Engineering and Science, Volume 2:4, June 1939

RECENT BOOKS (An abridgement of the list of "Recommended Reading" offered to members of the Alumni Association at the Humanities Seminar held in March, 1939.) Novels Dorothy Baker, Young Man with a Horn. Taylor Caldwell, Dynasty of Death. John Dos Passos, U.S.A. James T. Farrell, No Star Is Lost. William Faulkner, The Wild Palms. Ernest Hemingway, To Have and Have Not. Sinclair Lewis, The Prodigal Parents. Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings, The Yearling. John Steinbeck, The Grapes of Wrath. George R. Stewart, East of the Giants. Elizabeth Bowen, The Death of the Heart. Aldous Huxley, Eyeless in Gaza. Virginia Woolf, The Years. Andre Malraux, Man's Hope. Thomas Mann, Joseph and His Brothers, Young Joseph, Joseph in Egypt. Eric M. Remarque, Three Comrades. Jules Romains, Men of Good Will. Gladkov, Cement. Pilniak, The Volga Falls to the Caspian Sea. Romanoff, Three Pairs of Silk Stockings. Short Stories Ernest Hemingway, The Fifth Column (a play) and the First Forty-Nine Stories. John Steinbeck, The Long Valley. Biography and Autobiography Richard E. Byrd, Alone. Eve Curie, Madame Curie. Marquis James, Life of Andrew Jackson. Somerset Maugham, The Summing Up. Antonina Vallentin, Leonardo da Vinci: The Tragic Pur- suit of Perfection. Carl Van Doren. Benjamin Franklin. Plays Rachel Crothers, Susan and God. Clifford Odets, Rocket to the Moon. Robert E. Sherwood, Abe Lincoln in Illinois. Thornton Wilder, Our Town. Poetry T. S. Eliot, Collected Poems. Robert Frost, Collected Poems. Philosophy University of California Associates, Knowledge and Society. Alfred N .Whitehead, Modes of Thought. Psychology W. Crafts and others, Recent Experiments in Psychology. June, 3939 Sigmund Freud, The Basic Works of Sigmund Freud. (Translated by A. A. Brill. Modern Library.) N. L. Munn, Psychological Development. Mandel Sherman, Mental Conflicts and Personality. L. M. Terman, Psychological Factors in Marital Happiness. Religion Theodore G. Soares, Three Typical Beliefs. General Eric T. Bell, Man and His Lifebelts. Ralph Adams Cram, The End of Democracy. Philip Guedalla, The Hundred Years. Aldous Huxley, Inds and Means. Oscar Lewis, The Big Four (Huntington, Stanford, Crocker, Hopkins). Lin Yutang, The Importance of Living. Anne Morrow Lindbergh, Listen! The Wind. John Muir (Linnie M. Wolfe, ed.), John of the Mountains. Lewis Mumford, The Culture of Cities. Harold E. Stearns, America Now. An Inquiry into Civilization in the United States by Thirty-Six Americans. T NEW RAILROAD CAR (Continued from page 4) to compare the new equipment with coaches of standard type known to have good riding qualities. These comparisons include operation over fair track at speeds up to 80 miles an hour and on good track up to 94 miles an hour and demonstrate clearly the advantage of the new suspension system. However, no careful instrument measurements are necessary to demonstrate the important points which have been established and which contribute in no small way to passenger comfort. In these new cars, standing and walking about is accomplished with greater ease and with feeling of greater stability than in a standard six wheel truck club car, weighing six times as much as one of the new cars, which is a part of the test train. In fact, walking from one car to the other gives a comparison definitely favorable to the new equipment. Then, as the second outstanding difference, writing at a table in the new car is distinctly easier and the result more legible than that done in the standard car. The improvement is due primarily to the absence of harsh lateral acceleration so characteristic of standard equipment at high speed on indifferent track. Indeed, even in the tail of the new rear car, with its large overhang, objectionable lateral motion, or whipping is not experienced. And finally, a less spectacular but definitely welcome improvement offered by the new cars is the freedom from high frequency vibration or "jitter" so characteristic of high speed trains. Those annoying small vibrations which make reading dificult are not present with the new suspension system, a result which is another important element added to passenger comfort. - 13 MANY TECH MEN EMPLOYED BY SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA GAS CO. Twenty-seven 'Tech graduates have found their places in the business world among the many technical and semi-tech-nical positions available in the Southern California Gas Com-pany. Of these, fourteen are doing various types of work in the Sales Department where an engineering background is helpful if not essential to their duties. Within this Department several of the executives can be listed as "Tech men." W. M. Jacobs, '28, heads the Sales Department as General Superintendent of Sales. Directing the sales policy for the entire territory served by the Com pany, from the San Joaquin Valley on the north, to Palm Springs on the south, he heads a department which employs nearly 300 people. The varied activities of this department include the direct sale, and sales promotion, of all domestic gas appliances, industrial and commercial sales, extension of gas mains, home economics work, and consultation service with architects, contractors and prospective home builders. Edgar M. DeRemer, '25, is in charge of industrial gas sales. Because of the large pipeline capacity necessary to bring natural gas from the various oil fields to metropolitan areas during certain peak periods, it is possible to use this capacity to supply surplus gas for industrial purposes at low rates. DeRemer and the staff of industrial sales engineers sell this surplus natural gas to industries, helping them with design of boiler equipment, operation of plants, and many principles of heat application. Heat for a battery of kilns to bake brick and tile, or for a new process to heat treat small metal alloy pieces — all can use natural gas, and in many cases more economically and better with the properly designed gas equipment. H. M. O'Haver, '29, Murray N. Schultz, '27, and Arthur F. Michael, '24, are each industrial sales engineers whose territory brings forth new heat requirements every day. Schultz works in the territory from Compton to the beaches, while O'Haver and Michael serve customers in the industrial section of Los Angeles. Three of the six domestic sales supervisors, one of whom has charge of the sale of domestic appliances for each of the six operating divisions into which the Company's territory is divided, are Institute graduates. A. M. Cramer, '29, has charge of the appliance salesmen in the Los Angeles metropolitan area. Cramer, in addition to directing the salesmen's activity, supervises appliance displays and domestic sales clerical staff. L. O. Scott, '29, is Domestic Sales Supervisor in charge of sales for the San Joaquin Valley area; while Frank M. Foster, '25, is Division Sales Supervisor in the Kern County Division of the lower San Joaquin Valley. Each of these men directs the sales activity of Gas Company personnel and cooperating gas appliance dealers in his respective district. June, 1939 Other Cal-Tech men in the Sales Department include Robert Grossman, '33, who is Office Engineer for Jacobs, drawing up all manner of proposals and keeping various records and budgets related to sales activity. Paul Hammond, '36, represents the many gas appliance dealers in the San Joaquin Valley, reporting to I. O. Scott. An extensive program is carried on with the dealers, educating them to make more and better appliance sales to earn more money for themselves and to add more satistactory appliances to the gas lines. Robert G. Smith, '31, is office engineer in the Domestic Sales Department at Los Angeles, keeping records, ordering appliance stocks, and analyzing sales policies and perform-ances. Harry L. Warren, '24, is research engineer in the Sales Department, coordinating sales activities, preparing analytical studies and doing certain staff work. In cooperation with men from other companies and government officials, he represents the Gas Company in preparing revisions of various ordinances relating to gas appliances and in raising the performance standards of gas equipment. W. Wayne Wilson, '34, is commercial sales engineer for Glendale, Burbank, and the San Fernando Valley territory, making estimates of cost to install and operate heating plants. He also contacts restaurants, apartments and commercial establishments. John L. Hall, '30, is in the commercial section of the Sales Department, supervising the promotional selling activities of the men in the hotel and restaurant cooking field. This department recommends proper type of equipment to obtain the most benefit from gas which is almost universally used for commercial cooking. Besides sales engineers, the many technical problems in collecting gas from wells, preparing it for market, transmission and distribution, require the service of competent engineers. In the oil field territory around Taft we find John T. Cortelyou, '34, and M. Martin McMahon, '36. Their problems are chiefly those of checking large volume gas measurements, metering equipment and those encountered in collecting compression and transmission of natural gas to metropolitan markets. John E. Michelmore, '26, is division engineer in charge of estimating and designing pipeline facilities in the San Fernando Valley territory from Glendale to Newhall. He also has charge of automotive equipment and is assistant to the general superintendent in that area. In the civil engineering department at Los Angeles are James F. P. Thomson, '26, Claude T'. Scott, '35, and Paul G. Parsons, '32. These junior engineers are doing a variety of work in designing pipelines, pressure regulators and other 7 equipment. With the installation and maintenance of many miles of pipeline, surveys and mapping work are essential. It is also necessary to secure rights-of-way and permits to lay lines in streets and other public property. These men are getting a taste of all this work rather than being confined to any one particular duty. Similarly employed in the design engineering department is Robert T. Bard, '35. He is primarily engaged in making maps and studying the layout of pipeline systems in relation to the topography of the country they traverse. Charles H. Wilcox, '15, is chief steam engineer. He superintends the operation of the boiler plant as steam is used continuously to operate huge gas compressors, and during the winter season steam must be kept available at all times for use in the generators to manufacture gas in case of shortage or damage to the huge transmission lines bringing gas from the oil fields. Engaged in the research laboratory is Rudolph G. Hol-man, '34, where he is working on numerous technical prob-lems. Proper pressures, specific gravity and specific heat are important items to be calibrated exactly in determining the characteristics of natural gas in its behavior in transmission and distribution systems. In other departments are still other Tech men. In the land and tax department are Charles F. Humphrey, '26, who is franchise engineer, and Howard R. Preston, '23, office engi-neer. The work of these men relates to recording and valuation of Company property for franchise, rate making and taxation requirements. In the general agents office, Austin Strong, '30, and George Pickett, '33, are office engineers. They are engaged in job classification and cost and time accounting of the many standardized procedures of employees in many different de-Parments there such studies may develap better ways to do the job. Twenty-seven Cal-Tech men in one organization bespeak the recognition by the Gas Company of the value of a technical training in college. Not only technicians, but other employees are better qualified to handle their jobs when their background has taught thm to think and act logically. Opportunity with a gas utility is wide for engineers, as evidenced by the positions attained by the men mentioned above, and Southern California Gas Company will undoubtedly list even greater numbers of Cal-Tech graduates as time goes on. STUDY FOSSILS Systematic study at the Institute of fossil fish of the Pacific Coast will be made possible by a grant of funds recently made by the Geographical Society of America. The work will be supervised by Dr. Chester Stock, professor of paleontology, and will use fossils already collected and awaiting study, in addition to securing further material. SEMINAR WEEK-END FURTHER REPORTS ON MARCH PROCEEDINGS "Inflation on a Balanced Budget" PROF. PHILIP S. FOGG Reported by Robert V. Carey, '32 By means of a graphic analysis, Professor Fogg demonstrated the tremendous growth in Federal expenditures since the World War. Prior to the War, Federal expenditures amounted to between $750,000,000 and $800,000,000 per annum, financed largely by customs and liquor taxes. The tremendous outlays necessitated by the War jumped expenditures to approximately 13 billion dollars in 1918 and 19 billion in 1919, necessitating the borrowing of 25 billion dollars. As a result of the War, Federal expenditures during the 'twenties assumed a new high level of between 3% and 4 billion dollars a year. The emergency spending undertaken by the Roosevelt administration as a means to combat the depression resulted in the borrowing of huge sums of money and a consequent rise in Federal expenditure to a new high level of 7 to 9 billion dollars a year. Professor Fogg pointed out that this program would result in a permanent level of Federal expenditures of at least 7 billions dollars per annum below which expenses probably could not be reduced. The only method of balancing the budget would be to raise the income of the Federal government to a level commensurate with outlays. He further stated that an unbalanced budget cannot continue indefinitely without drastic price inflation. However, barring another war, Professor Fogg stated that, in his opinion, means would eventually be found to raise the Federal income. Aeronautics Seminar Reported by Harry H. Canterbury, '06 Papers presented as follows: 1. Louis G. Dunn-on the design of rocket motors with respect to investigating their thermal efficiency. Object-obtaining scientific data at great heights, possibly 200,000 feet. 2. Frank J. Malina-on monocoque construction and analysis of stresses of the skin and strengthening members. 3. W. L. Howland-monocoque construction analysis. In small structures, factors are well known but large planes now being built require extensive research analysis. 4. Lt. Beardsley, U.S.N.-Studies on impact with relation to failure of landing gear. Repetitive impact testing machine now being designed. This is a vertical drop type machine. 