REPORT OF THE SECRETARY 
19 
ter dissipates heat only about 12 per cent more rapidly than a wire 
.005 inch diameter instead of twice as fast as might be expected. 
The new fact does not appear very important, yet it helped 
bring about a revolution in lighting/’ 
.The statement then describes in detail the method of using a 
helix of fine tungsten wire in a gaseous medium by means of 
which “a new lamp was created which at the same cost gave more 
and better light.” In conclusion the advertisement says : 
“Thus pure research, conducted primarily to find out how hot 
things cool, led to the invention of the gas-filled lamp of to-day — 
the cheapest, most efficient illuminant thus far produced. 
“Sooner or later research in pure science enriches the world 
with discoveries that can be practically applied. For this reason 
the research laboratories devote much time to the study of purely 
scientific problems.” 
It may be argued that there is a; selfish motive behind the pure 
research in this case, but may it not be conceded that beyond the 
utilitarian incentive there is also a humanitarian wish to. elevate 
and improve living conditions. Thus it may be in all research. 
That accomplishes the greatest good which most helps mankind, 
be it in physical, mental or spiritual channels. 
The work of the year has been very much like that of other 
years. There has been quite a large and varied correspondence — 
with members regarding various phases of the Academy’s work, 
with others who are interested in our publications ; and in addi- 
tion, despite the fact that we have issued no volume of Proceed- 
ings during the past two pears, there has been a large number of 
books distributed to various parts of the world. 
The problem of the publication of our Proceedings is like the 
proverbial poor - — it is ever with us. At risk of becoming weari- 
some may I restate the situation? The 38th General Assembly 
abolished the offices of state printer and state binder and provided 
that all public printing should be done by contract. But it pro- 
vided also that no awards should be made at prices beyond those 
previously paid under the old law. The war caused prices to 
soar and this automatically put a stop to publication until the 
39th General Assembly unscrewed the lid. When that was done 
the Printing Board which was created by the new law proceeded 
with the authorization of the printing of the accumulated docu- 
ments, among which were two volumes of Academy Proceed- 
ings. The contract for these two volumes was awarded the Torch 
Press of Cedar Rapids, and the first volume is now under way. 
