NATIONAL RESEARCH COUNCIL 
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Messrs. Millikan and Stratton submitted brief reports relative to recent 
developments in procuring an adequate supply of optical glass for purposes of 
the Government. 
Upon nomination of Mr. Durand, Chairman of the Engineering Committee, 
the following Sub-committee on Protective Body Armor was appointed: 
Bashford Dean, Chairman, Col. E. B. Babbitt, G. O. Brewster, G. K. 
Burgess, W. F. Durand, Henry M. Howe, Edward H. Litchfield, Clarence 
Mackay, Ambrose Monell, Thomas Robins, David B. Rushmore, Capt. A. 
T. Simonds, Alexander McM. Welsh and W. H. Wilmer. 
He also rendered a report with regard to the prospective activities of this 
Sub-committee in undertaking cooperative work with the Government con- 
cerning advisable types of individual armor. 
Mr. Watson presented a statement concerning the activities of the Psychol- 
ogy Committee, which led to a discussion of methods employed in the selec- 
tion of men for aviators. Upon his recommendation, with the endorsement 
of the Executive Officer of the Council, a second allotment of $100.00 was 
voted for use by the Psychology Committee for maintenance of its office 
in the Munsey Building. 
Mr. Pearl submitted a report with regard to the work of the Agriculture 
Committee and stated that the Council of National Defense had made an ap- 
propriation for the necessary expenses of this work. He also stated that, with 
the approval of the Secretary of Agriculture, this Committee is now recognized 
as the official coordinating body for agricultural research in the United States. 
Mr. Durand reported that the special committee on the Patent Office 
situation had conferred with the new Commissioner of Patents. He sub- 
mitted the following recommendations: 
That the National Research Council undertake to organize a committee for the purpost 
of making a preliminary survey of the,problems presented by the work of the U. S. Paten 
Office. The purpose of this committee would be the following: 
1. To make a preliminary study of the character and scope of the investigations needed 
for an adequate study of the problems presented by the work of the Patent Office. 
2. To recommend means adequate for carrying forward such a study. 
3. To consider and recommend whether such investigations should be undertaken at the 
present time and under war conditions, or whether they should be deferred to a later time 
and under peace conditions. 
After discussion it was decided to take a broad view of the functions which 
such a committee might be expected to assume, and upon motion the present 
committee appointed to deal with this subject, consisting of Messrs. Durand, 
Millikan and Stratton, was given power to enlarge its membership to deal 
with the problems presented in accordance with the above recommendations. 
Mr. Dunn submitted a report concerning the relations of the Engineering 
Committee of the Council to other agencies engaged in engineering work and 
in the performance of functions which may be similar in character to those 
undertaken by this Committee, and Mr. Durand submitted a brief outline 