5. Robert S. Schairer-profile and drag measurements. Lantern slides to illustrate the apparatus and curves obtained. (Continued on page 11) Alumni Review ALUMNI YOU SHOULD KNOW BUSINESS EXECUTIVE Herbert B. Holt, '15, is accomplishing a record of blue ribbons among Tech Alumni-one of the two first to receive degrees at the Institute in Civil Engineering and one of the two first of the Institute Associates among the Alumni. He started out as a true Civil-with the Santa Fe Railroad, originally in the Engineering Department, next in a field party and then as Engineer of Construction. This auspicious start was interrupted in May, 1917, when he became a Private in the 18th Engineers, and again changed direction in the fall of 1919 when he emerged from Overseas as First Lieutenant in the Chemical Warfare Service. The Santa Fe again claimed him as Engineer of Construction, following which he located a logging railroad in central California. In 1921 he became associated with Bekins Van & Storage Co. and shortly afterwards progressed to the unanagership of that company for Northern California. That status continued until early in 1935 when he became Southern California Manager. Bekins is a California Corporation which owns and operates 19 warehouses, 250 trucks and employs nearly 500 people. In Herb's record the Class of '15 has set up a mark for all other classes to shoot at. Herbert B. Holt Alfred J. Stamm June, 1939 CHEMIST It is rare indeed that we find the enviable combination of physical and mental endowments which is "Alf" Stamm's. He is recalled as an above-average, energetic undergraduate student. It is no surprise that we now find Dr. Alfred J. Stamm à brilliant chemist with the U. S. Forest Products Laboratory. His position and success have apparently intensified his talent, vigor and enthusiasm. Dr. Stamm received his B.S. in Chemistry from the Institute in 1921. After one year with a local firm he accepted the position of Assistant in chemistry with the University of Wisconsin, combining studies and research toward his Ph.D. which was received in 1925. He then joined the staff of the Products Laboratory, U. S. Department of Agri-culture, which is located on the university campus in Mad-ison, Wisconsin, maintained for the study of wood in all its phases. As recipient of a National Research Council fellowship he worked in the University of Upsala, Sweden, for a year and while there represented the U. S. in the International Forestry Conservation Convention held in Stockholm. Dr. Stamm is now Senior Chemist at the Laboratory and is the author of a large number of scientific papers. Tech can well be proud of his contributions to the commercial and scientific world. - 9 - NEWS OF CLASSES (Continued from page 15) 1938 OMSTED WRITES Telling of boom conditions in Norway, as well as of much improved outlook for technicians, Harold Olmsted, John Minasian is an office assist- writes interestingly to Prof. M. R. Martel ant for the William Neil Company of Los of the Institute civil engineering staff. Angeles. When he left Pasadena two years ago, Albert E. Jurs is now employed by the after receiving his master's degree, Yale Townsend Corporation of New York Mr. Omsted expected to spend vacation Robert Custer is a chemist at the Gen-of several week in Norway and then re" eral Petroleum Corporation's Laboratory turn to the United States. He had worked at Santa Fe Springs, California. in east and in the neighborhood of Los Angeles for 18 years before being able Peter Goff is now employed by the to afford his graduate tuition as a civil Board of Fire Underwriters. with head-engineer. quarters in Los Angeles. Jack Johannessen is now employed by the Imperial Irrigation District. LETTERS The following is an excerpt from a letter to Charles Schwieso, former Y.M.C.A secretary at the Institute. Hong Kong, China March 16,1939 Dear Chuck, It happened that when your letter reached Canton, the latter had fallen into the hands of the Japanese. However, the letter was forwarded to the Pui Too Girls' School, which is an American owned academy in which there are some missionaries staying to watch over the property. I was engaged in governmental rail- road work the last two years until last July when I came down to Hong Kong to join my family. Since then I've been teaching in the Engineering College of Kuomin University which had also moved from Canton to Hong Kong last Sep- tember, Just two weeks ago I was called again to go into the interior to work in Yun-nanfu- China. the southwest bordet one s am to join the members of the Yunnan-Szechuan Railroad, a line of about 800 kilometers. It will be the main road connecting these two big provinces. I shall leave Hong Kong on March 19. Owing to the fact that living conditions in Yunnanfu are unfamiliar shall leave the family in Hong Kong for the time being. I know it is hard to leave them, but conditions are so in China in this time of our struggle. I hope that they will be able to join me in the summer. We have our confidence battle if we will stick it out hard enough with the Japs. I'm sure you will remember Drs. Woo (Ph.D., '31) and Liu who were with me in Pasadena. Both of them are staying in Yunnan now. I will look them up when I get there and say hello to them for you. Yours sincerely, DAVID WONG, '32. June, 1939 A conference was held in the Guggenheim laboratory in which aeronauties research and problems were discussed. After the conference, Colonel Lindbergh viewed the polishing of the 200 inch mirror for the Palomar Mountain Observatory. T Finds Job Position However, he writes, he landed a posi-ion with one of Norways prominent consulting engineers, A. L.. Hoyer, who 1 son-in-law of the famous Dr. Fridtjof Nansen. When he was previously at home in 1930, he had tried unsuccessfully for six months to obtain work. "The country in general, and Oslo in particular, has witnessed a building boom the like of which it was never my fortunc to experience in the United States. It has encompassed all kinds of building as well as highway construction. The young Norwegian-American engineer criticises much of the struction he has being "arty" rather than sound basically in engineering Concrete work is not up to best Ameri- ca standards, he finds. In a brief reference to the political situation, he says: "We in the quiet corner of Europe view with alarm,' to say the least, the present trend toward barbarism in certain European countries. In recent Swedish papers, Norway has been severly criticised for not arming enough! PITTSBURGH GROUP ACTIVE The frequent visits of Tech men provide Pittsburgh Alumni with a close per sonal touch with the Institute-particu-larly because they, whenever possible, seize these occasion for get-togethers. Professor Sorensen was feted in January and Professor Maxstadt, Ph.D. '31, was the honored guest in February. Late in March the presence of Protes-sor Frederick C. Lindvall, Ph.D. '28, was made the occasion for a dinner party. Those in attendance were: Mr. and Mrs. T. E. Brown '36, Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Hobson '35, Mr. and Mrs. A. E. Schuler '26, Mr. P. H. Wyckoff, M.S. '37, Mr. W. E. Stephens, and Professor Lindvall NEBULAE CONTAIN METALS The existence of the heavier metallic elements in planetary nebulea has recently been definitely established by Dr. Ira S. Bowen, Ph.D. '26, professor of physics, Aware of Danger Lick observatory. This discovery announc- "But with gangsters for neighbors we in collaboration with Dr. Wyse, at the are forced to make a few precautions. Vol-ed at the recent meeting of the National untary groups of citizens are drilled for Academy of Science in Washing promises various duties during air attacks. All in- to be of considerable astronomical im- habitants of the larger cities are regist- portance. ered with the bureau for evacuation in There is now reason to believe that the case of raids....In short we are constantly heavier elements exist in planetary nebulae being reminded of the situation. in about the same proportions that they "I am thankful to be an American citi- exist in the sun. zen, and to be able to return if need be to the safety of the United States, behind the world's strongest army and navy. And this is an old-time pacifist speaking!" - T CORRECTION LINDBERGH The Alumni Review wishes to make a correction in the biography of the late Col. Charles A. Lindbergh, while on his Dr. Calvin Bridges who spent his sum-recent tour of active duty in which he mers at the Carnegie Genetics Laboratory was engaged in investigating aeronautical at Cold Springs Harbor, Long Island, N. research and production facilities for the Y., rather than at the Woods Hole Labor-Chief of the U.S. Army Air Corps, visited atory as stated in the March issue of the the campus on the afternoon of May 9. Review. 16 - Alumni Review Conducted by George Langsner, '31 births foonelow Tech men? Marrias, promotions, job published, honors received are information yod adaformaton the edipe, "A PrECH ALUMNI REVIEW. 1898 Frank B. Jewett, president of the Bell Telephone Laboratories and member of the Advisory Council of the Institute, has been awarded the John Fritz Medal for notable scientific and industrial achieve ment. The Award is made by a special board composed of representatives of the four national engineering societies. Doctor Jewett was recently elected to the presidency of the National Academy of Sciences. 1902 James M. Gaylord, chief electrical engineer for the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, has been elected vice-chairman of the Los Angeles section of the American Institute of Electrical Engineers. 1910 Richard Bard, Throop '10, was one of the leaders in the promotion of a harbor at Hueneme, Calif and donated the site on which construction estimated to cost $3,-000,000 is now under way to provide Ventura County with a landlocked harbor. Mark A. Sawyer, who is with the South- Telephone Company, will be chairman of the Los Angeles section of the American Institute of Electrical Engineers for the coming year. Board of Education at the recent mun-cipal election larold Hletcher. x21, was ottice engin- NEWS OF CLASSES 1923 Gunner Gramatky, of the Los Angeles Paving Company, is in charge of the grad Loren E. Blakeley is the engineer for ing and paving of the site for Wyvern the Santa Ana Valley Irrigation Company wood in Los Angeles, which is the na of Orange, Calif., which supplies irrigation's largest privately financed rental tion water to 17,000 acres of housing project, consisting of 143 build Seares has recently developed a ings novel advertising structure for Signal Gas with 1103 apartments and fats. and Oil Co. The original installation is Frederick C. Lindvall, Ph.D., was re- attracting observers at 7th and Carondo- cently elected secretary-treasurer of the Los Angeles section of the American Institute of Electrical Engineers. 1924 Alex Clark, M.S., '32, is acting as chief Robert S. Ridgway, of the Standard geologist for the Shell Oil Company, Inc., Oil Company of California, addressed the during the absence of Dr. Frank S. Hud Mechanical Engineering Seminar at the Institute on April on "Operating on, chiet geologist. Alex has given up hi home in Bakersfield to take up residence Froblems of Natural Gas Engines. in Los Angeles where he will make his James Mercereau is in the Transformer headquarters. Engineering Department of the Westing house Electric and Manufacturing Com• Hampton Smith, Ph.D., '34, has been pany at Sharon, Penna. promoted from the position of district geologist with the Texas Company, to 1926 assistant chief geologist. Hamp continues to make his headquarters in Los Angeles Alexander Kroneberg, who is an elec- with Mrs. Smith and their child. trical engineer for the Southern California addressed the April meeting of the Edison Companys Angeles chapter of Ed Joujon-Roche, geologist with the Shell Oil Company. Inc., has been trans- the American Institute of Electrical En- ferred from the Bakersfield Division to Regulation "Practical Aspects of Voltage Ventura. Vito Vanoni, who is with the U. S. Soil Conservation Service, addressed the Los 1929 Angeles Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers at its May meeting Alphonse Cramer is the very proud held at the Institute. father of a daughter, Susan Carole, born Arthur C. Werden, JI., of Southern Cal- on April 1, 1939, at Los Angeles. ifornia Edison Co. fame is living with his family in Boulder City, Nevada. Beverly Fredendall, who is with the National Broadcasting Company at New York, has been transferred from broad casting engineering design to work on the public television broadcasts which started Willard H. Francis, x27, who is practicing architecture at Ojai, California, was the archie the Marchin tria, esidence World's Fair on April 30th. John Daly, M.S., '31, wishes to poin the Architectural Forum. out an error in a recent number of th Carl D. Anderson delivered the Sigma Review. Daly says that he is no longer a Xi lecture at Louisiana State University draughtsman with the Shell Oil Company, last March in which he discussed the pos- but has been a seismologist for the past sibilities of future cosmic ray research John D. Shuster is electrical adviser for the Bethlehem Shipbuilding Corp. on the George Schild Lufkin was married to purchase of equipment for the merchant Miss Audrey Jordan on April 14. The cere- and naval vessels now being built by the mony took place in Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church, New York City. Grease Company. Alfred Stamm, who is senior chemist at Forest Products Laboratory at Wisconsin, spoke at the April meeting of the American Chemical Society oyames Boyd, who is assistant protessor Ralph McLean is now a structural en- recently been member of the Oceanography committee gineer for the firm of Holmes andNarver of the America Geophysical Union and of Los Angeles. Brotholed to the rank of captain in the Fred Groch is now employed by the Imperial Irrigation District. Louis H. Erb, formerly with the Pacific his faculty duties, he is a consulting min- …. Sprague de Camp is the co-author of various a book, "Inventions and Their Manage- Telephone and Telegraph Company, mining operations in the Rocky Mountain now Deputy Registrar of Contractors ment," published by the International Company of Scranton, Penna the State of California with offices in San Edmund G. Grant is to be married to N. Marsh, who is production Miss Myrtle Elaine Kendall of Pasadena, engineer for the General Petroleum Carl Renz, M.S., is now with the U. S. on July 7th. poration, addressed the Mechanical En- Engineer's office at Cincinnati, Ohio. Ernest Levine is vice president and A. Perry Banta, M.S., who is assistant Philip Cravitz, '29, is engineer of April 26th on "Mechanical Engineering Production." Sanitation Districts, has been appointed Contractwich is building a 432 foot con- Blake Beatty has been honored by be- assistant professor of sanitary engineering crete bridge to carry the ing appointed Foreman of the 1939 Fed- at the Institute, and will continue his work Parkway across the eral Grand Jury for Los Angeles. Robert C. Ramey, x30, is to be married to Miss Muriel Rolls in San Francisco on June 3rd. 1931 Byron Johnson is now a contractor in San Bernardino, Calif. Howard Smits 15 the proud tather of a daughter, in Gretchen, born on March 17th Los Angeles William D. Hacker has just completed a trip through the West Indies and Cen- tral America. including Cuba, Porto Rico, Haiti, Dominican Republic and Mexico. Use a bautics, Oakland, Calif, recently addressed the Sacramento Section of the American Mobilgas the Corps of Engineers, U.S.A., is now on leave of absence domg graduate civil engineering Al Atwood has been playing an important role recently in the testing and break- Metropolitan Water District pumps along the aqueduct. Gie dit Card ASK YOUR MOBILGAS DEALER Willis P. Popenoe, M.S., will carry on a DRIVE systematic search for petroleum in the Philippine Islands for the Filipino gov- t0t ernment this summer, having gone to the Islands by the Philipine Clipper. Fair Robert L. Smallman, who is an arna- won a $200 prize the Johnson picture of his twins, which is appearing in the June issue of the women's maga- Ray Cripps is the proud father of a son, Dale Edward, born on March 20, 1939, at Los Angeles. Grover Secord is now a time study engineer for Andrew Jurgens in Hollywood. MOBILGAS MOBILOIL Alvin Smith is now employed as an engineer by the Monolith Portland Cement Company at Monolith, Calif Thomas S. Terrill has resigned as co- GENERAL PETROLEUM CORPORATION pilot for Pan-American Airways to accept which expects make survey fights between New York and Mediterranean ports early this sum-mer. An unusual feature of the proposed route is that planes will be in constant contact with steamships of the affiliated American Export Lines. Howard P. Gluckman is the proud fath er of a daughter, Sharon Esther, born on April 16, 1939, at Los Angeles. Robert Gelder is now with the General Robert Dourson, formerly a chemical Corporation at Los Angeles. engineer for the Union Oil Company, Martin McMahon was married to Miss Alberta Sanders in Glendale last March now assisting Albert Tyler, Ph.D., biological research at the Institute and they are now at home in Taft, Calif. opened a dry Frank Davis has been commissioned a cleaning establishment in Los Angeles. lieutenant in the U. S. Marine Corps and is now stationed at Quantico, W. D. Chawner, M.s., who is chief geol- Lewis Browder is now employed as a ogist at Papua Explora- physicist by the Walt Disney Studios. Dick H. Wallman, M.S., is now a met- tions, Ltd., a subsidiary of the Anglo- eorologist for the Atlantic division of the Charles A, Dawson is a geologist for Iranian and Socony-Vacuum Companies, the Superior Oil Company Pan-American Airways and is working on was a recent visitor to the Institute. for the proposed transatlantic Horace