startling solution of our problem. He replaces the conventional ether by a granular medium, generally homogeneous, closely packed, and having a density ten thousand times that of water. Here and there the medium is strained, producing what Reynolds calls 'singular surfaces of misfit' between the normally piled grains and their partially displaced neighbors. These surfaces are wave-like in character, and constitute what we recognize as ordinary matter. Where they exist there is a local deficiency of mass, so that matter is less dense than its surroundings; and this, as Reynolds has said, is a complete inversion of the ideas which we now hold. Matter is measured by the absence of the mass which is needed to complete a normal piling of the grains in the medium. In other words, it might be defined as the defect of the universe. The 'singular surfaces' already mentioned are molecules, which may cohere, but can not pass through one another, and they preserve their individuality. Possibly I may misapprehend this theory, for it has been published in a most concise form, and the reasoning upon which it rests is not given in detail. I can not criticize it, but I may offer some suggestions. If matter consists of waves in a universal medium, how does chemical union take place? Shall we conceive of hydrogen as represented by one set of waves and nitrogen as represented by another, the two differing only in amplitude? If so, when they combine to form ammonia there should be either a superposition of one set upon the other, or else a complex system might be found showing interference phenomena. But would not the latter supposition imply a destruction of matter as matter is defined by theory? Could one such wave coalesce with or neutralize another? To conceive of a union of waves without interference is not easy, but the facts of chemical combination

must be taken into account. When we remember that compounds exist containing hundreds of atoms within the molecule, we begin to realize the difficulties which a complete theory of matter must overcome. Chemical and physical evidence must be taken together; neither can solve the problem alone. At present, the simplest conception for the mind to grasp is that of an aggregation of particles. Beyond this all is confusion, and mathematical devices can help us only a little. In speaking thus I assign no limit to the revelations of the future; some theory, now before the world, may prove its right to existence and survive; but none such, as yet, can be taken as definitely established. The theory which stands the test of time will not be a figment of the imagination; it must be an expression of observed realities. But enough of speculation; let me, before I close, say a few words of a more practical character.

Dalton's statue stands in Manchester, a fitting tribute to his fame. But it is something which is finished, something on which no more can be done, something to be seen only by the few. As a local memorial it serves a worthy purpose, but Dalton's true monument is in the set of constants which he discovered, and which are in daily use by all chemists throughout the world. Here is something that is not finished; and here Dalton's memory can be still further honored, by good work, good research, honest efforts to increase our knowledge. We have seen that the atomic weights are the fundamental constants of all exact chemistry, and that they are almost as important also to physics; but the mathematical law which must connect them is still unknown. Every discovery along the line of Dalton's theory is another stone added to his monument, and many such discoveries are yet to be made.

What, now, is needed? First, every

Col

atomic weight should be determined with the utmost accuracy, and what Stas did for a few elements ought to be done for all. This work has more than theoretical significance; its practical bearings are many, but it cannot be done to the best advantage along established lines. So far the investigators have been a mob of individuals; they need to be organized into an army. lective work, cooperative research, is now demanded, and the men who have hitherto toiled separately should learn to pull together. Ten men, working on a common plan, in touch with one another, can accomplish more in a given time than a hundred solitaries. The principles at issue are well understood; the methods of research are well established; but the organizing power has not yet appeared. Shall this be a great institution for research, able to take up the problems which are too large for individuals to handle, or a voluntary cooperation between men who are unselfishly inclined to attempt the work? This question I can not answer; doubtless it will solve itself in time; but I am sure that a method of collective investigation will be found sooner or later, and that then the advance of exact knowledge will be more rapid than ever before. When the atomic weights are all accurately known, the problem of the nature of the elements will be near its solution. Some of the wealth which chemistry has created might well be expended for this purpose. Who will establish a Dalton laboratory for research, and so give the work which he started a permanent home?

F. W. CLARKE.

SCIENTIFIC BOOKS.

British Museum (Natural History); First Report on Economic Zoology. By FRED. V. THEOBALD, M.A.

This is a volume of xxxiv-192 pages, with 18 illustrations, consisting primarily of a se

ries of reports to the Board of Agriculture, of reports and letters to a variety of unofficial correspondents, and of reports to the Foreigu Office and the Colonial Office, drawn up by Mr. Theobald during the years 1901-1902. Mr. Theobald has recently been employed by the trustees of the British Museum to assist the director in such work, especially with a view of furnishing the Board of Agriculture with scientific information on Economic Zoology, in accordance with a request made by that department of His Majesty's government.

As may be supposed, the subjects treated have come from all parts of the British Empire and are of more than local interest. The insects mentioned, having especial interest for the American entomologist, are the pear midge, Diplosis pyrivora Riley; the mussel scale, Mytilaspis pomorum; the apple aphis, Aphis mali; the tarnished plant bug, Lygus pratensis, attacking chrysanthemums; Dermestes lardaris; the bud moth, Hedya ocellana; the pear-leaf blister mite, Eriophyes pyri; and the Colorado potato beetle which made its appearance in England in 1901 and again in 1902. This last pest appeared in Tilbury dockyard on potato plants on the workmen's allotments. The land was cleared of all potato hulm and the hulm burned with paraffin, at night, on the ground and under the supervision of an officer of the Board of Agriculture; the ground soaked with paraffin, and plowed ten inches deep, after which it was dressed with gas lime, 60 tons per acre. Despite this treatment a few beetles appeared in 1902, but these were promptly collected and destroyed.

