September 24, 19 14] 



NATURE 



91 



one of the recurring- difficulties is that of reducing^ 

 such interferences until they are small enough to 

 be dealt with as corrections. 



Almost all the numerical data given in the 

 section relating to full-scale machines are derived 

 from the results of experiments on models in a 

 wind-channel. Care is necessary in making the 

 application, and the report contains a comparison j 

 between tests on model and full-scale wings. The ! 

 law of dynamical similarity indicates the possi- 

 bility of a difference, and although the experi- 

 mental results are not all that could be desired, 

 they furnish a first approximation to one of a 

 series of scale correction factors. 



As a result of model experiments it is now j 

 possible to try full-scale experiments of a some- j 

 what detailed character. 



Other parts of the report deal with calculations 

 of the stresses in the wings of aeroplanes, both 

 i.i the internal structure and in the fabric. Sys- 

 tematic investigation of the strengfth and extensi- 

 bility of fabric used for aeroplane covering is in 

 progress. The report generally g^ives detailed 

 descriptions of each of the tests, the results being 

 expressed in many cases in the form of curves. 



THE BRITISH ASSOCIATIOX 

 AUSTRALIA. 



IX WEST 



Perth, Ai fitsx 4. 



THE Australian meeting of the British Asso- 

 ciation has already been very successfully 

 inaugurated, to-day being the last spent by the 





1912-13.' By peraiissica of the Coatioller of H.M. Siationery Office. 



The test illustrated in Fig-. 3 relates to the auto- 

 atic banking of a flying machine, and the detail 

 anged is the upper end of the wing struts. 

 These had been shown by model experiments to 

 >ecome effective fins and therefore suitable for 

 -Lich an experiment. 



For measurements of the resistance of hydro- 

 leroplane floats apparatus must be used in which 

 he surface waves can be reproduced, and work 

 it this character is carried out in the William 

 Froude National Tank. The report gives draw- 

 ngs and the results of experiments for a new 

 ype of float having a low resistance. 



NO. 2343, VOL. 94] 



advance party in Western Australia and the first of 

 the main party travelling by the Orvieto. 



The Western Australian delegation, numbering- 

 close on seventy visitors, has remained a week in 

 the \\'estern State, and this time has been de- 

 voted almost entirely to practical work in the 

 country and on the sea. The Western Australian 

 committee from the very first aimed at giving 

 the guests a full week of collecting and investi- 

 gating, and consequently receptions, garden 

 parties, etc., have been strongly suppressed. 

 That this has been a huge success is evident from 

 the opinions of the visiting men of science, who 



