514 
It now seems probable that the formule pro- 
posed for the representation of series spectra are 
not quite exact and are consequently to be re- 
garded as merely empirical and so without much 
real physical significance. Almost any function of 
integers containing four or five arbitrary con- 
stants will represent with accuracy a series of 
values which vary in a regular way. 
Ritz’s theory seems to the writer to be very arti- 
ficial and altogether improbable. 
In conclusion we may say that while we are still 
far from arriving at a complete theory of atomic 
structure yet some progress has been made in that 
direction. It is easy to get a theory which will 
explain any particular set of facts, but the same 
theory will not explain all the different sets of 
facts. 
‘ As to the bearing of radioactivity on this ques- 
tion reference may be made to a paper by J. W. 
Nicholson in the Philosophical Magazine for De- 
cember, 1911. The serious objections to planetary 
theories pointed out above apply to his suggestions. 
The Work of the Bureau of Standards: Dr. S. W. 
STRATTON, Director. 
For purposes of administration, the Bureau of 
Standards is for the present divided into seven 
divisions. The first four are based somewhat upon 
the usual divisions of the subject of physics, the 
work consisting primarily in the solution of prob- 
lems relating to standards of measurement, pre- 
cision measuring instruments, methods of measure- 
ment and the determination of constants. They 
also investigate the properties of materials when 
the determination of such properties involves the 
services and equipment of the physicist rather than 
those of the engineer. The fifth division includes 
the principal chemical work of the bureau. The 
sixth division, having to do principally with engi- 
neering tests and investigations not ordinarily 
included in the four physical divisions, is scarcely 
organized as yet, except in certain lines of testing. 
The seventh division, the newest and largest in the 
bureau, relates to the investigation and testing of 
engineering, structural and miscellaneous ma- 
terials, The various divisions are subdivided into 
sections, based upon the natural classification of 
their work, and sometimes upon the lines along 
which the experts specialize. The bureau is per- 
haps unique in bringing together the physicist, the 
chemist and the engineering investigator into 
Closer relationship than at any other scientific 
institution in the country. Every effort is made 
to promote cooperation, even at the expense of 
organization if need be. 
SCIENCE 
[N. 8. Vou. XXXV. No. 900 
The act establishing the Bureau of Standards 
authorizes it to take up, in addition to the usual 
problems in connection with the physical units and 
standards, the determination of physical constants 
and the properties of materials, that is to say, 
Congress in enacting this law recognized the neces- 
sity for standard values of constants and stand- 
ards of quality as well as standards of measure- 
ment. Uniform and accurate values of physical 
constants are as essential in scientifie investiga- 
tion, engineering work or commerce and trade as 
are uniform and reliable standards of length or 
mass. Similarly, well determined and defined 
properties of materials are equally important in 
the design of structures, the operation of ma- 
chinery and the various mechanical uses of ma- 
terials, A knowledge of materials is necessary for 
their most efficient and economical use. The 
problems awaiting solution in connection with the 
properties of materials are almost infinite in num- 
ber; hence, the bureau’s work in this direction 
will be confined for some time to come to those 
investigations which are necessary for the produc- 
tion of standard values or authoritative data. 
Attention should be directed to certain phases 
of the bureau’s work, which are of great impor- 
tance and which might be called the ‘‘by-prod- 
ucts’’ of the bureau. These are, furnishing to the 
public information acquired by the bureau in the 
exercise of its functions; the giving of informa- 
tion to the other bureaus and institutions of the 
government concerning physical, chemical and 
engineering questions involved in their work, and 
the giving of information to state and municipal 
governments and especially to public service com- 
missions, which are becoming a very important 
factor in state legislation. The experts of the 
bureau are consulted in regard to scientifie prin- 
ciples involved in the enactment of legislation and 
the establishment of regulations. At this time the 
bureau has in press several publications intended 
primarily for the assistance of state and municipal 
governments and public service commissions. An- 
other important ‘‘by-product’’ is the influence 
that the bureau is exerting upon the development 
of scientific methods and the establishment of 
research laboratories in connection with our indus- 
tries. The efforts of the bureau in connection 
with the work of these laboratories and in under- 
taking its own technical researches will always be 
directed toward basing such investigations on 
sound scientific principles, and to assist those in- 
dustries in a wider and more efficient use of the 
scientific discoveries. Finally, through the efforts 
