations of nitrate would then be gradually absorbed 

 in the more peaceful lines of the fertilizer industry, and the 

 cost of such preparedness be thus limited to the expense of 

 storage and the interest on the funds invested. 



The phrase "chemical preparedness" refers really to the 

 whole question of the status of chemical industry. Have 

 we so grappled with the many questions of material national 

 life that we can await future political developments with 

 quiet confidence and utmost faith ? Undoubtedly much has 

 been accomplished, but this is no time for self-congratulation. 

 Far more profitable will it be to look shortcomings squarely 

 in the face, to trace influences which have retarded progress 

 and to endeavor in every legitimate way to overcome such 

 influences. Time does not admit of too extensive treatment 

 of this subject, but there are two matters whose present im- 

 portance justify further discussion. I refer to the patent sys- 

 tem and to our tariff legislation. 



The apparently authentic statement that more money is 

 spent in this country to secure and defend patents than is 



