Makch 19, 1897.] 



SCIENCE. 



477 



63-71.) At the time there was no English 

 equivalent to German usage. 



W. A. Horn, in The New Illustrated Magazine 

 (London, March, 1897, pp. 597-605), gives a 

 vivid description of the Eremian or Solitary 

 Desert region of Australia. The surface of this 

 deflated plain is described as strewn with "bare 

 shining stones, having a polished surface, from 

 the sand continually blowing over them. They 

 are locally known as 'gibbers' (hard g.)." 

 Those who have occasion to employ a name for 

 such pebbles now have an extended choice of 

 German and Greek compounds and English gib- 

 berish. J. B. WOODWOETH. 



Habvaed Univebsity. 



nstteenational congeess of mathematicians 

 at zueich in 1897. 



" It is known that the idea of an international 

 congress of mathematicians has been, above all 

 in these latter days, the object of numerous 

 deliberations on the part of scientists interested 

 in its realization. It has appeared to them, by 

 reason of the excellent results obtained in other 

 scientific domains by an international 'entente,' 

 that assuring the execution of this project would 

 have very weighty advantages. 



"As the outcome of a very active exchange of 

 views, accord was reached on a prime point. 

 Switzerland, by its central geographic situation, 

 by its traditions and its experience of interna- 

 tional congresses, appeared designated to invite 

 a first attempt at a reunion of mathematicians. 

 In consequence Zurich is chosen as the seat of 

 the congress. 



"The mathematicians ofZurich do not disguise 

 from themselves the difficulties they will have 

 to surmount. But in the interest of this enter- 

 prise they have thought it their duty not 

 to decline the flattering overtures that have 

 been made them from all sides. They have 

 decided, therefore, to take all preparatory 

 measures for the future congress and, to the 

 extent of their powers, to contribute to its suc- 

 cess. So, with the concurrence of mathema- 

 ticians of other nations, was formed the under- 

 signed committee of organization, charged to 

 bring together, at Zurich in 1897, the mathematicians 

 of the entire world. 



"The congress, in which you are cordially in- 



vited to take part, will take place at Zurich the 

 9th, 10th and 11th of August, 1897, in the halls 

 of the Federal Polytechnic School. The com- 

 mittee will not fail to communicate to you, in 

 time, the text of the program determined, beg- 

 ging you to inform them of your adherence. 

 But even at present it may be said that the 

 scientific contributions and questions of policy 

 will pertain to subjects of general interest or 

 recognized importance. 



"Scientific congresses have also this great 

 advantage, to favor and keep up personal 

 relations. The local committee will not fail to 

 give great care to this part of its task, and, 

 with this aim, it will arrange a program of fetes 

 and social reunions. 



" May the hopes reposed in this first congress 

 be fully realized ! May numerous participants 

 contribute by their presence to create, among 

 colleagues, not alone coherent scientific rela- 

 tions, but also cordial bonds based on personal 

 acquaintance ! 



' 'Finally, may our congress serve the advance- 

 ment and the progress of the mathematical 

 sciences ! " 



The invitation of which the above is a trans- 

 lation is signed by eleven from Zurich and ten 

 associates, as committee. 



Readers of Science already know of the per- 

 sistent efforts of Vasiliev, of Kazan, and Lais- 

 ant, of Paris, to establish this congress. It is 

 matter for rejoicing that their noble endeavors 

 have been crowned with this definite successs. 

 Geoege Bruce Halsted. 



a new geogeaphical magazine. 

 The appearance of a new geographical maga- 

 zine * is a matter for both congratulation and 

 regret. The magazine referred to is designed 

 to furnish authentic and well-selected geograph- 

 ical data for the use of school teachers, and 

 the opening number gives promise that much 

 good may be expected from it in this direction. 

 The articles presented seem well adapted to the 

 audience addressed and are scarcely open to 



* Tlie Journal of School Geography. E. E. Dodge, 

 responsible editor ; W. M. Davis, C. W. Hayes, H. 

 B. Kiimmel, F. M. McMurry and E. DeC. Ward, as- 

 sociate editors. Published at Lancaster, Pa. Price, 

 $1.00 a year. 