While not comparing with the classical reports of the late Miss Ormerod, from an entomological point of view, this is England's first attempt at providing for an official entomologist, and it is to be hoped that it may prove a beginning that will expand until the mother country will no longer continue to be outdone by even her smallest colonies, like Tasmania, Cape Colony and Natal, for illustration. Mr. Theobald might well be wholly employed in this work, and his first report is a good indication that he would prove a most

capable and efficient officer, if he were afforded the proper facilities for carrying out the proper functions of Government Entomologist. F. M. WEBSTER.

SCIENTIFIC JOURNALS AND ARTICLES. The American Naturalist for September begins with 'A Contribution to the Morphology and Development of Corymorpha pendula Ag' by Albert J. May. This includes a study of the origin of the sex cells and of the phenomena associated with oögenesis. J. Arthur Harris has a paper on 'The Habits of Cambarus' which contains many interesting observations on the burrowing habits of some species and their chimney building.' Max Morse contributes the nineteenth of the " Synopses of North American Invertebrates,' this being devoted to the Trichodictidæ, forming a monograph of the North American species. The balance of the number comprises reviews and notes, the botanical notes being many in number.

WITH the October issue The American Museum Journal begins its appearance as a quarterly. The number is practically devoted to an account of 'The Jesup North Pacific Expedition' accompanied by maps and illustrations. The supplement forms 'Guide Leaflet No. 12,' and in its thirty-two pages W. D. Matthew describes 'The Collection of Fossil Vertebrates' which has recently been rearranged. This Leaflet contains many illustrations and a large amount of information; it should be in great demand by others than museum visitors.

SOCIETIES AND ACADEMIES.

ONONDAGA ACADEMY OF SCIENCE.

THE first meeting of the Academy since the summer vacation was called to order by the president, Dr. Kraus, in the rooms of the Historical Society in Syracuse on September 25, 1903. P. F. Schneider presented a paper on Mica Prospects in Northern Georgia.' He gave a description of the area in which the mica occurs, of the mica-feldspar, pegmatite dikes in which it occurs, and considered

the conditions favoring the further development, such as the water power, cost of labor, etc. He closed with a statement of the different uses of mica. Mica has been produced in limited quantities in northern Georgia in years past and Mr. Schneider concludes that the surface indications justify further development and an increased output.

T. C. HOPKINS, Corresponding Secretary.

DISCUSSION AND CORRESPONDENCE.
THE ANIMAL PARASITE SUPPOSED TO BE THE
CAUSE OF YELLOW FEVER.

My connection with the Working Party No. 1 of the Yellow Fever Institute and the basis on which I rest my claim as being the first to have interpreted correctly and given value to the things found in the bodies of the mosquitoes infected from yellow fever patients.

Working Party No. 1 of the Yellow Fever Institute (a bureau of the U. S. Marine Hospital Service), consisting of Dr. Herman B. Parker, P.A., surgeon and chairman, Washington, D. C., Professor G. E. Beyer, biologist at Tulane University, and Dr. O. L. Pothier, pathologist, Charity Hospital, New Orleans, reports in Bulletin No. 13 of the Institute the results of its labors in Vera Cruz during the summer of 1902.

Section 6 of this bulletin contains the description of an animal parasite which was found in the bodies of mosquitoes infected from yellow fever patients.

In the letter of transmittal the following sentence occurs:

In the proper study and classification of this new parasite the Working Party desires to express its thanks to Mr. J. C. Smith, of New Orleans, La., for valuable aid and suggestions in working out the life-history of the organism.

I claim that the above recognition is not commensurate with the services I rendered to the party. That it was not 'aid and suggestions' that the party received from me, but that it was given the pith of the whole matter included in the section entitled: The Contaminated Stegomyia fasciata and its Parasite,' as I will show further on.

The members of the party had all returned from Vera Cruz about October 1, 1902.

Professor Beyer had solicited, a number of times, my assistance in working up the material he had prepared, consisting of slides of infected mosquitoes.

On January 23, 1903-fifteen weeks after the return of the members from Mexico-I undertook the examination of their material. Up to this time, Professor Beyer, who was the biologist of the party, knew of no evidence of a parasite in these mosquitoes excepting some 'granular bodies,' as they were styled, which were found in the cells of the salivary glands, and which I afterwards showed the party were not 'granular bodies,' but were linear bodies, five or six times longer than wide-the sporozoites.

On January 30 I reported having found in the bodies of a number of the mosquitoes an animal parasite in process of sexual development. This report was accompanied by my sketch of all the processes.

