26 ANNUAL REPORT SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION, 1920. 



The enterprise was begun in 1900 and published annually 17 vol- 

 umes up to 1913. Fifteen volumes for the year 1914 have been 

 printed and much of the material for the fifteenth issue is now in 

 the hands of the central bureau, its publication being delayed by 

 financial difficulties brought about by the war. A conference has 

 been called by the Royal Society in London, September 28 next, to 

 consider the future of the catalogue and to discuss means for meet- 

 ing this financial deficit. 



The aim and purpose of the International Catalogue was to meet 

 the demands of scientific workers for an annual authors' and subject 

 catalogue to the current literature of science. A general revision of 

 the classification schedules which form the key to the subject cata- 

 logues is now needed and, in view of the present apparent demand 

 for abstract journals, it is to be hoped that when these improvements 

 are considered arrangements may be made to cooperate with the 

 bodies now preparing and publishing abstracts to scientific literature. 



It would seem that the pressing demand for such abstract journals, 

 now evident in the United States, should be recognized internation- 

 ally. This Institution would, therefore, favor any feasible plan to 

 bring the present influential organization of the International Cata- 

 logue of Scientific Literature, already recognized and supported by 

 practically all the countries of the world, into close cooperation with 

 existing abstract journals and to encourage the establishment of 

 abstract journals covering those branches of science not already 

 represented. 



OBITUARY. 



STEPHEN C. BROWN. 



Stephen C. Brown, who for more than 40 years had held the posi- 

 tion of registrar of the National Museum, died on July 11, 1919. At a 

 meeting of his associates in the Smithsonian and Museum held the 

 following day, many of Mr. Brown's friends expressed the high esteem 

 and admiration in which he had been held and their sorrow at his 

 loss. 



R. LUTHER REED. 



R. Luther Reed, an employee of the Institution since 1880, died on 

 April 26, 1920. He was foreman of the Museum carpenter shop until 

 the Zoological Park was established, where he served until brought 

 back to the Institution by Secretary Langley to w^ork on his aero- 

 dromes. Mr. Langley has expressed in his publications his apprecia- 

 tion of Mr. Reed's skill and efficient service in that connection. 



Respectfully submitted. 



Charles D. Walcott, Secretary. 