W. Babcock, who 1S on the quarters at Bakershield, Calif. and expects to be transferred to staff of the Lick Observatory of the Uni- Leonard Patterson, formerly with the versity of California, read a paper at the Nevada-California Electric Corporation, is recent meeting of the American Philo- now with the California Railroad Commis- Edward Price has accepted a position as sophical Society in Philadelphia on the sion at San Francisco. physicist with the measurements of the rotation of the great spiral nebula in the constellation Andro- Gale M. Smith is radio engineer for ation of Long Beach, meda. Pan-American Airways at Miami, Florida. James W. addressed the June meeting of the Los Angeles section 1935 C. F. Thomas is leaving for Europe im-Inediately, He will represent Lockheed Aircraft there for one year, touring all Europe, with headquarters in Amsterdam, Holland. Victor W. Willits, Jr., is the father of of the American Society of Civil Louise, gineers. born on April 21, 1939, at Long Beach, Robert Mahoney. with his wife nounces the birth of a son, Robert Vignes, Nelson P. Nies has been honored by on May second. Bob was student body election to Sigma Xi at Western Reserve president during his senior year. University. (Continued on page 16) June, 1939 - 15- NEWS OF CLASSES (Continued from page 15) 1938 OMSTED WRITES Telling of boom conditions in Norway, as well as of much improved outlook for technicians, Harold Olmsted, John Minasian is an office assist- writes interestingly to Prof. M. R. Martel ant for the William Neil Company of Los of the Institute civil engineering staff. Angeles. When he left Pasadena two years ago, Albert E. Jurs is now employed by the after receiving his master's degree, Yale Townsend Corporation of New York Mr. Omsted expected to spend vacation Robert Custer is a chemist at the Gen-of several week in Norway and then re" eral Petroleum Corporation's Laboratory turn to the United States. He had worked at Santa Fe Springs, California. in east and in the neighborhood of Los Angeles for 18 years before being able Peter Goff is now employed by the to afford his graduate tuition as a civil Board of Fire Underwriters. with head-engineer. quarters in Los Angeles. Jack Johannessen is now employed by the Imperial Irrigation District. LETTERS The following is an excerpt from a letter to Charles Schwieso, former Y.M.C.A secretary at the Institute. Hong Kong, China March 16,1939 Dear Chuck, It happened that when your letter reached Canton, the latter had fallen into the hands of the Japanese. However, the letter was forwarded to the Pui Too Girls' School, which is an American owned academy in which there are some missionaries staying to watch over the property. I was engaged in governmental rail- road work the last two years until last July when I came down to Hong Kong to join my family. Since then I've been teaching in the Engineering College of Kuomin University which had also moved from Canton to Hong Kong last Sep- tember, Just two weeks ago I was called again to go into the interior to work in Yun-nanfu- China. the southwest bordet one s am to join the members of the Yunnan-Szechuan Railroad, a line of about 800 kilometers. It will be the main road connecting these two big provinces. I shall leave Hong Kong on March 19. Owing to the fact that living conditions in Yunnanfu are unfamiliar shall leave the family in Hong Kong for the time being. I know it is hard to leave them, but conditions are so in China in this time of our struggle. I hope that they will be able to join me in the summer. We have our confidence battle if we will stick it out hard enough with the Japs. I'm sure you will remember Drs. Woo (Ph.D., '31) and Liu who were with me in Pasadena. Both of them are staying in Yunnan now. I will look them up when I get there and say hello to them for you. Yours sincerely, DAVID WONG, '32. June, 1939 A conference was held in the Guggenheim laboratory in which aeronauties research and problems were discussed. After the conference, Colonel Lindbergh viewed the polishing of the 200 inch mirror for the Palomar Mountain Observatory. T Finds Job Position However, he writes, he landed a posi-ion with one of Norways prominent consulting engineers, A. L.. Hoyer, who 1 son-in-law of the famous Dr. Fridtjof Nansen. When he was previously at home in 1930, he had tried unsuccessfully for six months to obtain work. "The country in general, and Oslo in particular, has witnessed a building boom the like of which it was never my fortunc to experience in the United States. It has encompassed all kinds of building as well as highway construction. The young Norwegian-American engineer criticises much of the struction he has being "arty" rather than sound basically in engineering Concrete work is not up to best Ameri- ca standards, he finds. In a brief reference to the political situation, he says: "We in the quiet corner of Europe view with alarm,' to say the least, the present trend toward barbarism in certain European countries. In recent Swedish papers, Norway has been severly criticised for not arming enough! PITTSBURGH GROUP ACTIVE The frequent visits of Tech men provide Pittsburgh Alumni with a close per sonal touch with the Institute-particu-larly because they, whenever possible, seize these occasion for get-togethers. Professor Sorensen was feted in January and Professor Maxstadt, Ph.D. '31, was the honored guest in February. Late in March the presence of Protes-sor Frederick C. Lindvall, Ph.D. '28, was made the occasion for a dinner party. Those in attendance were: Mr. and Mrs. T. E. Brown '36, Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Hobson '35, Mr. and Mrs. A. E. Schuler '26, Mr. P. H. Wyckoff, M.S. '37, Mr. W. E. Stephens, and Professor Lindvall NEBULAE CONTAIN METALS The existence of the heavier metallic elements in planetary nebulea has recently been definitely established by Dr. Ira S. Bowen, Ph.D. '26, professor of physics, Aware of Danger Lick observatory. This discovery announc- "But with gangsters for neighbors we in collaboration with Dr. Wyse, at the are forced to make a few precautions. Vol-ed at the recent meeting of the National untary groups of citizens are drilled for Academy of Science in Washing promises various duties during air attacks. All in- to be of considerable astronomical im- habitants of the larger cities are regist- portance. ered with the bureau for evacuation in There is now reason to believe that the case of raids....In short we are constantly heavier elements exist in planetary nebulae being reminded of the situation. in about the same proportions that they "I am thankful to be an American citi- exist in the sun. zen, and to be able to return if need be to the safety of the United States, behind the world's strongest army and navy. And this is an old-time pacifist speaking!" - T CORRECTION LINDBERGH The Alumni Review wishes to make a correction in the biography of the late Col. Charles A. Lindbergh, while on his Dr. Calvin Bridges who spent his sum-recent tour of active duty in which he mers at the Carnegie Genetics Laboratory was engaged in investigating aeronautical at Cold Springs Harbor, Long Island, N. research and production facilities for the Y., rather than at the Woods Hole Labor-Chief of the U.S. Army Air Corps, visited atory as stated in the March issue of the the campus on the afternoon of May 9. Review. 16 - Alumni Review A NEW TYPE OF RAILROAD CAR By F. C. LINDVALL, Ph.D., '28 Associate Professor of Electrical Engineering High speed in railroad operation is no novelty, nor is the achievement of passenger comfort with leisurely schedules. However, speed with comfort presents problems which have thus far been partially solved by extensive improvement in rail and roadbed, involving expensive track realignment and surfacing. Such changes merely to accommodate high speed with some degree of comfort surely are not economical, and therefore provoke the thought that a study of the riding problem, based on fundamental dynamics, might yield a truck and body suspension system which would provide comfort on ordinary track. Such a study, stimulated by William Van Dorn, formerly associated with the aeronautics department of the California Institute, and sponsored by Cortlandt Hill, has resulted in a two car experimental train incorporating a new suspension system which has achieved signal success in a variety of road tests: The suspension system, or method of mounting the car on the track, departs completely from standard practice. As can be seen in the Porter sketch (appearing on the cover of this issue) the car body floats on soft vertical coil springs in a plane above the center of gravity of the body. These springs permit, through horizontal deflection, all of the necessary truck motion relative to the body, this motion being positioned and controlled by a pair of horizontal links, elastically restrained by rubber, acting between the body and the truck frame at a height well above body center of gravity. A horizontal draft connection between the truck and the underbody structure provides the necessary longitudinal stability. Accordingly all of the necessary action of a standard swivel truck is provided without a center plate, side bearing, or swing hangers, thus eliminating lubrication and load concentration difficulties. The principal springing of the body, being above the center of gravity may be as soft as desired, and any tendency for body roll on curves is in the direction to correct for uncompensated side force on curves. This action of "bank" is in direct contrast to the behavior of a standard car and truck which lean outwardly on curves insufficiently superelevated. Likewise the lateral restraint of the car body in this new suspension system may be made to yield as low a frequency, or to be as soft as required since the action is not restricted as in a standard truck by swing hanger length and possible bolster travel within the truck frame. Then, for both the vertical and lateral motion simple shock absorbers are applied to damp resonance or harmonie oscillation. The truck itself, a substantial fabricated structure, is supported on semi-elliptic springs carried by a journal box hanger which rests on rubber shear pads on the journal box to permit a small transverse movement of the axle. The rubber likewise is valuable in preventing wheel noise transmission into the frame. Metallic slide guides or other frictional restraint in parallel with the springing system and rubber, bave been entirely eliminated. However, the entire journal assembly is provided with guard Hanges made like a loose pedestal guide to confine the journal box in the event of failure of rubber parts or springs. Safety, a minimum of weight, and quietness of operation have thus been incorporated in this truck design. The body structure, in turn, adheres to the fundamentals of light weight, safety, and economy, qualities which are inherent in the monocoque or stressed-skin design employed. A uniform low floor level and low center of gravity add greatly to the stability; while the suspension system of the body, floating the body on soft springs, achieves a high degree of comfort. Truck and Towers It should be emphasized that this work on these new cars is definitely experimental and as a result many of the details and appointments which are necessary in modern trains have been omitted in order to get to the important work of developing the riding quality and other engineering characteristics of the cars. The weight of the cars is therefore low, only 65,000 pounds for the two car articulated unit complete with the three trucks. The standard steel car provided by the Santa Fe Railway for comparative riding tests weighs 176,000 pounds and furnishes striking evidence of the fact that great mass is not essential to a good ride. Full trucks have a 9-foot wheelbase. A twelve-foot wheelbase of the articulate truck is possible because the load from the body is carried directly over each axle and thus the frame is subjected to no bending moments due to body load. June, 1939 3. The articulate truck frame has been made separable so that cars articulated at both ends could be uncoupled and switched to provide flexihility in train make-up. All truck frames were fabricated from high strength steel are-welded and stress-relieved. All wheels have a cylindrical tread and a diameter of 30 inches. Axles are hollow-bored and are fitted with ball bearing journals. A standard clasp brake system is employed. On the full trucks one air cylinder operates the shoes on all four wheels through a simple, fully equalized linkage; each half of the articulate truck has its own brake system with an air cylinder operating the shoes on two wheels. A very simple method of automatic slack adjustment is provided. In the truck photograph it can be seen that the load is carried from the frame onto the ends of the leaf journal spring the center of which seats in a hanger surrounding the journal box. Vulcanized rubber pads at the top and sides of the journal box, by slight shearing deflection, allow the hanger to shift laterally and provide cushioning against side shock loads. Since, in service, there are no moving metallic contacts or sliding surfaces where wear or play can develop, the wheel axle, bearings, and frame are relieved of all shock and impact loads. Brake thrust, but not torque, is carried by the leaf spring which was designed for this duty. The towers which carry the main suspension system in the body are bolted to the truck frame and form an integral part of it. These towers, like the frames, are fabricated of light-gauge high-tensile steel, arc-welded and stress-relieved. The coil springs mounted on the towers carry the body with a static deflection of 8½ inches, softer springing than is usually provided for railroad cars. These springs were specially designed to allow lateral as well as axial movement. The rubber-cushioned lateral restraint arm seen on the side of the tower connects to the body through a link located at a level about 20 inches above the center of gravity of the car body proper. This lateral control system has a very soft restraint at the center of its range and stiffens gradually as it is deflected by sustained side load. Longitudinal positioning of the truck is accomplished by a tubular draft link interconnecting and attached to both the truck and body by means of a new type of rubber buffer, which allows the required angular movement of the link and also provides cushioning for buff or draft loads. At the articulate truck these links carry the train draft load and at the full trucks take only braking and inertia loads. The system thus described incorporates no working joints carrying body loads nor are there any points where slack or wear can develop. These parts replace swing hangers, spring plank, bolster springs, bolster, bolster wear plates, center plate and side bearings in the usual truck construction. shock absorbers seen on the sides of the towers attach to the body through the long vertical links and serve to damp vertical and banking motions. On the top of each tower is seen one hydraulic shock absorber connected to the lateral restraint arm. Rubber has been used in a number of important applications because of its well known elastic properties and hecause automotive and general mechanical applications have shown applicable life i roger yed adverse conditi me whe such regard for the loads and deflections imposed. It will be seen, then, that a complete break has been made from traditional truck design in the interest of comfort and speed. Equally unorthodox practice has been followed in the car body construction in which the objective has been light weight consistent with strength and safety. The experience of modern aircraft manufacturers in devel- strength-weight ratios has been used in the design of the true "stressed-skin" or semi-monocoque body structure of these new cars. The characteristic feature of this type of structure is that the outer "skin", is used as a principal load-carrying The effectiveness of this type of structure is remarkably demonstrated by the experimental cars which are built of Douglas fir plywood. A static load test to twice the normal gross load has proved the strength and rigidity of these car hodies, which are also entirely free of the creaks and groans usually associated with wooden structures. Wood Was in the test cars merely as a convenient expedient in ariving at suitable means to test the trucks and suspension structure within a reasonable time and at a reasonable cost. The car bodies are thus definitely temporary in contrast to the trucks which have been engineered for permanent service. Road tests of this new train unit have been made which include a variety of track conditions and operation. Simultaneous records of vertical and lateral ride have been made (Continued on page 13) All-wood operable model being built, showing construction. When completed, this Alumni Review RECENT BOOKS (An abridgement of the list of "Recommended Reading" offered to members of the Alumni Association at the Humanities Seminar held in March, 1939.) Novels Dorothy Baker, Young Man with a Horn. Taylor Caldwell, Dynasty of Death. John Dos Passos, U.S.A. James T. Farrell, No Star Is Lost. William Faulkner, The Wild Palms. Ernest Hemingway, To Have and Have Not. Sinclair Lewis, The Prodigal Parents. Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings, The Yearling. John Steinbeck, The Grapes of Wrath. George R. Stewart, East of the Giants. Elizabeth Bowen, The Death of the Heart. Aldous Huxley, Eyeless in Gaza. Virginia Woolf, The Years. Andre Malraux, Man's Hope. Thomas Mann, Joseph and His Brothers, Young Joseph, Joseph in Egypt. Eric M. Remarque, Three Comrades. Jules Romains, Men of Good Will. Gladkov, Cement. Pilniak, The Volga Falls to the Caspian Sea. Romanoff, Three Pairs of Silk Stockings. Short Stories Ernest Hemingway, The Fifth Column (a play) and the First Forty-Nine Stories. John Steinbeck, The Long Valley. Biography and Autobiography Richard E. Byrd, Alone. Eve Curie, Madame Curie. Marquis James, Life of Andrew Jackson. Somerset Maugham, The Summing Up. Antonina Vallentin, Leonardo da Vinci: The Tragic Pur- suit of Perfection. Carl Van Doren. Benjamin Franklin. Plays Rachel Crothers, Susan and God. Clifford Odets, Rocket to the Moon. Robert E. Sherwood, Abe Lincoln in Illinois. Thornton Wilder, Our Town. Poetry T. S. Eliot, Collected Poems. Robert Frost, Collected Poems. Philosophy University of California Associates, Knowledge and Society. Alfred N .Whitehead, Modes of Thought. Psychology W. Crafts and others, Recent Experiments in Psychology. June, 3939 Sigmund Freud, The Basic Works of Sigmund Freud. (Translated by A. A. Brill. Modern Library.) N. L. Munn, Psychological Development. Mandel Sherman, Mental Conflicts and Personality. L. M. Terman, Psychological Factors in Marital Happiness. Religion Theodore G. Soares, Three Typical Beliefs. General Eric T. Bell, Man and His Lifebelts. Ralph Adams Cram, The End of Democracy. Philip Guedalla, The Hundred Years. Aldous Huxley, Inds and Means. Oscar Lewis, The Big Four (Huntington, Stanford, Crocker, Hopkins). Lin Yutang, The Importance of Living. Anne Morrow Lindbergh, Listen! The Wind. John Muir (Linnie M. Wolfe, ed.), John of the Mountains. Lewis Mumford, The Culture of Cities. Harold E. Stearns, America Now. An Inquiry into Civilization in the United States by Thirty-Six Americans. T NEW RAILROAD CAR (Continued from page 4) to compare the new equipment with coaches of standard type known to have good riding qualities. These comparisons include operation over fair track at speeds up to 80 miles an hour and on good track up to 94 miles an hour and demonstrate clearly the advantage of the new suspension system. However, no careful instrument measurements are necessary to demonstrate the important points which have been established and which contribute in no small way to passenger comfort. In these new cars, standing and walking about is accomplished with greater ease and with feeling of greater stability than in a standard six wheel truck club car, weighing six times as much as one of the new cars, which is a part of the test train. In fact, walking from one car to the other gives a comparison definitely favorable to the new equipment. Then, as the second outstanding difference, writing at a table in the new car is distinctly easier and the result more legible than that done in the standard car. The improvement is due primarily to the absence of harsh lateral acceleration so characteristic of standard equipment at high speed on indifferent track. Indeed, even in the tail of the new rear car, with its large overhang, objectionable lateral motion, or whipping is not experienced. And finally, a less spectacular but definitely welcome improvement offered by the new cars is the freedom from high frequency vibration or "jitter" so characteristic of high speed trains. Those annoying small vibrations which make reading dificult are not present with the new suspension system, a result which is another important element added to passenger comfort. - 13 equipment. With the installation and maintenance of many miles of pipeline, surveys and mapping work are essential. It is also necessary to secure rights-of-way and permits to lay lines in streets and other public property. These men are getting a taste of all this work rather than being confined to any one particular duty. Similarly employed in the design engineering department is Robert T. Bard, '35. He is primarily engaged in making maps and studying the layout of pipeline systems in relation to the topography of the country they traverse. Charles H. Wilcox, '15, is chief steam engineer. He superintends the operation of the boiler plant as steam is used continuously to operate huge gas compressors, and during the winter season steam must be kept available at all times for use in the generators to manufacture gas in case of shortage or damage to the huge transmission lines bringing gas from the oil fields. Engaged in the research laboratory is Rudolph G. Hol-man, '34, where he is working on numerous technical prob-lems. Proper pressures, specific gravity and specific heat are important items to be calibrated exactly in determining the characteristics of natural gas in its behavior in transmission and distribution systems. In other departments are still other Tech men. In the land and tax department are Charles F. Humphrey, '26, who is franchise engineer, and Howard R. Preston, '23, office engi-neer. The work of these men relates to recording and valuation of Company property for franchise, rate making and taxation requirements. In the general agents office, Austin Strong, '30, and George Pickett, '33, are office engineers. They are engaged in job classification and cost and time accounting of the many standardized procedures of employees in many different de-Parments there such studies may develap better ways to do the job. Twenty-seven Cal-Tech men in one organization bespeak the recognition by the Gas Company of the value of a technical training in college. Not only technicians, but other employees are better qualified to handle their jobs when their background has taught thm to think and act logically. Opportunity with a gas utility is wide for engineers, as evidenced by the positions attained by the men mentioned above, and Southern California Gas Company will undoubtedly list even greater numbers of Cal-Tech graduates as time goes on. STUDY FOSSILS Systematic study at the Institute of fossil fish of the Pacific Coast will be made possible by a grant of funds recently made by the Geographical Society of America. The work will be supervised by Dr. Chester Stock, professor of paleontology, and will use fossils already collected and awaiting study, in addition to securing further material. SEMINAR WEEK-END FURTHER REPORTS ON MARCH PROCEEDINGS "Inflation on a Balanced Budget" PROF. PHILIP S. FOGG Reported by Robert V. Carey, '32 By means of a graphic analysis, Professor Fogg demonstrated the tremendous growth in Federal expenditures since the World War. Prior to the War, Federal expenditures amounted to between $750,000,000 and $800,000,000 per annum, financed largely by customs and liquor taxes. The tremendous outlays necessitated by the War jumped expenditures to approximately 13 billion dollars in 1918 and 19 billion in 1919, necessitating the borrowing of 25 billion dollars. As a result of the War, Federal expenditures during the 'twenties assumed a new high level of between 3% and 4 billion dollars a year. The emergency spending undertaken by the Roosevelt administration as a means to combat the depression resulted in the borrowing of huge sums of money and a consequent rise in Federal expenditure to a new high level of 7 to 9 billion dollars a year. Professor Fogg pointed out that this program would result in a permanent level of Federal expenditures of at least 7 billions dollars per annum below which expenses probably could not be reduced. The only method of balancing the budget would be to raise the income of the Federal government to a level commensurate with outlays. He further stated that an unbalanced budget cannot continue indefinitely without drastic price inflation. However, barring another war, Professor Fogg stated that, in his opinion, means would eventually be found to raise the Federal income. Aeronautics Seminar Reported by Harry H. Canterbury, '06 Papers presented as follows: 1. Louis G. Dunn-on the design of rocket motors with respect to investigating their thermal efficiency. Object-obtaining scientific data at great heights, possibly 200,000 feet. 2. Frank J. Malina-on monocoque construction and analysis of stresses of the skin and strengthening members. 3. W. L. Howland-monocoque construction analysis. In small structures, factors are well known but large planes now being built require extensive research analysis. 4. Lt. Beardsley, U.S.N.-Studies on impact with relation to failure of landing gear. Repetitive impact testing machine now being designed. This is a vertical drop type machine. 5. Robert S. Schairer-profile and drag measurements. Lantern slides to illustrate the apparatus and curves obtained. (Continued on page 11) Alumni Review SEMINARS (Continued from page 8) Problems of turbulence of the boundary layer, intimately connected with problems of drag. increase lift coefficient. 7. Peter V. Serrell-a new design for mounting models in wind tunnel study, to give direct readings on all the forces. Remarks by Dr. Arthur I. Klein-that the primary requirement of design is the lightest weight for the required strength. Discussion was conducted by Dr. Klein. Civil Engineering Seminar Reported by William W. Aultman, '27 In the Civil Engineering Seminar three papers were presented on recent research and developments in that field. Professor Franklin Thomas discussed the chemistry of water softening, the relative hardness of Southern California water supplies to other supplies in the United States, and then briefly described the plans of the Metropolitan Water District (of which Professor Thomas is Pasadena representative and vice chairman of the Board) for softening Colorado River water. Professor Fred J. Converse next described and illustrated them. By studying the mortality rate for various speeds of cooling, a constant indicative of vitality can be obtained. Professor John Strong discussed his new radiation pyro-meter. By multiple reflection from quartz crystals a narrow band may be isolated, having a wave length in the far infra-red, for which black bodies as "incandescent" at atmospheric or subatmospheric temperatures. Professor W. V. Houston discussed various methods for electromagnetically and electrostatically focussing electron beams. Their application to microscopy was illustrated by showing several pictures taken with an electron-microscope. Professor W. R. Smythe discussed his recent work on isotopes which served to identify a new isotope as the source of potassium radioactivity. T "Human Engineering" In introducing his subject of psychology as applied to studies of intelligence, aptitude and personality, Professor Robert 'T. Ross described the means whereby valid tests and groupings of individuals are devised and evolved. He pointed out the merits and possibilities of such work and reported indicative and significant current progress. In the field of personality studies, one of the most difficult of psychological investigations, it is believed that meritorius accomplishments can be made in human engineering. Dr. Ross, '27, followed his undergraduate studies of physics and mathematics with work at Pomona College, U.S.C. and Yale University in education, psychology and medicine, and is now a popular professor of psychology in Stanford University-combined with lectures at the Institute, special research at Pasadena Community Theatre, and clinical studies. were made by Ed Seaver, '21 and Ben Benioff, '22 and five other Tech men. The last talk was by Dr. Robert Knapp who presented and described two very interesting motion pictures; one on the wave action of high velocity fluid flows in flumes; and the other reporting model tests on density current studies of suspended material in stratified flow. T Physics Seminar Reported by Fred J. Ewing, '27 The physics seminar was led by Profesor E. C. Watson. Professor I. S. Bowen discussed his new "image slicer." Hitherto in stellar spectroscopy only 2 to 10% of the light focused by a telescope has been available for spectra because the diameter of the star image greatly exceeds the permis-sable width of the spectroscope slit. Professor Bowen reflects the circular image along a path, parallel to the slit face and converging over the slit, and then reflects successive strips of the image into the slit by means of a number of very small mirrors. By means of his device a five-fold increase in speed can be obtained. Professor A. Goetz discussed his recent work on biological effects at low temperatures. By very rapid cooling, yeast cells may be brought to liquid air temperature without killing Other Seminars Among the most interesting of the seminar sessions, the following are grouped in brief solely because, somehow, our reportorial aspirations failed to materialize. These are: Mechanical Engineering Seminar. Discussion of work in the hydraulic machinery laboratory and the development and tests of models for Grand Coulee pumps, by Prof. Daugherty. A discussion of the effects of speed of loading upon strength of materials, by Prof. Donald S. Clark. Humanities Seminar, introduced by Prof. Clinton K Judy. A discussion of contemporary American literature was provided by Prof. MacMinn and mimeographed lists of recommended reading were distributed. Mr. A. B. Young, lecturer and chairman of the State Relief Administration, spoke on relief and welfare. The Sunday morning program was opened by Theodore G. Soares, professor of Ethics, who conducted a highly interesting chapel session. "Recent Developments in Television," by Prof. Stuart Mackeown, involved a discussion of commercial and technical aspects of new television developments. June, 1939 - 11- INSTITUTE STAFF MEMBERS RECOGNIZED IN AMERICAN MEN OF SCIENCE Comparative Institutional Listings Disclose C.I.T. Is Outstanding. (Continued) The March number of the Alumni Review contained dil of the staff, since the value of their work in stimulating their article on the starring system which is used in American colleagues and adding prestige to the Institute bear no Men of Science to designate outstanding workers in the vari- necessary relation to the full or part-time status. ous fields of science. It was pointed out how the six editions of American Men of Science (first edition, 1906; sixth edi- The result of this check is gratifying in that the total ar- tion, 1938) contain a biographical record of scientific ac- rived at is considerably larger than Mr. Visher's (his total tivity in the United States for the past thirty years, and how was 22½). In all, twenty-nine members of the Institute staff are starred. Two were first starred in the first edition at the same time they furnish data for a comparison of the institutions in this country which are active centers of scien- (1906) ; two more in the second edition (1910) ; four in tific research. Such a comparison was made between the Cali- the third edition (1921) four in the fourth (1927); four fornia Institute and fifteen other American universities. This in the fifth (1933); and thirteen in the sixth (1938) . comparison was based on figures compiled by Mr. Stephen S. The total number of teachers at the Institute, as