PHYSICO-TECHMCAL mSTITUTION m CHAELOTTENBUKG. 405 



impl•()^■od methods and instruments for physical measurements requires 

 the most exhaustive and painstaking investigations as a preliminary to 

 a steady and confident advance. The practical value of research in 

 pure science is no longer in question. The wise founders of the Reichs- 

 anstalt made no mistake in coupling an institution for the promotion 

 of technical precision with one for the prosecution of research in phys- 

 ical science. 



The governing body, or curatorium, of the Reichsanstalt is appointed 

 by the Emperor. At its head is Herr Weymann. imperial pri\'y coun- 

 selor. The function of the curatorium is the appointment of the 

 officials and the general management of the institution. The chief 

 officer of the Reichsanstalt is the president, and the most distinguished 

 physicist of the realm is sought for this position. Helmholtz was taken 

 from the university in Berlin to become the first incumbent of the 

 office. After his death, in 1894, his successor as professor of physics in 

 the university. Prof. F. Kohlrausch, became his successor as president 

 of the Reichsanstalt. 



The president, who is at the same time director of the first division, 

 is held responsible for the successful work of the Reichsanstalt. All 

 other officials are therefore subordinate to him. In his absence the 

 duties of his office devolve upon the director of the technical division. 

 Subordinate to the director of this second division are the professors, 

 associates, and assistants of various grades. A professor in charge of 

 a department has the direction of all those employed in it, including a 

 skilled departmental mechanician. 



The specific duties of the president may be briefly enumerated. He 

 must la}^ before the Curatorium at its annual meeting the following: 



1. A report on the work executed in both divisions. 



2. The plan of work for the undertakings to be carried out the ensu- 

 ing year. 



3. Propositions relative to the money to be expended for scientific 

 and technical work; also for salaries and remunerations. 



4. Propositions relative to the rank of permanent associates and 

 assistants; also relative to the bestowal of places to work in the Reichs- 

 anstalt as scientific guests. 



He takes a vote on the propositions in 3 and 4, and reports the con- 

 clusions of the Curatorium to the Government for approval. It is also 

 the duty of the president to sign vouchers for all payments, and he is 

 held responsible for the proper expenditure of the mone\- appropriated 

 for the maintenance of the institution. 



The different functions of the two divisions composing the institu- 

 tion are defined in rather broad terms. It is the duty of the first divi- 

 sion to carry out physical investigations requiring more uninterrupted 

 time on time part of the observer, and better accessories in the way 

 of instruments and local appliances, than private individuals and 



