
small scale. 
APRIL 21, 1923] 
NATURE 
543 

Oliver in 1905-7 (Proc. Roy. Soc. Edin.), A large 
field of work of extreme difficulty and fascination is 
here awaiting attack by the physicist and the mathe- 
matician, and not the least important of the functions 
of textile research associations lies in removing such 
problems from the almost complete obscurity and 
isolation they have hitherto “ enjoyed.’”’ It is almost 
unknown outside the industry that many of the most 
fundamental problems in textile technology are prob- 
lems for the mathematician and the mathematical 
physicist, and there is little doubt that in a few years’ 
time a real and considerable demand will exist in the 
textile industries for such workers: this should not 
be without interest for those engaged in the training 
of students in our universities. 
Tue Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries has re- 
issued Leaflet No. 71, dealing with the Colorado beetle, 
The discovery of this destructive insect in the neigh- 
bourhood of Bordeaux last year renders it necessary 
to take any precautions possible in order to guard 
against its entry into this country. On several 
occasions it has been carried by shipping to Europe, 
and has even become temporarily established on a 
During 1901-02 it occurred in potato 
plots in the neighbourhood of Tilbury docks, but was 
successfully eradicated by prompt measures. The 
present infestation in France is of a most serious 
nature, and it is known to have spread over about 
-Ioo square miles. In all probability its area of 
occupation is even larger, as it is difficult to investi- 
gate so large a district with equal thoroughness. The 
reappearance of the insect during the coming season 
will be watthed with some anxiety, and, unless the 
most drastic measures are taken on a very large 
scale, there is every chance that it will remain, and 
ultimately establish itself as a continental pest. In 
the latter event it can be scarcely more than a matter 
of time before it reaches England, since it is obviously 
impossible to prevent stray insects coming over un- 
observed in vessels from Bordeaux. The potato in 
this country is singularly free from insect pests, and 
it is to be hoped that the Colorado beetle will be 
unable to establish a footing. It is, however, gratify- 
ing to know that the Ministry of Agriculture has 
given the matter the fullest consideration; but it is 
incumbent upon all growers to inform the Ministry 
of the first sign of the appearance of the insect in 
the field, in order that it can be dealt with immediately 
by experts. There is no doubt that it can be eradi- 
cated if measures are taken sufficiently early; but it 
is evident that in France it has spread and multiplied 
to an extent which renders effective control a matter 
of great difficulty. 
In the issue for March 9 of Chemistry and Industry 
appears a review of the position of the nitrogen 
industry in France. The French Chamber of Deputies 
has recently approved the agreement made in 
November, 1919, with the Badische Anilin und 
Soda Fabrik, whereby the French were to pay 
5,000,000 frances for the right to work the Haber 
process, together with all information necessary to 
carry on the process as worked at Oppau and Merse- 
NO. 2790, VOL. 111] 
burg. Part of this sum would be paid on the 
ratification of the agreement, and the remainder when 
the factory has produced a minimum of 20 tons of 
fixed nitrogen per day for fifteen consecutive days. 
A royalty would also be paid when production reached 
a certain figure. The agreement has given rise to 
much discussion of the merits of the Haber and other 
processes. An inquiry instituted by the French 
Government in 1921 led apparently to the conclusion 
that under existing conditions the Haber and Claude 
processes offered practically equal advantages, and 
the matter can be settled only on the basis of ex- 
perience gained in working the various processes on 
a large scale over a considerable period. (Cf. NATURE, 
vol. 107, page 765; vol. r11, page ror.) 
SEVERAL new flying records were established 
during February, according to the Meteorological 
Magazine for March. A record climb of 20,000 feet 
in 12 min. 24 sec. by Flight-Lieutenant Haig at 
Martlesham Heath is noted as announced in the Times 
of February 6. The speed at ground level was 189 
miles per hour. At Marseilles, on February 15, M. 
Sadi Lecointe is said to have broken the world’s record 
for speed over a four-kilometre course: his average 
speed was 234% miles per hour, breaking the previous 
record by more than ro miles per hour. Another French 
airman, M. Maneyrol, on February 26 established a 
record, making a motorless flight of to kilometres 
(horizontal distance) near Cherbourg during a strong 
south-westerly wind. Three notable flights are said 
to take place this year: an expedition of five French 
aeroplanes was to start on March 15 on a world tour, 
probably lasting two years. An American crew 
will fly from Berlin to Chicago, towards the end of the 
year, in the Zeppelin air-cruiser now being con- 
structed for the American Government. A flight 
across the North Pole is to be attempted at the end 
of June in connexion with Amundsen’s expedition ; 
the distance to be covered is 2250 miles, and it is 
expected to fly this distance from Point Barrow to 
Spitsbergen in 26 hours. 
WE are asked to announce that the Museum of 
Practical Geology, 28 Jermyn Street, S.W.1, is closed 
for repairs until further notice. The offices and 
library of the Geological Survey remain open. 
Tue Brussels correspondent of the Times states 
that it has been decided to begin Summer Time in 
Belgium on April 21. 
On Thursday next, April 26, at 3 o’clock, Prof. 
J. T. MacGregor-Morris will begin a course of three 
lectures at the Royal Institution on ‘“‘ Modern Electric 
Lamps,’ and on Saturday, April 28, Dr. Leonard 
Williams will deliver the first of two lectures on the 
“ Physical and Physiological Foundations of Char- 
acter.’ The Friday evening discourse on April 27 
will be delivered by Prof. C. V. Boys on ‘“‘ Measure- 
ment of the Heating Value of Gas,’’ and on May 4 
by Prof. Soddy on the “ Origins of the Conception of 
Isotopes.”’ 
At a quarterly meeting of the council of the Royal 
College of Surgeons of England, held on April 12, the 