given in Visher, who, in the October, 1938, number of the Univer- the current World Almanac, is 191. But this figure includes sity of Chicago Magazine published the totals of starred sci- teaching fellows, who have not been long enough in independ- entists on the staffs of the institutions compared. ent work in their various fields to be eligible for starring. In arriving at his totals, however, Mr. Visher followed Hence, omitting them and revising the faculty total to in- a rather intricate system of counting. Where a staff member clude only those through the rank of instructor, the figure did not devote his whole time to teaching and research he was is 123. This gives the ratio of starred to unstarred as 1 to counted only a half. Professors emeriti were apparently not 4.24; the percentage starred, 23.57. But the figure 123 counted at all, regardless of whether they were still actively includes engineers. As was explained in the previous article, at work. Other restrictions, too involved to discuss here, were while American Men of Science includes the biographies of also applied. Since presumably the same system was used for engineers, it applies the starring system only to the sciences. each of the institutions involved, Mr. Visher's figures could Therefore, to get the ratio between those starred and those be used for comparative purposes. Nevertheless, his totals in eligible for starring, it is necessary to count out the members each case must he considered subject to revision. (i) of the engineering departments. This gives, then, as the Consequently, it seemed desirable, in the case of the Cali- total for the science faculty, 85; the ratio of starred to fornia Institute, to make an independent count. This was unstarred is 1 to 2.93; the percentage starred, 34.12. done by checking the staff list of the Institute (excluding all those below the rank of instructor) against the 1928 edition of American Men of Science. The final total makes no discrimination between part-time and full-time members (1) An independent check of Harvard and Princeton gave a total considerably larger than Mr. Visher's. A similar check of the University of California, made by Mr. Harold Ellis of the News Bureau, disclosed the same sort of discrepancy. H. VICTOR NEHER Ph.D., 1931 Assistant Professor of Physics June, 1030 CARL D. ANDERSON B.S., 1927; Ph.D., 1930 Associate Professor of Physics - 5- ROScOE G. DICKINSON Ph.D., 1920 Professor of Physical Chemistry The table given below shows the distribution, etc., of starred faculty members according to departments. (2) No. in Dept. No. Starred Ratio Percent. Biology 17 4 1 to 4.25 23.51 Chemistry 16 4 I to 4 25 Geology 14 1 to 4.66 21.43 Mathematics 9 3 1 to 3 33.33 Physics 21 12 1 to 1.75 57.14 It should be of considerable interest to members of the Alumni Association that of the thirteen Institute staff members first starred in the 1938 edition of American Men of Science, the six men pictured with this article are alumni of the Institute. (2) The total here, it will be noted, is 26. The other three starred faculty members cannot be classified according to department JESSIE W. M. DuMOND B.S., 1916; Ph.D., 1929 Associate Professor of Physics T COMMENCEMENT CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY June 9, 1939, 4:45 P.M. Processional March Institute Band Invocation and Chaplain's Address MOST REV. JOHN D. CANTWELL, D.D. Address Opportunities in the 'Forties WILLIAM C. FULLENDORE, A.B., J.D. Presentation of Candidates for Degrees FREDERIC W. HINRICHS, JR., M.A. Dean of Upper Classmen WILLIAM VERMILLION HOUSTON, PH.D. Member of Committee on Course in Science FRANKLIN THOMAS, C.E. For the Committee on Course in Engineering RICHARD CHASE TOLMAN, PH.D. Dean of the Graduate School Conferring of Degrees on behalf of the Trustees and Faculty ROBERT ANDREWS MILLIKAN, PH.D., LL.D., Sc.D. Chairman of the Executive Council The Progress of the Institute DR. MILLIKAN Benediction (The audience will stand for the Academic Procession and the Invocation.) (ALUMNI MOST CORDIALLY INVITED.) CHARLES C. LAURITSEN Ph.D., 1929 Professor of Physics DoN M. YOsT Ph.D., 1926 Associate Professor of Inorganic Chemistry LABOR RELATIONS DEPARTMENT Dr. Robert Millikan, chairman of the Institute Executive Council, on May 10th, announced the establishment of a labor relations department as a division of the department of humanities for the coming school year. According to preliminary statements, two experts in labor relations will join the staff, one on the campus and one in the field, the men rotating assignments. Labor relations problems will be attacked by scientific methods, much needed information will be secured and disseminated T STOCK FELLOWSHIP Dr. Chester Stock, professor of paleontology at the Insti-tute, has been awarded a John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Fellowship, which carries a stipend of $2,500. As a result of the award, Doctor Stock will search for undiscovered caves in northern Mexico in which remnants of human and animal life in early times may be found. The fellowships are granted to scholars and artists who have shown unusual ability by prior work, a total of sixty-nine being awarded for the current year. _6 ROUSE TO IOWA Dr. Hunter Rouse, who has been assistant professor of Auid mechanics since 1936, has accepted a position as professor of hydraulics in the college of engineering of the University of lowa for the coming school year. Alumni Review JUNE MEETING Annual Session Requires Your Attendance Your June meeting is planned to particularly welcome the new members to our ranks, start them off with a bang, and remind the rest of us of the time when we were taking the same step. We also have the opportunity to see our own classmates and find out where and how far they have gone-married-how bald-how grey—how heavy-how many children-and so on. Distinguished guests of the Association will be the eleven Institute Trustees, the Deans, Department Heads and the Comptroller. The newly elected directors will be introduced and retiring directors take a bow with the thanks of the Association. Those retiring are H. C. Hill '11, Allin Catlin *21, Wesley Hertenstein '25, J. Edward Kinsey '26, and Lawrence Gould '33. CLASS REUNIONS According to tradition, classes will sit as groups. Featured classes this year will be '34, '29, '24, etc., for five-year reunions — or would you call them multiquintennials? In any event, here is a get-together which you cannot afford to miss. Light entertainment will be provided by Miss Markham's string trio during the dinner — and for dinner by the way, there will be a Surprise Menu. You will be glad again to hear the silver oratory of Dr. Millikan, welcoming you back to the fold, if but for one night. Principal speaker will be Dr. Henry Boorsook, Professor of Biochemistry at the Institute hence we are assured an interesting and instructive message. Professor Borsook is a graduate of the University of Toronto and has received several advanced degrees from that institution. He has been a member of the California Institute staff since 1929. TINY BALLOON LABS New experiments with a flying cosmic ray laboratory are under way at the Institute, according to H. Victor Neher, Ph.D., '31, who is associated with Doctor Millikan in cosmic ray studies. The automatic radio stations used in sending upper air data from rubber balloons to the earth have been adapted to cosmic ray studies. Four balloons bearing tiny radio stations to which electroscopes are attached have already been released. A five dollar reward is paid for the return of the balloons, one of which reached an altitude of 70,000 feet and was recovered in the ocean five miles south of Long Beach. Partial records have been obtained from the flights. This development is still in the experimental stage, however. DANISH ROYALTY Crown Prince Frederik and Princess Ingrid of Denmark and Iceland visited the Institute on April 6th. They were greeted by C. C. Lauritsen, Ph.D., '29, and were treated to a high voltage laboratory display, and visited the optical shop to view the polishing of the 200 inch telescope lens. ALUMNI FIELD DAY AND STAG DINNER It was held at Altadena Country Club on May 6th, was a fine party and everyone said he had a good time. There were ninety who stayed for the dinner and entertainment. The afternoon started propitiously when the early arrivals found there was a swimming pool, but no water in it. It was much too cold to swim anyway-seems there was a little difficulty with the Health Department as to circulating and chlorinating systems which appeared as a minus quantity. Other sports fared better-golf had thirty-seven devotees out, and the blind bogey prizes were won by Al Kensey '17, Doug Stromsoe '23, and Don Warren '38. Softball was enthusiastically enjoyed by the thirsty who stayed with it almost all afternoon. If there were performers who particularly distinguished themselves, their laurels were not posted so high as to obtain recognition. Tennis was indulged in by a few of its constant adherents, and horseshoes came in for its share of participants. Dinner was enlivened during and after by ad libs from President Kinsey who also awarded the golf prizes, and a demonstration in pulchritude was presided over by Chairman Shield. Technical proficiency as to timing at least was aptly attained by Bentley Copeland ex'24, who, we trust, made a lasting record of the performance. The assemblage then adjourned to the locker rooms, and various kinds, de-grees, and intensities of card games were indulged in until —well, next day was Sunday, anyhow. IN MEMORIAM WADSWORTH Hiram W. Wadsworth, senior member of the Board of Trustees of the California Institute of Technology, passed away on April 12, 1939, at the age of 76, in Pasadena. Mr. Wadsworth was a man with a high sense of civic responsibility having served as chairman of the board of directors of the City of Pasadena, president of the Colorado River Aqueduct Association from 1924 to 1929, until the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California was assured, and member of the City Planning Commission of Pasadena from 1924 to 1927. Mr. Wadsworth had been a member of the Board of Trustees for many years. He was very active in the period of the Institute's greatest growth from a single building to the campus of today. REED Jack Switzer, x'26, of La Junta, Colorado, died on April 22, 1939, at Pueblo, Colorado, after an illness of several months duration. He is survived by his widow and two sons. At the time of his death he was assistant treasurer of the La Junta Finance and Investment Company and had previously been employed by the Pacific Finance Company. -10 Alumni Review ALUMNI REVIEW CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY - 1º FET 158. A NEW TYPE OF RAILROAD CAR SEE PAGE 3 Vol. 2 No. 4 JUNE 1939 A MAESTRO OF POWER WIFT and responsive as the strings and brasses of a great orchestra, power moves beneath this man's finger tips. Electric power, varied at his will from the crashing force of ten thousand sledges to the delicate pianissimo that pares a hairbreadth from a piece of steel. And so, from the machine that obeys this man's bidding rolls forth the symphony of American industry-more goods for more people at less cost. This man is typical of the millions of American workmen who, with the machines they direct, set the tempo of American industry. Today the mechanical power in the hands of each factory worker is four times what it was 50 years ago. As a result, the amount that each worker can produce has more than doubled. And because he produces more, he has more. That is why five out of six American families own radios, why four out of five have automo-biles, why one out of three owns an electric refrigerator. That is why America has today the highest standard of living the world has ever known. And General Electric scientists, engineers, and workmen, by applying electric power to the machines of industry, have done much to make this progress possible. Their efforts today are directed to the task of bringing about still higher living standards. G-E research and engineering have saved the public from ten to one bundred dollars for every dollar they have earned for General Electric GENERAL ELECTRIC 90-107DH ALUMNI REVIEW ALUMNI ASSOCIATION, INC. CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY Vor. 2 No. 4 JUnE, 1939 ublished four times a year-September, December, March and June by the Alumn Association, Caltorma Institute of Technology 1201 East California Street, Pasadena, California. subscription price included in annual dues of $2.5 GEORGE LANGSNER, ROBERT G. SMITH G. AUSTIN SCHROTER '31 '31 '28 THE STAFF THEODORE C. CoMBs, '27, Editor 326 West Third Street, Los Angeles GEORGE RICE, III, '31, Business Manager ALBERT W. ATWOOD, JR., '32 ROBERT J. BARRY JOHN E. SHIELD, '22 THE ASSOCIATION Board of Directors J. Edward Kinsey, '26 . . . . President Harold C. Hill, '11 . . Vice-President Albert D. Hall, '22 Treasurer Albert W. Atwood, Jr., '32 Secretary Allin Catlin, Jr., 21 Wesley Hertenstein, '25 Clarence F. Kiech, 26 William H. Mohr, '29 Lawrence K. Gould '33 Committee Chairmen Allin Catlin, Jr., '21 Albert W. Atwood, Jr., '32 Albert D. Hall, '22 William H. Mohr, '29 Harold C. Hill, '11 Clarence I. Keich, 26 , '27 Clarence F. Keich, Athletic Chapters Finance Membership Placements Publications ..= Social UTURE! The phenomenal growth which our association has enjoyed during the past years must be attributed to some real cause. Certainly we must agree that few of us, if any, have become members for any sentimental reasons. Therefore, our membership must have a genuine basis. In comparison with other organizations, our associa-tion, to my knowledge, offers a great deal more to its membership. The placement service has proved a tre--mendous benefit to both graduates and employers. (Even more could be accomplished if those desiring to improve their position would register their ambitions placement office.) The Alumni Review is a prominent project of our association in that it gives us current information regarding our members along with worthwhile articles The Directory published this year, and issued to all members of the association, has been received with great acclaim; (Wide use will be made of this Directory for several years, particularly by those ment scattered throughout the United States and foreign coun-tries. Once begun, I am certain we shall find it necessary to revise this Directory from time to time to meet the demands of our members.) The meetings, in the Southern California area, have ben many and varied, so that each member has been entertained by some FORTHCOMING EVENTS* Bakersfield Chapter . . . June 6 C.I.T. Commencement . . June 9 Annual Meeting and Homecoming '-・-June 9 Special Conclaves of Classes 1934, 1929, 1924, etc. General Meeting September For Chapter dates see your Chapter Secretary (listings on page 65 of the Directory). * Listings in bold face are definite. Specific data regarding other events will be announced upon completion of plans events regardless of his tastes. These meetings included a dance at the Biltmore, with more than four hundred couples in attendance, several instructive lecture meetings and an unusual stag and field day where the boys were given an opportunity to display their latent athletic ability at one sport or another. Outstanding among our meetings again this year was the Seminar week-end. This meeting is gaining in popularity and will, without doubt, reach an attendance of one thousand or more members and guests before many years. Much apprecia- tion is due the Institute and faculty members for their kind participation and cooperation in making Seminar week-end so successful, educational and enjoyable. All of these accomplishments have come because of the intense interest and, may I say, demand of the individual members, rather than because of any ingenious enterprise of your Board of Directors. Nevertheless, the members of this Board and all of the committee members have worked untiringly during the past year and too much credit cannot be given to these men who have answered your demands. Five of the nine Board members are retiring irom active service, but the five who will fill these places fully realize the work and responsi bility that they