NATIONAL RESEARCH COUNCIL 
51 
Division of Engineering. — The tests of tractors and of special balloons have 
been very successful, and have established definitely the value of these two 
devices; and important progress has been made in the experiments on one of 
the special guns and one type of tank. In addition, a new hydraulic power 
transmission system, and a new navigation apparatus for aircraft have been 
taken in hand. 
Various committees of the Section on Metallurgy have been active and 
the work of the Helmet Committee has been hastened by increasing the experi- 
ments in pressing refractory steels into helmet shape. Important progress 
has been made in the electric welding of ships. An additional committee to 
study the metallurgical aspects of this welding has been formed. 
Division of Chemistry. — The principle item of interest to be reported for 
this month concerns the investigations in progress at various universities 
under the auspices of the Division. Fifty Research Problems are now being 
investigated; three of these have been satisfactorily completed and the data 
obtained transmitted to the Government agencies needing them. 
Division of Geology and Geography. — The text books for use in S. A. T. C. 
courses, entitled "Military Geology and Topography" and ''Introductory 
Meteorology" appeared toward the close of the month. Several conferences 
were held under the auspices of the Committee on Education and Special 
Training on the question of providing maps for use in the S. A. T. C. courses 
in colleges; as a result of this consultation a special committee has been 
appointed, of which P. S. Smith is Chairman, to make recommendations. 
The Division has taken up the study of the problems of reconstruction in 
the courses of instruction and research in geology and geography. This 
subject was referred to the Geology Committee of which J. M. Clarke is 
Chairman, and to the Committee on Geography of which W. M. Davis is 
Chairman. Each committee is to consider its particular phase of the prob- 
lem, including the institution of closer relations between scientific and engi- 
neering courses and of adequate provision for pure research. 
Major Douglas W. Johnson, a member of the Executive Committee of the 
Division, has returned from Europe after several months' absence, during 
which he had exceptional opportunity to study the utilization of geological 
and geographical information in war. Through his observations and his 
very clear and concise reports to the Division he has been able to supply 
information of great value. 
Division of Medicine. — During the month of October the Medical Division 
of the National Research Council received for use in research from Dr. W. W. 
Keen an additional gift of $101.74 representing further proceeds from the sale 
of his book entitled "The Treatment of War Wounds." Special disbursements 
were made in support of work (a) on the cause of influenza, and (b) the em- 
ployment of "immunized" skin grafts in the healing of infected wounds. 
Six new research projects were authorized. 
