XLIV THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF CANADA 



formed: (a) Geodesy; (b) Seismology; (c) Meteorology; (d) Terrestial 

 Magnetism and Electricity; (e) Physical Oceanography; (/) Vul- 

 canology. 



Nearly all of these sections formerly existed as separate associa- 

 tions, hence they are allowed a large degree of autonomy. Each has 

 its officers, its central bureau, and, with the sanction of the union, may 

 issue its own publications. 



Where the work of the sections was found to over-lap or to be 

 mutually dependent on each other, joint committees were formed to 

 bring about co-ordination, such liaison committees were appointed 

 to connect the work of the section of Meteorology with the Inter- 

 national Astronomical Union for investigational work on solar radi- 

 ation; while international work in atmospheric electricity as far as 

 possible was placed under the direction of a joint committee, partly 

 of the section of Terrestial Magnetism and Electricity, and partly of 

 the section of Meteorology. 



These examples are sufficient to illustrate the provisions made 

 by the International Research Council as to cross-relationships be- 

 tween sections of a union or different unions, so as to ensure a proper 

 integration of results and no duplication of effort. It will also be seen 

 how by maintaining largely the individuality of the former inter- 

 national associations, this union has been able to focus its efforts on 

 the major problems of the physics of the earth. 



This general organization is typical of the first type of union. 

 The other class of unions, comprising such sciences as Physics, Zoology, 

 Botany, Chemistry, etc., were also formerly known among inter- 

 national associations, but with different functions; little effort was 

 made in these associations to unify these sciences or to plan mass 

 attacks on any special problem. They none the less afforded a valu- 

 able meeting ground for the scientists of different countries and were 

 a powerful stimulus to research. 



These unions, with the exception of that of Chemistry, are in 

 process of organization ; only general statem.ents being made regarding 

 their aims and objects. Each union is, at the time of writing, auton- 

 omous, and its relation to the Research Council less defined than in 

 the first group of unions. The International Research Council will 

 serve in an advisory capacity, acting also as a clearing house for 

 information and suggested co-operative investigations. 



The objects of these unions of the experimental sciences are 

 stated in very general terms, viz. : 



1. To organize permanent co-operation between the associations 

 of the Allied nations. 