must undertake. Sincerely yours, J.E. KINSEY. TAXES He's Carrying Quite a Load TAXES are necessary - you couldn't run a city, state or government without them. But they do mount up. Fact is, a considerable part of the money you pay us for telephone service goes right out in taxes. Bell System taxes for 1938 were $147,400,000— an increase of 56% in three years. In 1938 taxes were: Equal to about $550 a year per employee Equal to $9.50 per telephone in the Bell System Equal to $7.54 per share of A. T. & T. common stock BELL TELEPHONE SYSTEM You are cordially invited to visit the Bell System exhibit at Golden Gate International Exposition, San Francisco SYSTEM SOCIATED SOM A NEW TYPE OF RAILROAD CAR By F. C. LINDVALL, Ph.D., '28 Associate Professor of Electrical Engineering High speed in railroad operation is no novelty, nor is the achievement of passenger comfort with leisurely schedules. However, speed with comfort presents problems which have thus far been partially solved by extensive improvement in rail and roadbed, involving expensive track realignment and surfacing. Such changes merely to accommodate high speed with some degree of comfort surely are not economical, and therefore provoke the thought that a study of the riding problem, based on fundamental dynamics, might yield a truck and body suspension system which would provide comfort on ordinary track. Such a study, stimulated by William Van Dorn, formerly associated with the aeronautics department of the California Institute, and sponsored by Cortlandt Hill, has resulted in a two car experimental train incorporating a new suspension system which has achieved signal success in a variety of road tests: The suspension system, or method of mounting the car on the track, departs completely from standard practice. As can be seen in the Porter sketch (appearing on the cover of this issue) the car body floats on soft vertical coil springs in a plane above the center of gravity of the body. These springs permit, through horizontal deflection, all of the necessary truck motion relative to the body, this motion being positioned and controlled by a pair of horizontal links, elastically restrained by rubber, acting between the body and the truck frame at a height well above body center of gravity. A horizontal draft connection between the truck and the underbody structure provides the necessary longitudinal stability. Accordingly all of the necessary action of a standard swivel truck is provided without a center plate, side bearing, or swing hangers, thus eliminating lubrication and load concentration difficulties. The principal springing of the body, being above the center of gravity may be as soft as desired, and any tendency for body roll on curves is in the direction to correct for uncompensated side force on curves. This action of "bank" is in direct contrast to the behavior of a standard car and truck which lean outwardly on curves insufficiently superelevated. Likewise the lateral restraint of the car body in this new suspension system may be made to yield as low a frequency, or to be as soft as required since the action is not restricted as in a standard truck by swing hanger length and possible bolster travel within the truck frame. Then, for both the vertical and lateral motion simple shock absorbers are applied to damp resonance or harmonie oscillation. The truck itself, a substantial fabricated structure, is supported on semi-elliptic springs carried by a journal box hanger which rests on rubber shear pads on the journal box to permit a small transverse movement of the axle. The rubber likewise is valuable in preventing wheel noise transmission into the frame. Metallic slide guides or other frictional restraint in parallel with the springing system and rubber, bave been entirely eliminated. However, the entire journal assembly is provided with guard Hanges made like a loose pedestal guide to confine the journal box in the event of failure of rubber parts or springs. Safety, a minimum of weight, and quietness of operation have thus been incorporated in this truck design. The body structure, in turn, adheres to the fundamentals of light weight, safety, and economy, qualities which are inherent in the monocoque or stressed-skin design employed. A uniform low floor level and low center of gravity add greatly to the stability; while the suspension system of the body, floating the body on soft springs, achieves a high degree of comfort. Truck and Towers It should be emphasized that this work on these new cars is definitely experimental and as a result many of the details and appointments which are necessary in modern trains have been omitted in order to get to the important work of developing the riding quality and other engineering characteristics of the cars. The weight of the cars is therefore low, only 65,000 pounds for the two car articulated unit complete with the three trucks. The standard steel car provided by the Santa Fe Railway for comparative riding tests weighs 176,000 pounds and furnishes striking evidence of the fact that great mass is not essential to a good ride. Full trucks have a 9-foot wheelbase. A twelve-foot wheelbase of the articulate truck is possible because the load from the body is carried directly over each axle and thus the frame is subjected to no bending moments due to body load. June, 1939 3. The articulate truck frame has been made separable so that cars articulated at both ends could be uncoupled and switched to provide flexihility in train make-up. All truck frames were fabricated from high strength steel are-welded and stress-relieved. All wheels have a cylindrical tread and a diameter of 30 inches. Axles are hollow-bored and are fitted with ball bearing journals. A standard clasp brake system is employed. On the full trucks one air cylinder operates the shoes on all four wheels through a simple, fully equalized linkage; each half of the articulate truck has its own brake system with an air cylinder operating the shoes on two wheels. A very simple method of automatic slack adjustment is provided. In the truck photograph it can be seen that the load is carried from the frame onto the ends of the leaf journal spring the center of which seats in a hanger surrounding the journal box. Vulcanized rubber pads at the top and sides of hanger to shift laterally and provide cushioning against side shock loads. Since, in service, there are no moving metallic the wheel axle, bearings, and frame are relieved of all shock and impact loads. Brake thrust, but not torque, is carried by the leaf spring which was designed for this duty. The towers which carry the main suspension system in the body are bolted to the truck frame and form an integral part of it. These towers, like the frames, are fabricated of light-gauge high-tensile steel, arc-welded and stress-relieved. The coil springs mounted on the towers carry the body with a static deflection of 8½ inches, softer springing than is usually provided for railroad cars. These springs were specially designed to allow lateral as well as axial movement. The rubber-cushioned lateral restraint arm seen on the side of the tower connects to the body through a link located at a level about 20 inches above the center of gravity of the car body proper. This lateral control system has a very soft restraint at the center of its range and stiffens gradually as it is deflected by sustained side load. Longitudinal positioning of the truck is accomplished by a tubular draft link interconnecting and attached to both the truck and body by means of a new type of rubber buffer, which allows the required angular movement of the link and also provides cushioning for buff or draft loads. At the articulate truck these links carry the train draft load and at the full trucks take only braking and inertia loads. The system thus described incorporates no working joints carrying body loads nor are there any points where slack or wear can develop. These parts replace swing hangers, spring plank, bolster springs, bolster, bolster wear plates, center plate and side bearings in the usual truck construction. The hydraulic shock absorbers seen on the sides of the towers attach to the body through the long vertical links and serve to damp vertical and banking motions. On the top of each tower is seen one hydraulic shock absorber connected to the lateral restraint arm. Rubber has been used in a number of important applications because of its well known elastic properties and hecause automotive and general mechanical applications have shown remarkable life in even very adverse conditions when such applications were properly designed with full regard for the loads and deflections imposed. It will be seen, then, that a complete break has been made from traditional truck design in the interest of comfort and speed. Equally unorthodox practice has been followed in the car body construction in which the objective has been light weight consistent with strength and safety. The experience of modern aircraft manufacturers in developing structures of very high strength-weight ratios has been used in the design of the true "stressed-skin" or semi-monocoque body structure of these new cars. The characteristic feature of this type of structure is that the outer covering, or "skin", is used as a principal load-carrying element, suitably stiffened and supported. By proper design the skin is able to carry its load without the usual buckles, or "load-wrinkles." The effectiveness of this type of structure is remarkably demonstrated by the experimental cars which are built of Douglas fir plywood. A static load test to twice the normal gross load has proved the strength and rigidity of these car hodies, which are also entirely free of the creaks and groans usually associated with wooden structures. Wood was used in the test cars merely as a convenient expedient in ariving at suitable means to test the trucks and suspension structure within a reasonable time and at a reasonable cost. The car bodies are thus definitely temporary in contrast to the trucks which have been engineered for permanent service. Road tests of this new train unit have been made which include a variety of track conditions and operation. Simultaneous records of vertical and lateral ride have been made (Continued on page 13) All-wood operable model being built, showing "stressed skin" construction. When completed, this was used for road tests. Alumni Review INSTITUTE STAFF MEMBERS RECOGNIZED IN AMERICAN MEN OF SCIENCE Comparative Institutional Listings Disclose C.I.T. Is Outstanding. (Continued) The March number of the Alumni Review contained dil of the staff, since the value of their work in stimulating their article on the starring system which is used in American colleagues and adding prestige to the Institute bear no Men of Science to designate outstanding workers in the vari- necessary relation to the full or part-time status. ous fields of science. It was pointed out how the six editions of American Men of Science (first edition, 1906; sixth edi- The result of this check is gratifying in that the total ar- tion, 1938) contain a biographical record of scientific ac- rived at is considerably larger than Mr. Visher's (his total tivity in the United States for the past thirty years, and how was 22½). In all, twenty-nine members of the Institute staff are starred. Two were first starred in the first edition at the same time they furnish data for a comparison of the institutions in this country which are active centers of scien- (1906) ; two more in the second edition (1910) ; four in tific research. Such a comparison was made between the Cali- the third edition (1921) four in the fourth (1927); four fornia Institute and fifteen other American universities. This in the fifth (1933); and thirteen in the sixth (1938) . comparison was based on figures compiled by Mr. Stephen S. The total number of teachers at the Institute, as given in Visher, who, in the October, 1938, number of the Univer- the current World Almanac, is 191. But this figure includes sity of Chicago Magazine published the totals of starred sci- teaching fellows, who have not been long enough in independ- entists on the staffs of the institutions compared. ent work in their various fields to be eligible for starring. In arriving at his totals, however, Mr. Visher followed Hence, omitting them and revising the faculty total to in- a rather intricate system of counting. Where a staff member clude only those through the rank of instructor, the figure did not devote his whole time to teaching and research he was is 123. This gives the ratio of starred to unstarred as 1 to counted only a half. Professors emeriti were apparently not 4.24; the percentage starred, 23.57. But the figure 123 counted at all, regardless of whether they were still actively includes engineers. As was explained in the previous article, at work. Other restrictions, too involved to discuss here, were while American Men of Science includes the biographies of also applied. Since presumably the same system was used for engineers, it applies the starring system only to the sciences. each of the institutions involved, Mr. Visher's figures could Therefore, to get the ratio between those starred and those be used for comparative purposes. Nevertheless, his totals in eligible for starring, it is necessary to count out the members each case must he considered subject to revision. (i) of the engineering departments. This gives, then, as the Consequently, it seemed desirable, in the case of the Cali- total for the science faculty, 85; the ratio of starred to fornia Institute, to make an independent count. This was unstarred is 1 to 2.93; the percentage starred, 34.12. done by checking the staff list of the Institute (excluding all those below the rank of instructor) against the 1928 edition of American Men of Science. The final total makes no discrimination between part-time and full-time members (1) An independent check of Harvard and Princeton gave a total considerably larger than Mr. Visher's. A similar check of the University of California, made by Mr. Harold Ellis of the News Bureau, disclosed the same sort of discrepancy. H. VICTOR NEHER Ph.D., 1931 Assistant Professor of Physics June, 1030 CARL D. ANDERSON B.S., 1927; Ph.D., 1930 Associate Professor of Physics - 5- ROScOE G. DICKINSON Ph.D., 1920 Professor of Physical Chemistry The table given below shows the distribution, etc., of starred faculty members according to departments. (2) No. in Dept. No. Starred Ratio Percent. Biology 17 4 1 to 4.25 23.51 Chemistry 16 4 I to 4 25 Geology 14 1 to 4.66 21.43 Mathematics 9 3 1 to 3 33.33 Physics 21 12 1 to 1.75 57.14 It should be of considerable interest to members of the Alumni Association that of the thirteen Institute staff members first starred in the 1938 edition of American Men of Science, the six men pictured with this article are alumni of the Institute. (2) The total here, it will be noted, is 26. The other three starred faculty members cannot be classified according to department JESSIE W. M. DuMOND B.S., 1916; Ph.D., 1929 Associate Professor of Physics T COMMENCEMENT CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY June 9, 1939, 4:45 P.M. Processional March Institute Band Invocation and Chaplain's Address MOST REV. JOHN D. CANTWELL, D.D. Address Opportunities in the 'Forties WILLIAM C. FULLENDORE, A.B., J.D. Presentation of Candidates for Degrees FREDERIC W. HINRICHS, JR., M.A. Dean of Upper Classmen WILLIAM VERMILLION HOUSTON, PH.D. Member of Committee on Course in Science FRANKLIN THOMAS, C.E. For the Committee on Course in Engineering RICHARD CHASE TOLMAN, PH.D. Dean of the Graduate School Conferring of Degrees on behalf of the Trustees and Faculty ROBERT ANDREWS MILLIKAN, PH.D., LL.D., Sc.D. Chairman of the Executive Council The Progress of the Institute DR. MILLIKAN Benediction (The audience will stand for the Academic Procession and the Invocation.) (ALUMNI MOST CORDIALLY INVITED.) CHARLES C. LAURITSEN Ph.D., 1929 Professor of Physics DoN M. YOsT Ph.D., 1926 Associate Professor of Inorganic Chemistry LABOR RELATIONS DEPARTMENT Dr. Robert Millikan, chairman of the Institute Executive Council, on May 10th, announced the establishment of a labor relations department as a division of the department of humanities for the coming school year. According