EEPORT OF THE SECRETARY. 11 



looked for from experiments in connection with the action of the 

 megaphone and phonograph, and in verification of the general theory 

 of resonators. 



The research noted in my last report, by Prof. William Hallock, of 

 Columbia University, New York, having for its object the complete 

 analysis of a particle of air under the influence of articulate sounds, is 

 still in progress and has been reported upon in detail, so far as com- 

 pleted. It is believed that this investigation will yield broader results 

 than were, perhaps, anticipated, and that the experiments of Professor 

 Hallock in connection with the synthesis of sound b}^ means of magnetic 

 induction and the telephone, which are largely conducted by means of 

 a tone synthesizer of his own invention, will help to solve questions of 

 the greatest importance, not only in reference to the motion of air in 

 articulate speech, but also in phonetics in general. 



It having been proposed by Prof. L. A. Bauer, the editor of the 

 periodical entitled "Terrestial Magnetism," to extend its scope to 

 include "Atmospheric Electricity," his request for a grant from the 

 Hodgkins fund was considered and referred to specialists distinguished 

 for their researches in connection with the subjects treated of in that 

 publication. A grant having been heartily recommended, was approved 

 for the sum of $200, and the title of the journal was changed to "Ter- 

 restrial Magnetism and Atmospheric Electricity. " To further as effec- 

 tively as possible in this instance the aim of the Institution in dispensing 

 the fund, Professor Bauer offered, as a recognition of this grant, to 

 send one hundred copies of the periodical of which he is the editor to 

 a list of educational and scientific establishments approved by the Insti- 

 tution. This action is the more gratifying as it is known that efforts 

 for the advancement of our knowledge of the subject of atmospheric 

 electricity are entirely consonant with the wishes of the founder of the 

 Hodgkins fund. 



Coincidentally with the publication of the Hodgkins prize competi- 

 tion the establishment of the Hodgkins medal of the Smithsonian 

 Institution was announced, to be awarded only for exceptionally im- 

 portant contributions to our knowledge of the nature and properties 

 of atmospheric air, or for original and practical applications of exist- 

 ing knowledge to the welfare of mankind. 



The advisory committee, after giving the subject special considera- 

 tion, in December, 1898, recommended the award of the medal to 

 Prof. James Dewar, of the Royal Institution of Great Britain, for 

 his meritorious researches on the liquefaction and solidification of 

 atmospheric air, for his investigations of the ph3\sical properties of 

 substances in contact with liquid air, and for his discovery of the 

 extraordinary magnetic properties of liquid ox3^gen. 



In accordance with the recommendation of the committee, the first 

 Hodokins oold medal of the Smithsonian Institution A^as awarded to 



