A Decenxial Record 161 



better able with the help of research. Members who formerly fought 

 scientific control now recognize its value and their need for it. 



The Portland Cement Association has also accomplished a great 

 deal, particularly in studying types of aggregates which are suitable 

 for concrete. Often faihu-e in concrete is due to the use of excessive 

 water in making the batcli. This research work done by the Associa- 

 tion proves that if care is taken to use the right proportion of cement 

 to give the proper binder, and not to use an excessive amount of water, 

 any local aggregate when graded and classified can be used. This is 

 becoming the general practice for roads and pavements and effecting 

 considerable savings. 



The malleable iron industry has been saved from a secondary 

 position by the application of industrial research. When this asso- 

 ciation began its work the members bound themselves to conform to a 

 high standard specification administered by the laboratory. If a cer- 

 tain foundry was tin-ning out a poor grade of iron, that foundrj^ was 

 visited and steps taken to put its product on a higher level. Those who 

 were making the best iron before this work was undertaken are still 

 making the best iron although the tensile strength and other physical 

 characteristics are higher for tlie entire industry. Individuals and 

 concerns have been benefited witliout interfering with the progress 

 which comes from individual initiative, and the resourcefulness of the 

 concerns. 



Commercial laboratories are filling a very real need. ]Many 

 manufacturers who can not afford to establish research laboratories 

 and whose research problems are not receiving the attention of asso- 

 ciations find these laboratories very useful and necessary. 



The Bureau of Standards, the Bureau of Chemistry, the Bureau 

 of ]Mines and many other of the forty Government bureaus devoted to 

 scientific research must, of course, be mentioned as factors in estab- 

 lishing our high position in research. In the estimation of our foreign 

 friends they rank higli. It often seems, as Mr. Everest has told us, 

 tliat the funds are not as large as they shovild be, but the total appro- 

 priations for scientific work constitute a sum which is not inconsider- 

 al)le, and I think we are probably doing more than any other Govern- 

 ment. Other Governments liave accepted our researcli results and 

 tliese institutions have added mucli to our fame abroad as well as at 