According to Professor Beyer's statement to me at the time, Dr. Parker was urged to come to New Orleans in order to see the results of my investigations. The party was then ordered to convene in New Orleans. Dr. Parker arrived on or about the tenth of February, and a very short time after his arrival he and Professor Beyer called on me. They were both shown my sketch of the parasite in its various stages and given by me a history of these stages. Dr. Parker thanked me for my services and expressed his desire to see the parasite. He examined the sketch very carefully and did not say that he had ever recognized any of the stages depicted in the sketch.

On or about February 12 the members had their first session and heard my report read. At this session and the two following I was present, and, singly and alone, demonstrated step by step the parasite and its gradual development from the third to the fifteenth day after infection.

On showing the spores in the tissues surrounding the salivary glands (wandering spores), Dr. Parker remarked that he had a photograph showing this phase. He then opened a package of well-executed photographs

which he had brought from Washington, and found one showing these spores. There were about fifteen photographs in the package and after all had been examined carefully no trace of any other phase of the parasite could be found. As Dr. Parker knew the object of his coming to New Orleans, it is perfectly natural to conclude that if he had had any other photographs showing the parasite, he would have brought them with him.

At no time during these sessions did any member of the party signify by word or action that any of the phases which were being shown them had been seen before. On the contrary, the difficulty which I had in getting them to see and comprehend some of the phases was conclusive evidence that they were seeing these things for the first time.

At the conclusion of the third session I said to the members that I expected to be given full recognition for my services and this recognition must be placed in the text treating on the parasite, and not in the letter of transmittal.

Dr. Parker, speaking for and before the members, again thanked me for my work and promised that I should be given the recognition asked, and that it would be placed in the text treating the parasite.

At the fourth and final session-to which I was not invited and did not attend-the history of the parasite was incorporated in the final report of the working party. Dr. Parker and Professor Beyer had written this history so that it was a copy of my report, to which Dr. Pothier objected and advised that it be written in their own way so as not to appear as a duplicate of my report. This advice prevailed and the history was written as it now appears in Bulletin No. 13.

At this session Dr. Parker and Professor Beyer, notwithstanding their promise to me the day before, declined to recognize my services. Dr. Pothier was indignant and refused to sign the report unless justice were done me. A recognition was then placed in the text treating of the parasite and the report was signed by the, three members. On the return of Dr. Parker to Washington this recognition was suppressed, as will be shown

further on by Surgeon-General Wyman's letter to me dated August 24.

All that I have related above concerning the four sessions can be corroborated by Dr. O. L. Pothier, who was a member of the working party and attended the sessions.

Some days after this fourth session I tried to learn from Professor Beyer what had been done in the matter of recognition of my services, but could get no satisfactory answer from him. I then told him that I intended to criticize the report when it was published, and that the party had failed to get one very important characteristic of the parasite. That characteristic is that all the gametes have a non-contractile vacuole in their anterior halves. If the reader will look over the report, he will find that this very important feature is not mentioned.

Several days after this interview with Professor Beyer, I received the following letter from Dr. Parker:

TREASURY DEPARTMENT, MARINE-HOSPITAL SERVICE, WASHINGTON, D. C., Mch. 6, 1903.

MR. J. C. SMITH, New Orleans, La.

My Dear Mr. Smith: Since returning to Washington I have been intending to write to you and ask if you will transmit to me at your earliest convenience your opinion of the organism and its phases as you saw them with Dr. Beyer.

I would like this not only for my own information, but if necessary to quote you on points that at present may seem somewhat hazy.

The subject is, as you know, a rather large one, especially for those who are not familiar with more than the rudiments of this branch of the sciences. I hope, however, to acquire enough from my friends and the books to make this organism presentable.

has gone wrong It seems to me that I am not going to receive from your commission (working party), the recognition which I justly claim, so I have concluded to reserve what I have to say about the parasite and the part I have taken to bring it to light until the report is published. If I am mistaken as to the treatment your commission (working party) contemplates according me, I shall say no more about it, but you will have to assure me of my mistake and say just how I am to be recognized before I can feel satisfied to give you my written views as you request in your letter of the 6th inst. Yours truly,

(Signed) J. C. SMITH.

To which no reply has been received. On May 6, during the session of the American Medical Association in New Orleans, I had a conference with Surgeon-General Wyman. At this conference I related the story of my connection with the working party, which was substantially as it is written above, and said to him that I had good reasons to believe that I was not to receive the recognition I was entitled to. In response to his question as to what recognition I wanted, I handed him the following memorandum :

The commission is indebted to Mr. J. C. Smith, of New Orleans, La., for his valuable services in working out the sexual life-history of the parasite in the body of the mosquito.

This to be in the text treating on the parasite.

He said that was the first time he had heard of my connection with the working party; that the party had no right to go outside the department for assistance; that he would investigate the matter and would do justice to

me.

On June 10 Dr. Wertenbaker, surgeon at the Marine Hospital in New Orleans, called on me and presented a telegram from Surgeon-General Walter Wyman which read as follows:

See J. C. Smith and get from him a signed statement of his relation to the working party and his understanding as to recognition.

On the same day Dr. Wertenbaker was given the signed statement, which contained the same items recorded above, and the fol