FEBRUARY I, 1917| 
really resist’ the action of gasolene would be of the 
highest benefit. 
A difficulty lies in the fact that the tanks are large 
{say 20 to 100° gallon capacity), The structural 
problems would be serious. ‘The tanks now used are 
large and of metal. Vibration causes much difficulty 
and leakage. 
(e) Metal coating. The ‘protecting of. the metal 
rts of an airplane, especially the fittings and cables, 
is a serious problem. A material is desired. that would 
really prevent dangerous corrosion. Nickel-plating 
‘over copper is very good, but will not suffice. Rust 
strikes through very rapidly. Baked enamel is the 
best coating. It is impossible to apply in many cases. 
' (f) Sound. The question of eliminating the noises 
involved in the operation of aircraft is one of import- 
ance. The peculiar note of the propeller of a Zeppelin 
can be heard for several miles, and is usually the first 
warning of its approach at night. 
_ 3. Miscellaneous.—(a) Physiological. Study the 
physiological and psychological effects of low-density 
air at high altitudes on the performance of pilots. 
(b) Transparent wing covering for airplanes. A 
wing covering which would answer the following 
general requirements would be of great value to mili- 
tary aviation :-— 
Weight not more than 5 oz. per square yard. 
It should present reasonably great resistance to 
flame. — 
It should be reasonably proof against action of salt 
water, moist air, extreme dryness, and quick tempera- 
ture changes. 
It should not stretch in any direction. Its ability to 
retain its original form as placed on the airplane is 
very important. ; 
- It should-have tensile strength of at least.75 lb. per 
inch width in any direction. 
Its tendency to tear and split because of tac: holes 
through jit, or because of bullet holes, should be as 
small as possible. . 
(c) Development. of light alloys for airplane con- 
struction. Pure aluminium or aluminium alloys. Itis 
believed that a great deal can be done in this direc- 
tion. So far no alloy has been developed, except pos- 
sibly in Germany, which can compare with average 
Alaskan: spruce in its ‘ specific tenacity.” 
(d) The structure of gusts. It is believed that this 
is of sufficient importance to aviation to warrant con- 
siderable expense in its study. 
Painstaking investigation of the character of eddy 
formations caused when wind strikes trees, hollows, 
cliffs, etc., and the character of disturbances created 
by canyons, swamps, deserts, etc., would be of great 
value to aviators. 
This can be done not only by smoke and toy balloon 
work in the vicinity of obstructions such as the above, 
but also by photographic work in wind channels. 
A set of simple rules laying down, just what the 
aviator may expect on one side or another of ‘canyons, 
cities, trees, lakes, and swamps would be very helpful 
in aviation. 
(e) -Radio-apparatus for aircraft. |The subject of 
radio-intercommunication between aircraft in flight, 
and between aircraft and the earth, requires for its 
solution the highest possible efficiency and trustworthi- 
ness combined with minimum weight. 
A present tendency is to separate entirely the power 
plant from the main engine of an aircraft. The gene- 
rator body in this case has a stream-line figure, and a 
separate small air-screw is provided. Among other 
methods the oscillion is being tried as the actual source 
of continuous electromagnetic waves. 
(f) Bullet-proof gasolene tanks. 
material with which to line or construct tanks to con- 
tain the gasolene in an airplane in which a bullet hole 
NO. 2466, VoL. 98] 
NATURE 
Development of a 
441 
will quickly close, entirely or at least partly. This 
would enable many a flyer to get back to his own lines 
after having been fired upon. 
(g) Development of a fabric as good as, or better 
than, Irish linen for the covering of airplanes. There 
has not been manufactured in the United States a 
fabric suitable for use in covering airplanes. 
The fabric should answer all requirements laid down 
under transparent wing covering, and be, in’ addition, 
such as to shrink the proper amount without harm 
when. cellulose solution is applied, 
It is possible that long-fibre cotton might be de- 
veloped that would answer the purpose. 
We must become independent in all lines affecting 
our military aviation. To-day we depend entirely upon 
Ireland and England for our linen, and the supply is 
becoming very low in the United States. 
(h) Aviator’s clothing. Much has still to be done in 
devising non-inflammable and protective clothing for 
aviators. This question is intimately connected with 
personal armour and safety in case of fall. 
(i) Ground-speed indicator. An instrument which 
would measure the actual speed of an aircraft over 
the ground would be useful in the operation of mili- 
tary machines. ; 
4. Physics of the Air.—A number of physical pro- 
perties of air, important in the problems of aviation, 
were also discussed. 
UNIVERSITY AND EDUCATIONAL 
INTELLIGENCE. 
BirMINGHAM.—Miss Helen Caddick has presented to 
the University a valuable collection of examples of the 
art of primitive peoples. The collection, which has 
been made by Miss Caddick in numerous travels, in- 
cludes specimens from Central Africa, Tonga and 
Fiji Islands, New Zealand, and Peru. It is hoped 
that the gift may form the nucleus of an ethnological 
museum for the University. 
Lonpon.—At a meeting of the Senate held on 
January 24, the Vice-Chancellor (Sir Alfred Pearce 
Gould) being in the chair, Mr. J. J. Guest, of Trinity 
College, Cambridge, was appointed as from February 
12 next to the University readership in graphics and 
structural engineering tenable at University College, in 
succession to Dr. W.-H. Eccles, reader in graphics, 
who has been appointed professor of applied physics 
ae electrical engineering at Finsbury Technical Col- 
ege. 
The following doctorates have been conferred by the 
Senate :—In Chemistry: Mr. Guy Barr, an externa] 
student, for a thesis entitled ‘‘ Researches in Relation 
to the Tensile Strength of Fabric, and the Effects of 
Experimental Variations on the Result of Tensile 
Tests,’’ and other papers. In Botany: Mr. R. C. 
McLean, an external student, for a thesis entitled 
“Studies in the Ecology of Tropical Rain Forests,” 
and other papers. 
Oxrorp.—On January 30 the preamble of the Statute 
creating the status of ‘‘ advanced student ’’ and pre- 
scribing the conditions on which advanced students 
may obtain certain degrees came before Congregation. 
An able speech in favour of the Statute was delivered 
by the Rev. E. M. Walker (Queen’s), who was sup- 
ported by Prof. - Perkin, Waynflete professor of 
chemistry, and as to the principle of the Statute by 
Mr. S. Ball (St. John’s), Dr. Macan, Master of 
University College, and Dr. -F. C. Schiller (Corpus). 
The last three speakers argued in favour of the degree 
ibs doctor of philosophy being offered under the 
Statute, instead of that of D.Sc. or D.Litt. as was 
| at present contemplated. Notice was given of an 
amendment to be proposed in this sense. The only 