to preliminary statements, two experts in labor relations will join the staff, one on the campus and one in the field, the men rotating assignments. Labor relations problems will be attacked by scientific methods, much needed information will be secured and disseminated T STOCK FELLOWSHIP Dr. Chester Stock, professor of paleontology at the Insti-tute, has been awarded a John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Fellowship, which carries a stipend of $2,500. As a result of the award, Doctor Stock will search for undiscovered caves in northern Mexico in which remnants of human and animal life in early times may be found. The fellowships are granted to scholars and artists who have shown unusual ability by prior work, a total of sixty-nine being awarded for the current year. _6 ROUSE TO IOWA Dr. Hunter Rouse, who has been assistant professor of Auid mechanics since 1936, has accepted a position as professor of hydraulics in the college of engineering of the University of lowa for the coming school year. Alumni Review MANY TECH MEN EMPLOYED BY SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA GAS CO. Twenty-seven 'Tech graduates have found their places in the business world among the many technical and semi-tech-nical positions available in the Southern California Gas Com-pany. Of these, fourteen are doing various types of work in the Sales Department where an engineering background is helpful if not essential to their duties. Within this Department several of the executives can be listed as "Tech men." W. M. Jacobs, '28, heads the Sales Department as General Superintendent of Sales. Directing the sales policy for the entire territory served by the Com pany, from the San Joaquin Valley on the north, to Palm Springs on the south, he heads a department which employs nearly 300 people. The varied activities of this department include the direct sale, and sales promotion, of all domestic gas appliances, industrial and commercial sales, extension of gas mains, home economics work, and consultation service with architects, contractors and prospective home builders. Edgar M. DeRemer, '25, is in charge of industrial gas sales. Because of the large pipeline capacity necessary to bring natural gas from the various oil fields to metropolitan areas during certain peak periods, it is possible to use this capacity to supply surplus gas for industrial purposes at low rates. DeRemer and the staff of industrial sales engineers sell this surplus natural gas to industries, helping them with design of boiler equipment, operation of plants, and many principles of heat application. Heat for a battery of kilns to bake brick and tile, or for a new process to heat treat small metal alloy pieces — all can use natural gas, and in many cases more economically and better with the properly designed gas equipment. H. M. O'Haver, '29, Murray N. Schultz, '27, and Arthur F. Michael, '24, are each industrial sales engineers whose territory brings forth new heat requirements every day. Schultz works in the territory from Compton to the beaches, while O'Haver and Michael serve customers in the industrial section of Los Angeles. Three of the six domestic sales supervisors, one of whom has charge of the sale of domestic appliances for each of the six operating divisions into which the Company's territory is divided, are Institute graduates. A. M. Cramer, '29, has charge of the appliance salesmen in the Los Angeles metropolitan area. Cramer, in addition to directing the salesmen's activity, supervises appliance displays and domestic sales clerical staff. L. O. Scott, '29, is Domestic Sales Supervisor in charge of sales for the San Joaquin Valley area; while Frank M. Foster, '25, is Division Sales Supervisor in the Kern County Division of the lower San Joaquin Valley. Each of these men directs the sales activity of Gas Company personnel and cooperating gas appliance dealers in his respective district. June, 1939 Other Cal-Tech men in the Sales Department include Robert Grossman, '33, who is Office Engineer for Jacobs, drawing up all manner of proposals and keeping various records and budgets related to sales activity. Paul Hammond, '36, represents the many gas appliance dealers in the San Joaquin Valley, reporting to I. O. Scott. An extensive program is carried on with the dealers, educating them to make more and better appliance sales to earn more money for themselves and to add more satistactory appliances to the gas lines. Robert G. Smith, '31, is office engineer in the Domestic Sales Department at Los Angeles, keeping records, ordering appliance stocks, and analyzing sales policies and perform-ances. Harry L. Warren, '24, is research engineer in the Sales Department, coordinating sales activities, preparing analytical studies and doing certain staff work. In cooperation with men from other companies and government officials, he represents the Gas Company in preparing revisions of various ordinances relating to gas appliances and in raising the performance standards of gas equipment. W. Wayne Wilson, '34, is commercial sales engineer for Glendale, Burbank, and the San Fernando Valley territory, making estimates of cost to install and operate heating plants. He also contacts restaurants, apartments and commercial establishments. John L. Hall, '30, is in the commercial section of the Sales Department, supervising the promotional selling activities of the men in the hotel and restaurant cooking field. This department recommends proper type of equipment to obtain the most benefit from gas which is almost universally used for commercial cooking. Besides sales engineers, the many technical problems in collecting gas from wells, preparing it for market, transmission and distribution, require the service of competent engineers. In the oil field territory around Taft we find John T. Cortelyou, '34, and M. Martin McMahon, '36. Their problems are chiefly those of checking large volume gas measurements, metering equipment and those encountered in collecting compression and transmission of natural gas to metropolitan markets. John E. Michelmore, '26, is division engineer in charge of estimating and designing pipeline facilities in the San Fernando Valley territory from Glendale to Newhall. He also has charge of automotive equipment and is assistant to the general superintendent in that area. In the civil engineering department at Los Angeles are James F. P. Thomson, '26, Claude T'. Scott, '35, and Paul G. Parsons, '32. These junior engineers are doing a variety of work in designing pipelines, pressure regulators and other 7 equipment. With the installation and maintenance of many miles of pipeline, surveys and mapping work are essential. It is also necessary to secure rights-of-way and permits to lay lines in streets and other public property. These men are getting a taste of all this work rather than being confined to any one particular duty. Similarly employed in the design engineering department is Robert T. Bard, '35. He is primarily engaged in making maps and studying the layout of pipeline systems in relation to the topography of the country they traverse. Charles H. Wilcox, '15, is chief steam engineer. He superintends the operation of the boiler plant as steam is used continuously to operate huge gas compressors, and during the winter season steam must be kept available at all times for use in the generators to manufacture gas in case of shortage or damage to the huge transmission lines bringing gas from the oil fields. Engaged in the research laboratory is Rudolph G. Hol-man, '34, where he is working on numerous technical prob-lems. Proper pressures, specific gravity and specific heat are important items to be calibrated exactly in determining the characteristics of natural gas in its behavior in transmission and distribution systems. In other departments are still other Tech men. In the land and tax department are Charles F. Humphrey, '26, who is franchise engineer, and Howard R. Preston, '23, office engi-neer. The work of these men relates to recording and valuation of Company property for franchise, rate making and taxation requirements. In the general agents office, Austin Strong, '30, and George Pickett, '33, are office engineers. They are engaged in job classification and cost and time accounting of the many standardized procedures of employees in many different de-Parments there such studies may develap better ways to do the job. Twenty-seven Cal-Tech men in one organization bespeak the recognition by the Gas Company of the value of a technical training in college. Not only technicians, but other employees are better qualified to handle their jobs when their background has taught thm to think and act logically. Opportunity with a gas utility is wide for engineers, as evidenced by the positions attained by the men mentioned above, and Southern California Gas Company will undoubtedly list even greater numbers of Cal-Tech graduates as time goes on. STUDY FOSSILS Systematic study at the Institute of fossil fish of the Pacific Coast will be made possible by a grant of funds recently made by the Geographical Society of America. The work will be supervised by Dr. Chester Stock, professor of paleontology, and will use fossils already collected and awaiting study, in addition to securing further material. SEMINAR WEEK-END FURTHER REPORTS ON MARCH PROCEEDINGS "Inflation on a Balanced Budget" PROF. PHILIP S. FOGG Reported by Robert V. Carey, '32 By means of a graphic analysis, Professor Fogg demonstrated the tremendous growth in Federal expenditures since the World War. Prior to the War, Federal expenditures amounted to between $750,000,000 and $800,000,000 per annum, financed largely by customs and liquor taxes. The tremendous outlays necessitated by the War jumped expenditures to approximately 13 billion dollars in 1918 and 19 billion in 1919, necessitating the borrowing of 25 billion dollars. As a result of the War, Federal expenditures during the 'twenties assumed a new high level of between 3% and 4 billion dollars a year. The emergency spending undertaken by the Roosevelt administration as a means to combat the depression resulted in the borrowing of huge sums of money and a consequent rise in Federal expenditure to a new high level of 7 to 9 billion dollars a year. Professor Fogg pointed out that this program would result in a permanent level of Federal expenditures of at least 7 billions dollars per annum below which expenses probably could not be reduced. The only method of balancing the budget would be to raise the income of the Federal government to a level commensurate with outlays. He further stated that an unbalanced budget cannot continue indefinitely without drastic price inflation. However, barring another war, Professor Fogg stated that, in his opinion, means would eventually be found to raise the Federal income. Aeronautics Seminar Reported by Harry H. Canterbury, '06 Papers presented as follows: 1. Louis G. Dunn-on the design of rocket motors with respect to investigating their thermal efficiency. Object-obtaining scientific data at great heights, possibly 200,000 feet. 2. Frank J. Malina-on monocoque construction and analysis of stresses of the skin and strengthening members. 3. W. L. Howland-monocoque construction analysis. In small structures, factors are well known but large planes now being built require extensive research analysis. 4. Lt. Beardsley, U.S.N.-Studies on impact with relation to failure of landing gear. Repetitive impact testing machine now being designed. This is a vertical drop type machine. 5. Robert S. Schairer-profile and drag measurements. Lantern slides to illustrate the apparatus and curves obtained. (Continued on page 11) Alumni Review ALUMNI YOU SHOULD KNOW BUSINESS EXECUTIVE Herbert B. Holt, '15, is accomplishing a record of blue ribbons among Tech Alumni-one of the two first to receive degrees at the Institute in Civil Engineering and one of the two first of the Institute Associates among the Alumni. He started out as a true Civil-with the Santa Fe Railroad, originally in the Engineering Department, next in a field party and then as Engineer of Construction. This auspicious start was interrupted in May, 1917, when he became a Private in the 18th Engineers, and again changed direction in the fall of 1919 when he emerged from Overseas as First Lieutenant in the Chemical Warfare Service. The Santa Fe again claimed him as Engineer of Construction, following which he located a logging railroad in central California. In 1921 he became associated with Bekins Van & Storage Co. and shortly afterwards progressed to the unanagership of that company for Northern California. That status continued until early in 1935 when he became Southern California Manager. Bekins is a California Corporation which owns and operates 19 warehouses, 250 trucks and employs nearly 500 people. In Herb's record the Class of '15 has set up a mark for all other classes to shoot at. Herbert B. Holt Alfred J. Stamm June, 1939 CHEMIST It is rare indeed that we find the enviable combination of physical and mental endowments which is "Alf" Stamm's. He is recalled as an above-average, energetic undergraduate student. It is no surprise that we now find Dr. Alfred J. Stamm à brilliant chemist with the U. S. Forest Products Laboratory. His position and success have apparently intensified his talent, vigor and enthusiasm. Dr. Stamm received his B.S. in Chemistry from the Institute in 1921. After one year with a local firm he accepted the position of Assistant in chemistry with the University of Wisconsin, combining studies and research toward his Ph.D. which was received in 1925. He then joined the staff of the Products Laboratory, U. S. Department of Agri-culture, which is located on the university campus in Mad-ison, Wisconsin, maintained for the study of wood in all its phases. As recipient of a National Research Council fellowship he worked in the University of Upsala, Sweden, for a year and while there represented the U. S. in the International Forestry Conservation Convention held in Stockholm. Dr. Stamm is now Senior Chemist at the Laboratory and is the author of a large number of scientific papers. Tech can well be proud of his contributions to the commercial and scientific world. - 9 - JUNE MEETING Annual Session Requires Your Attendance Your June meeting is planned to particularly welcome the new members to our ranks, start them off with a bang, and remind the rest of us of the time when we were taking the same step. We also have the opportunity to see our own classmates and find out where and how far they have gone-married-how bald-how grey—how heavy-how many children-and so on. Distinguished guests of the Association will be the eleven Institute Trustees, the Deans, Department Heads and the Comptroller. The newly elected directors will be introduced and retiring directors take a bow with the thanks of the Association. Those retiring are H. C. Hill '11, Allin Catlin *21, Wesley Hertenstein '25, J. Edward Kinsey '26, and Lawrence Gould '33. CLASS REUNIONS According to tradition, classes will sit as groups. Featured classes this year will be '34, '29, '24, etc., for five-year reunions — or would you call them multiquintennials? In any event, here is a get-together which you cannot afford to miss. Light entertainment will be provided by Miss Markham's string trio during the dinner — and for dinner by the way, there will be a Surprise Menu. You will be glad again to hear the silver oratory of Dr. Millikan, welcoming you back to the fold, if but for one night. Principal speaker will be Dr. Henry Boorsook, Professor of Biochemistry at the Institute hence we are assured an interesting and instructive message. Professor Borsook is a graduate of the University of Toronto and has received several advanced degrees from that institution. He has been a member of the California Institute staff since 1929. TINY BALLOON LABS New experiments with a flying cosmic ray laboratory are under way at the Institute, according to H. Victor Neher, Ph.D., '31, who is associated with Doctor Millikan in cosmic ray studies. The automatic radio stations used in sending upper air data from rubber balloons to the earth have been adapted to cosmic ray studies. Four balloons bearing tiny radio stations to which electroscopes are attached have already been