JANUARY 4, 1901.] 
work has been done by it; but it is also 
claimed that, for the most part, this work 
could have been equally well or better done 
at universities and private institutions, and 
that itis mixed up with so much indifferent 
work that the separation of the two is diffi- 
cult. It is also admitted that much of the 
work compares favorably with that done by 
professors and students at the various col- 
leges and universities of the country. But 
the critics do not see why the government 
should establish a great institution and 
give men commissions in the navy to enable 
them to do work which professors and stu- 
dents are doing at universities and which is 
of no special naval use. 
In framing a reply to this criticism we 
trust that several other points which invite 
adverse criticism will be cleared up to the 
pleasure of all. One is especially worthy 
of mention because we think, if anything 
can be said to correct the unfavorable im- 
pression which it makes, it ought to be 
said authoritatively and as speedily as pos- 
sible. 
scientific observation and investigation to- 
Among the important subjects of 
day is terrestrial magnetism. The good 
policy of the observatory in entering upon 
a field already occupied by another bureau 
of the government may be open to ques- 
tion, but this is aside from the main point, 
One of the best-equipped magnetic obsery- 
atories was established and, we believe, 
We 
learn from recent reports that the observa- 
observations made for a year or two. 
tions were suspended and the department 
discontinued, because the action of the 
electric current from a trolley line in the 
neighborhood so disturbed the instruments 
SCIENCE. 3 
as to deprive the results of all scientific 
value. Now, we hope the head of the es- 
tablishment will explain how it happened 
that one of the finest magnetic observato- 
ries in existence was established 400 yards 
from a trolley line, when a simple compu- 
tation of the effect of the electric current 
by a magnetic expert would have shown 
that its inductive effect would be destruc- 
tive to the results, and, unless we are mis- 
taken as to dates, after experience else- 
where had shown that the presence of such 
a line within a mile or even a mile and a 
half of a magnetic station was fatal to the 
usefulness of its work. All good wishers 
of the Observatory would be glad of a proof 
that this happened through no fault of its 
administration. 
We also suggest that something be said 
to remove the unfavorable impression made 
by the unfortunate experience of the insti- 
tution with its instruments from the begin- 
ning of its history. How many costly in- 
struments, supposed to be of the finest 
quality, have been procured, tested, recon- 
structed, found wanting and suffered to dis- 
appear from view, we cannot say without an 
But the recent 
easily accessible reports and documents 
throw some light on the later history of the 
examination of the records. 
subject. 
The great 26-inch telescope, constructed 
about 1874, was found to be so defective 
that, on moving into the new Observatory, 
what was substantially a new instrument 
was constructed. We believe that nothing 
but the object-glass and, perhaps, some ac- 
cessories of the old instrument were re- 
tained. Whose fault was this? ie 
