16 
IOWA ACADEMY OF SCIENCE Vor,. XXVIII, 1921 
putting their work in writing. Some sin a great deal more 
than others. The two outstanding sins are long loose discon- 
nected sentence structure and the superfluous use of punctua- 
tion marks. Both faults could be corrected easily if men would 
take more care and thought and more time in preparing their 
papers for publication.” The fitness of these statements is be- 
yond dispute. 
I wish, however, to make one suggestion regarding the appoint- 
ment of the editorial committee, and that is that it be by the Secre- 
tary, in an informal way. I am convinced that it will be to the 
best interests of all concerned that a^ few persons as possible 
know the personnel of the committee. This will reduce to a mini- 
mum the possibility of ill-will because of any criticisms which 
may be made of papers submitted. I hope this suggestion will 
meet with your approval. 
In accordance with a minute of the last meeting there is to be 
offered for your consideration a revised constitution. This in- 
cludes practically all the amendments which have been adopted 
since 1903 and also certain other changes and additions which the 
work of the Academy has shown to be desirable. The noteworthy 
points are: the discontinuance of the Council of the Academy, 
which has been an accornplished fact for some years; the disuse 
of the classes of Corresponding Fellows and Corresponding Asso- 
ciates ; and the changing of the membership of the Executive Com- 
mittee, providing for one vice president instead of two and the 
substitution of the presidents of the sections for the elective mem- 
bers. A number of bylaws have been appended, to provide for 
the time of meetings, quorum for business, representation on the 
Council of the American Association for the Advancement of Sci- 
ence, an editorial committee and the organization of sections of 
the Academy. This constitution has been carefully considered by 
the Executive Committee and it is believed that it embodies those 
provisions which will best fit the present needs of the Academy. 
Let me congratulate the Academy upon its solid growth and its 
lively perennial enthusiasm. These characteristics are bearing 
fruit in the elevation of the plane of scientific endeavor and 
achievement in the state and are certain to react in the continued 
advance and development of our society. 
Respectfully Submitted, 
James H. Lees, 
Secretary. 
