PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS. 19 



material subjected to constantly varying stresses, bending, 

 torsional, etc., especially require investigation, as to what 

 change of structure is produced by fatigue of this character, 

 and if made, a great scientific and engineering gain would 

 be brought about. Professor Arnold, who has designed a 

 special testing apparatus, gave some interesting particulars 

 on this matter, at the recent meeting of the British Associa- 

 tion, when he said the subject was a much more complicated 

 one than was generally supposed. 



Great things are expected of single phase electrical 

 working in traction. The difficulties which have hitherto 

 attended this method are being successfully overcome, 

 especially in America, and two lines, Fort Wayne to Spring- 

 field, and another in the same State, are being equipped on 

 this system, and favourable results, as regards economy in 

 first cost and working, are confidently expected. The direct 

 current system, hitherto so largely used in such work, has 

 its limitations, in voltage, speed control, etc., and by the 

 alternating current, transforming properties can be brought 

 into use, while the further adoption of the single phase 

 working reduces the first cost, by its requirement of only 

 one conducting wire. 



I spoke of the necessity of wonder, for the man of science. 

 One of the most beautiful things in nature is the wondering 

 and wistful look, in the eyes of a child, gazing at the strange 

 things in the glorious world into which it has been brought. 

 By continual questioning, it gradually acquires knowledge 

 of the outward semblances of the earth and sky, the trees 

 and flowers, and their uses to him. To the true scientist, 

 must be given this reverent wonderment, this constant 

 enquiry, in fact, the spirit of a little child, if he is to coax 

 from the great powers of nature, their inmost secrets, and 

 use them, by the aid of his fellow worker the engineer, for 

 the happiness, the well being, and the comfort of his 

 fellow man. 



