more NCE 
A WEEKLY JOURNAL DEVOTED TO THE ADVANCEMENT OF SCIENCE, PUBLISHING THE 
OFFICIAL NOTICES AND PROCEEDINGS OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION 
FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF SCIENCE. 
EDITORIAL CoMMITTEE : 8. NEwcomsB, Mathematics; R. 8. WooDWARD, Mechanics; E. C. PICKERING, 
Astronomy ; T. C. MENDENHALL, Physics ; R. H. THURSTON, Engineering ; IRA REMSEN, Chemistry ; 
JOSEPH LE ConTE, Geology ; W. M. Davis, Physiography ; HENRY F. OsBoRN, Paleontology ; 
W. K. Brooks, C. HART MERRIAM, Zoology ; S. H. ScuDDER, Entomology ; C. E. BESSEY, 
N. L. Brirron, Botany; C. S. Minot, Embryology, Histology ; H. P. BownpitTcH, 
Physiology; J. 8S. BILLINGS, 
Hygiene ; 
WILLIAM H. WELCH, Pathology ; 
J. MCKEEN CATTELL, Psychology ; J. W. POWELL, Anthropology. 
Frrpay, Aprit 26, 1901. 
CONTENTS : 
Convocation Weelt........ccsccsecccesscevcnsenensencsesveees 
The National Academy of Sciences 
The Social Service of Science: PROFESSOR WIL- 
LIAM HARMON NORTON .........0....0000seeeeeeeeees 644 
The Gravity Measures of Europe and of the United 
States: DR. JOHN F. HAYFORD..........2.00:.0008 654 
The American Institute of Electrical Engineers: 
VWi¥o (Ch ASRDIRIDT ES) ncos00 0050 psacanoss5cconoD550qn0R005000 655 
Scientific Books :— 
Kolliker’s Erinnerung aus meinen Leben: PRO- 
FESSOR CHARLES S. MINOT. Eckstorm’s Bird 
Book, and Woodpeckers: C. F. B. Stillman’s 
Engineering Chemistry: PROFESSOR W. A. 
Noyes. Classen’s Method of Analytical Chem- 
istry : PROFESSOR H. P. TALBOT..............-.2.+ 657 
Scientific Journals and Articles.........0.cs.00ceeeeese0ee 661 
Societies and Academies :— 
Section of Anthropology and Psychology of the 
New York Academy of Sciences: DR. R. 8. 
WooDWworRtH. Geological Society of Washington: 
Dr. F. L. RANSOME and DAVID WHITE. Chem- 
ical Society of Washington: Dr. L. S. MuNson. 
Philosophical Society of Washington: C. K. 
WEAD, JOHN F. HAYFORD. Anthropological 
Society of Washington: DR. WALTER HouauH. 
The Academy of Science of St. Lowis : PROFESSOR 
WILLIAM TRELEASE. The Elisha Mitchell Scien- 
tific Society: PROFESSOR CHAS. BASKERVILLE 662 
Discussion and Correspondence :— 
Oil in Texas: PROFESSOR G. D. HARRIS. Dis- 
claimer No. 2: PROFESSOR H. F. BUCHNER 
PANN © REGE RS ester taelslesete tate meeisensseeeteetetseteeraces 666 
Shorter Articles :— 
The Development of the Pollen Tube and Fertiliza- 
tion in Pines: MARGARET C. FERGUSON......... 668 
Notes on Entomology: NATHAN BANKS............. 668 
Working of Patents Acts: PROFESSOR R. H. 
MENU SLO Nie. - sarc es)sincsssssvecedeteeecec seacesonsnesesiews 669 
A Mineral Survey of Texas: PROFESSOR FRED- 
TORIC) VAY (STEN IN ID)Scoccoacocoopea so nace nonoapanoDeHceenoD 671 
Proposed Survey of the Antiquities of Michigan...... 672 
The Davenport Academy of Science.......+++02.0.s0-e00e 672 
The Statistical Study of Biological Problems.......... 673 
The School of Pedagogy of New York University...... 674 
Scientific Notes and News .........-+2.sesreceeeeecsseoeens vis) 
University and Educational News ......5..» 
CONVOCATION WEEK. 
TuE action of the Association of American 
Universities recommending the adoption of 
a ‘convocation week’ to permit learned 
societies to hold their meetings at some 
other period than during the summer vaca- 
tion has already been reported in these 
columns. The action was taken in conse- 
quence of the request made officially to the 
Association by the committee appointed by 
the American Association for the Advance- 
ment of Science. The vote determining 
the recommendation was unanimous, and 
has now been reported formally to the four- 
teen universities which are members of the 
Association making the recommendation. 
The next step must be the adoption of 
the plan by our higher educational institu- 
It is therefore desirable that all 
scientific men should understand the proj- 
tions. 
ect, which may properly claim universal 
support. 
The week proposed is that in which 
January ist falls. In some universities, 
as for example Yale, this week is already 
included in the regular vacation, so that 
for them no change is involved. Many 
universities have already a vacation be- 
ginning just before Christmas and extend- 
