REPORT OF THE SECRETARY. 19 
of air, which is as nearly as possible bacteriologically and chemically pure. 
* * * Only at the sea or at the highest elevations do we find air really pure, 
but we can approximate it by living out of doors. 
* * * Probably the best combination is a low humidity and a moderately 
cool temperature; the average tuberculosis patient makes his best gains after 
August 1 and in subsequent cold, dry weather when such conditions pre- 
Wallen Raut * 34 
The old idea about equability of temperature, at least between the tempera- 
ture of midday and midnight, is not of great importance; all mountainous 
stations show great variations in this respect. Some variability tends to stimu- 
late the vital activities, but in older people and those who are feeble great 
variability is a disadvantage. 
As far as altitude is concerned it probably has not, per se, any great in- 
fluence; certainly, to my mind, not so much as we used to think. However, 
altitude is incidentally associated with mountain life or life on the plains, with 
more sun, less moisture, and scattered population. 
* * * Surgical tuberculosis is always favorably influenced by a seashore 
residence suitably chosen. * * * Constant outdoor life in all weather works 
miraculous cures after the most formidable operations for bone tuberculosis, 
and in many cases renders them wholly unnecessary in patients whose physical 
condition on admission was most unpromising. 
SMITHSONIAN TABLE AT NAPLES ZOOLOGICAL STATION. 
In the interest of American biologists who may desire to study 
marine life under exceptionally favorable facilities, the Institution 
has for more than 20 years maintained a table at the Naples Zoologi- 
cal Station. Investigators are assigned the use of this table for 
stated periods on the recommendation of an advisory committee ap- 
pointed for the purpose. During the past year the table has been 
utilized by Mr. Reynold A. Spaeth, a student of Harvard University, 
who pursued studies in experimental physiology; Dr. T. S. Painter, 
graduate of Yale University, for work on an experimental cytologi- 
eal problem; and Prof. Edwin C. Starks, of Stanford University, 
for an investigation of the bones and muscles of the mandible of 
fishes. 
RESEARCH CORPORATION. 
In February, 1912, the Research Corporation was organized under 
the laws of New York as a means for furthering scientific and tech- 
nical research. Its principal object is— 
to acquire inventions and patents and to make them more available in the arts 
and industries, while using them as a source of income, and, second, to apply 
all profits derived from such use to the advancement of technical and scientific 
investigation and experimentation through the agency of the Smithsonian 
Institution and such other scientific and educational institutions and societies 
as may be selected by the directors. 
No dividends are to be paid, and the entire net profits are to be 
devoted to research. The Smithsonian Institution is interested in 
