406 ANNALS NEW YORK ACADEMY OF SCIENCES 



the disturbances were introduced. (3) After the removal of the dis- 

 turbance the subject did slower work. (4) The records of errors do not 

 show any inferior grade of work during the disturbance. (5) Since no 

 index was obtained as to the amount of effort put forth by the subjects, 

 these results throw no light on the favorability or unfavoralnlity of the 

 noisy conditions. They have a purely subjective intent, namely, that the 

 subject is able to call forth enough extra energy to overcome any effect 

 the noise may have. 



Two attempts to get such an index were reported. One was by record- 

 mg the involunraiT difference in pressure that tlie subject exerted upon 

 a dynamometer while at work. With an improvement in technique this 

 method gives some promise. The other was to take a continuous respira- 

 tion record. Measuring the time of each expiration and inspiration and 

 finding the ratio between them (dividing the expiration by the inspira- 

 tion) gives a means of comparing the different respirations numerically. 

 Jn two experiments performed, this method gave definite results. They 

 showed that this ratio increases as the subject begins work, and rises to a 

 maximum. As he becomes accustomed to tlie work it dro])s somewhat. 

 jSToises cause a marked increase in the ratio, and removal of the disturb- 

 ance a decrease. It is planned to ascertain whether future experimenta- 

 tion will corroborate these results. 



The Section then adjourned. 



E. H. LowiE, 



Secretary. 



BFSIXESS MEETIXG 

 1 March, 1915 



The Academy met at 8 :15 p. :m. at the American Museum of Xatural 

 History, President George F. Kunz presiding.- In the absence of the 

 Eecording Secretary, Dr. Charles P. Berkey was appointed Secretary 

 pro fern. 



The minutes of the last business meeting were read and approved. 



The following candidates for membership in the Academy, recom- 

 mended by Council, were duly elected : 



Active Membership 



J. S. Lemon, Cosmos Club. Washington. D. C, 

 Frank G. Gilbrith, TT Brown Street, Providence. E. I., 

 L. A. Adams, Columbia Universitv. 



