REPORT OF THE SECRETARY 
3 
which not only will lighten the labors of"l;he secretary, if ob- 
served, but, what is of more consequence, will increase the value 
of the Proceedings. It ought not to be needful to say here that 
the English of our publications should be of a high order. But 
nine years experience in similar work gives me grounds for 
saying that such an admonition is not needless, even among 
scientific men, where accuracy is the watchword. I have wished 
that it were possible to have a training school where investi- 
gators might be given instruction in the use of model English 
phraseology; uniformity in the use of standard expressions, ab- 
breviations, punctuation, and other helps to intelligibility; the 
proper structure of the sentence; the use and misuse of the 
paragraph; typewriting and the appearance of the finished pa- 
per; and other points which might suggest themselves. I have 
had occasion often to wish for myself such instruction. But at 
least if we cannot attend such a training school, we can read 
our productions to our wives. They are likely to be good critics, 
and not too lenient. This will outline in brief what I wish for 
every member of our Academy who aspires to bring to the at- 
tention of the reading public his own accomplishment in this 
inner world of research of which we are each a part. Surely 
the children of our intellectual life are worthy the best clothing 
we can provide, and the criticism so often made of technical 
experts — that they can not prepare a creditable report — ought 
not to hold against scientific authors. 
Respectfully submitted, 
James H. Lees, 
Secretary. 
TREASURER’S REPORT. 
RECEIPTS. 
Cash on hand, April 25, 1914 $ 4.97 
Refund from L. S. Ross, due to excess payment • 10.45 
Dues and initiation fees from members and fellows 187.00 
Life member dues 14.00 
Sale of proceedings 4.25 
Exchange not used by the bank .20 
$220.87 
EXPENDITURES. 
Expense of lecturer, 28th meeting $ 28.01 
Postage and stenographic work for treasurer... 11.20 
