Vol. 45 TORREYA December 1945 



NEWS NOTES 



Research Corporation, of New York, a non-profit organization devoted to 

 advancing research and technology by use of revenues from inventions as- 

 signed to it by public-spirited inventors, expects to spend $2,500,000 during 

 the next 5 years in grants-in-aid of postwar research in chemistry, physics, 

 mathematics, and their applications. Between 100 and 200 grants of $2,500 to 

 $5,000 annually are to be made to foster the continuation of research in col- 

 legiate institutions by men who have been active in war research. These men 

 returning to academic positions may apply for aid. The grants are to be made 

 to the institutions for the purchase of needed equipment and for the employ- 

 ment of assistants. The applications will be judged upon the scientific ability 

 of the applicant, the merit of his project, and the suitability of his institution 

 for such research. But consideration will be given to the contribution which 

 the grant promises to make to the needs and cultural future of the institution. 

 One object of the grants is to aid in maintaining or bettering the standards 

 of instruction in the schools. Applications should be sent to : Research Cor- 

 poration, 405 Lexington Avenue, New York 17, N. Y. 



Word has been received of the death of Dr. John C. Merriam in Oakland, 

 Calif., on October 30th at the age of 76. He had been Professor of Paleontology 

 for many years at the University of California, and Dean of the Faculties 

 in 1920. From that year until 1938 he was President of the Carnegie Insti- 

 tute of Washington. He was a founder, and for 24 years, President of the 

 Save-the-Redwoods League. He directed the early excavations and research 

 at the La Brea Pits, Los Angeles, where fossil remains of animals and 

 birds were found. In recent years he had been working on a philosophical 

 treatment of the John Day Basin in Oregon and its influence on human thought. 

 In many of his writings he tried to interpret science for the general reader, 

 especially in regard to the influence of science on the appreciation of nature. 



This is the last separate issue of Torreya. The result of the poll of the 

 membership, taken last spring regarding the publications of the Club, was 177 

 for combining the Bulletin and Torreya and 35 for separate publication. Ac- 

 cordingly plans have been made, beginning with the January issue of the 

 Bulletin, to include material formerly published in Torreya. Short articles 

 of scientific interest will be included in the regular section of the Bulletin. 

 There will be a section entitled "Torreya" which will include brief botanical 

 notes, especially those of more local interest, book reviews, field trips, proceed- 

 ings of the Club, and news notes. The present editor will continue to receive 

 material for this section. Other material should be sent to Dr. H. W. Rickett, 

 The New York Botanical Garden, New York 58, N. Y. 



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