released. A five dollar reward is paid for the return of the balloons, one of which reached an altitude of 70,000 feet and was recovered in the ocean five miles south of Long Beach. Partial records have been obtained from the flights. This development is still in the experimental stage, however. DANISH ROYALTY Crown Prince Frederik and Princess Ingrid of Denmark and Iceland visited the Institute on April 6th. They were greeted by C. C. Lauritsen, Ph.D., '29, and were treated to a high voltage laboratory display, and visited the optical shop to view the polishing of the 200 inch telescope lens. ALUMNI FIELD DAY AND STAG DINNER It was held at Altadena Country Club on May 6th, was a fine party and everyone said he had a good time. There were ninety who stayed for the dinner and entertainment. The afternoon started propitiously when the early arrivals found there was a swimming pool, but no water in it. It was much too cold to swim anyway-seems there was a little difficulty with the Health Department as to circulating and chlorinating systems which appeared as a minus quantity. Other sports fared better-golf had thirty-seven devotees out, and the blind bogey prizes were won by Al Kensey '17, Doug Stromsoe '23, and Don Warren '38. Softball was enthusiastically enjoyed by the thirsty who stayed with it almost all afternoon. If there were performers who particularly distinguished themselves, their laurels were not posted so high as to obtain recognition. Tennis was indulged in by a few of its constant adherents, and horseshoes came in for its share of participants. Dinner was enlivened during and after by ad libs from President Kinsey who also awarded the golf prizes, and a demonstration in pulchritude was presided over by Chairman Shield. Technical proficiency as to timing at least was aptly attained by Bentley Copeland ex'24, who, we trust, made a lasting record of the performance. The assemblage then adjourned to the locker rooms, and various kinds, de-grees, and intensities of card games were indulged in until —well, next day was Sunday, anyhow. IN MEMORIAM WADSWORTH Hiram W. Wadsworth, senior member of the Board of Trustees of the California Institute of Technology, passed away on April 12, 1939, at the age of 76, in Pasadena. Mr. Wadsworth was a man with a high sense of civic responsibility having served as chairman of the board of directors of the City of Pasadena, president of the Colorado River Aqueduct Association from 1924 to 1929, until the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California was assured, and member of the City Planning Commission of Pasadena from 1924 to 1927. Mr. Wadsworth had been a member of the Board of Trustees for many years. He was very active in the period of the Institute's greatest growth from a single building to the campus of today. REED Jack Switzer, x'26, of La Junta, Colorado, died on April 22, 1939, at Pueblo, Colorado, after an illness of several months duration. He is survived by his widow and two sons. At the time of his death he was assistant treasurer of the La Junta Finance and Investment Company and had previously been employed by the Pacific Finance Company. -10 Alumni Review SEMINARS (Continued from page 8) Problems of turbulence of the boundary layer, intimately connected with problems of drag. increase lift coefficient. 7. Peter V. Serrell-a new design for mounting models in wind tunnel study, to give direct readings on all the forces. Remarks by Dr. Arthur I. Klein-that the primary requirement of design is the lightest weight for the required strength. Discussion was conducted by Dr. Klein. Civil Engineering Seminar Reported by William W. Aultman, '27 In the Civil Engineering Seminar three papers were presented on recent research and developments in that field. Professor Franklin Thomas discussed the chemistry of water softening, the relative hardness of Southern California water supplies to other supplies in the United States, and then briefly described the plans of the Metropolitan Water District (of which Professor Thomas is Pasadena representative and vice chairman of the Board) for softening Colorado River water. Professor Fred J. Converse next described and illustrated them. By studying the mortality rate for various speeds of cooling, a constant indicative of vitality can be obtained. Professor John Strong discussed his new radiation pyro-meter. By multiple reflection from quartz crystals a narrow band may be isolated, having a wave length in the far infra-red, for which black bodies as "incandescent" at atmospheric or subatmospheric temperatures. Professor W. V. Houston discussed various methods for electromagnetically and electrostatically focussing electron beams. Their application to microscopy was illustrated by showing several pictures taken with an electron-microscope. Professor W. R. Smythe discussed his recent work on isotopes which served to identify a new isotope as the source of potassium radioactivity. T "Human Engineering" In introducing his subject of psychology as applied to studies of intelligence, aptitude and personality, Professor Robert 'T. Ross described the means whereby valid tests and groupings of individuals are devised and evolved. He pointed out the merits and possibilities of such work and reported indicative and significant current progress. In the field of personality studies, one of the most difficult of psychological investigations, it is believed that meritorius accomplishments can be made in human engineering. Dr. Ross, '27, followed his undergraduate studies of physics and mathematics with work at Pomona College, U.S.C. and Yale University in education, psychology and medicine, and is now a popular professor of psychology in Stanford University-combined with lectures at the Institute, special research at Pasadena Community Theatre, and clinical studies. were made by Ed Seaver, '21 and Ben Benioff, '22 and five other Tech men. The last talk was by Dr. Robert Knapp who presented and described two very interesting motion pictures; one on the wave action of high velocity fluid flows in flumes; and the other reporting model tests on density current studies of suspended material in stratified flow. T Physics Seminar Reported by Fred J. Ewing, '27 The physics seminar was led by Profesor E. C. Watson. Professor I. S. Bowen discussed his new "image slicer." Hitherto in stellar spectroscopy only 2 to 10% of the light focused by a telescope has been available for spectra because the diameter of the star image greatly exceeds the permis-sable width of the spectroscope slit. Professor Bowen reflects the circular image along a path, parallel to the slit face and converging over the slit, and then reflects successive strips of the image into the slit by means of a number of very small mirrors. By means of his device a five-fold increase in speed can be obtained. Professor A. Goetz discussed his recent work on biological effects at low temperatures. By very rapid cooling, yeast cells may be brought to liquid air temperature without killing Other Seminars Among the most interesting of the seminar sessions, the following are grouped in brief solely because, somehow, our reportorial aspirations failed to materialize. These are: Mechanical Engineering Seminar. Discussion of work in the hydraulic machinery laboratory and the development and tests of models for Grand Coulee pumps, by Prof. Daugherty. A discussion of the effects of speed of loading upon strength of materials, by Prof. Donald S. Clark. Humanities Seminar, introduced by Prof. Clinton K Judy. A discussion of contemporary American literature was provided by Prof. MacMinn and mimeographed lists of recommended reading were distributed. Mr. A. B. Young, lecturer and chairman of the State Relief Administration, spoke on relief and welfare. The Sunday morning program was opened by Theodore G. Soares, professor of Ethics, who conducted a highly interesting chapel session. "Recent Developments in Television," by Prof. Stuart Mackeown, involved a discussion of commercial and technical aspects of new television developments. June, 1939 - 11- Now! For Your Greatest Vacation SEE 2 WORLD*S FAIRS ROUND TRIP From Any Point S To New York- returning via San Francisco in air-conditioned coaches. *90 SAN FRANCISCO WORLO'S FAIR fulle tri, berin extrationed. $735 Pullmans, berth extra, only .... (Effective Beginning April 28, 1939) HERE IS THE VACATION BARGAIN of a lifetime! Think of seeing the magnificent beauty and breath-taking wonders of the two great 1939 world's fairs for a rail fare as low as $90. Plan your vacation now to include these great spectacles. Make your trip complete by including the wonderlands of the West which may be visited en route by ... INEXPENSIVE UNION PACIFIC SIDE TRIPS YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK-Geysers-boiling springs-lacy water-falls-superb scenic mountain vistas. BOULDER DAM-LAKE MEAD - See man's greatest engineering triumph creating world's largest artificial lake. ZION-BRYCE-GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARKS- Famed wonders of unsurpassed natural grandeur. SUn VALLEY-Year 'round mountain playground for all the family. Ideal summer sports and vacation center. FINE UNION PACIFIC TRAINS EAST The Streamliners "City of Los Angeles" -39¾ hours to Chicago-last word in modern travel. The Challenger-Comfort Economy train with many distinguishing features for your enjoyment. The Los Angeles Limited - All.Pullman train providing you extra service at no extra fare. The Pacific Limited Morning departure train with always high standard Union Pacific service. THE PROGRESSIVE For Literature and Complete Information See Your Nearest Union Pacific Representative or write 434 W. SIXTH ST., LOS ANGELES UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD RECENT BOOKS (An abridgement of the list of "Recommended Reading" offered to members of the Alumni Association at the Humanities Seminar held in March, 1939.) Novels Dorothy Baker, Young Man with a Horn. Taylor Caldwell, Dynasty of Death. John Dos Passos, U.S.A. James T. Farrell, No Star Is Lost. William Faulkner, The Wild Palms. Ernest Hemingway, To Have and Have Not. Sinclair Lewis, The Prodigal Parents. Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings, The Yearling. John Steinbeck, The Grapes of Wrath. George R. Stewart, East of the Giants. Elizabeth Bowen, The Death of the Heart. Aldous Huxley, Eyeless in Gaza. Virginia Woolf, The Years. Andre Malraux, Man's Hope. Thomas Mann, Joseph and His Brothers, Young Joseph, Joseph in Egypt. Eric M. Remarque, Three Comrades. Jules Romains, Men of Good Will. Gladkov, Cement. Pilniak, The Volga Falls to the Caspian Sea. Romanoff, Three Pairs of Silk Stockings. Short Stories Ernest Hemingway, The Fifth Column (a play) and the First Forty-Nine Stories. John Steinbeck, The Long Valley. Biography and Autobiography Richard E. Byrd, Alone. Eve Curie, Madame Curie. Marquis James, Life of Andrew Jackson. Somerset Maugham, The Summing Up. Antonina Vallentin, Leonardo da Vinci: The Tragic Pur- suit of Perfection. Carl Van Doren. Benjamin Franklin. Plays Rachel Crothers, Susan and God. Clifford Odets, Rocket to the Moon. Robert E. Sherwood, Abe Lincoln in Illinois. Thornton Wilder, Our Town. Poetry T. S. Eliot, Collected Poems. Robert Frost, Collected Poems. Philosophy University of California Associates, Knowledge and Society. Alfred N .Whitehead, Modes of Thought. Psychology W. Crafts and others, Recent Experiments in Psychology. June, 3939 Sigmund Freud, The Basic Works of Sigmund Freud. (Translated by A. A. Brill. Modern Library.) N. L. Munn, Psychological Development. Mandel Sherman, Mental Conflicts and Personality. L. M. Terman, Psychological Factors in Marital Happiness. Religion Theodore G. Soares, Three Typical Beliefs. General Eric T. Bell, Man and His Lifebelts. Ralph Adams Cram, The End of Democracy. Philip Guedalla, The Hundred Years. Aldous Huxley, Inds and Means. Oscar Lewis, The Big Four (Huntington, Stanford, Crocker, Hopkins). Lin Yutang, The Importance of Living. Anne Morrow Lindbergh, Listen! The Wind. John Muir (Linnie M. Wolfe, ed.), John of the Mountains. Lewis Mumford, The Culture of Cities. Harold E. Stearns, America Now. An Inquiry into Civilization in the United States by Thirty-Six Americans. T NEW RAILROAD CAR (Continued from page 4) to compare the new equipment with coaches of standard type known to have good riding qualities. These comparisons include operation over fair track at speeds up to 80 miles an hour and on good track up to 94 miles an hour and demonstrate clearly the advantage of the new suspension system. However, no careful instrument measurements are necessary to demonstrate the important points which have been established and which contribute in no small way to passenger comfort. In these new cars, standing and walking about is accomplished with greater ease and with feeling of greater stability than in a standard six wheel truck club car, weighing six times as much as one of the new cars, which is a part of the test train. In fact, walking from one car to the other gives a comparison definitely favorable to the new equipment. Then, as the second outstanding difference, writing at a table in the new car is distinctly easier and the result more legible than that done in the standard car. The improvement is due primarily to the absence of harsh lateral acceleration so characteristic of standard equipment at high speed on indifferent track. Indeed, even in the tail of the new rear car, with its large overhang, objectionable lateral motion, or whipping is not experienced. And finally, a less spectacular but definitely welcome improvement offered by the new cars is the freedom from high frequency vibration or "jitter" so characteristic of high speed trains. Those annoying small vibrations which make reading dificult are not present with the new suspension system, a result which is another important element added to passenger comfort. - 13 Conducted by George Langsner, '31 births foonelow Tech men? Marrias, promotions, job published, honors received are information yod adaformaton the edipe, "A PrECH ALUMNI REVIEW. 1898 Frank B. Jewett, president of the Bell Telephone Laboratories and member of the Advisory Council of the Institute, has been awarded the John Fritz Medal for notable scientific and industrial achieve ment. The Award is made by a special board composed of representatives of the four national engineering societies. Doctor Jewett was recently elected to the presidency of the National Academy of Sciences. 1902 James M. Gaylord, chief electrical engineer for the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, has been elected vice-chairman of the Los Angeles section of the American Institute of Electrical Engineers. 1910 Richard Bard, Throop '10, was one of the leaders in the promotion of a harbor at Hueneme, Calif and donated the site on which construction estimated to cost $3,-000,000 is now under way to provide Ventura County with a landlocked harbor. Mark A. Sawyer, who is with the South- Telephone Company, will be chairman of the Los Angeles section of the American Institute of Electrical Engineers for the coming year. Board of Education at the recent mun-cipal election larold Hletcher. x21, was ottice engin- NEWS OF CLASSES 1923 Gunner Gramatky, of the Los Angeles Paving Company, is in charge of the grad Loren E. Blakeley is the engineer for ing and paving of the site for Wyvern the Santa Ana Valley Irrigation Company wood in Los Angeles, which is the na of Orange, Calif., which supplies irrigation's largest privately financed rental tion water to 17,000 acres of housing project, consisting of 143 build Seares has recently developed a ings novel advertising structure for Signal Gas with 1103 apartments and fats. and Oil Co. The original installation is Frederick C. Lindvall, Ph.D., was re- attracting observers at 7th and Carondo- cently elected secretary-treasurer of the Los Angeles section of the American Institute of Electrical Engineers. 1924 Alex Clark, M.S., '32, is acting as chief Robert S. Ridgway, of the Standard geologist for the Shell Oil Company, Inc., Oil Company of California, addressed the during the absence of Dr. Frank S. Hud Mechanical Engineering Seminar at the Institute on April on "Operating on, chiet geologist. Alex has given up hi home in Bakersfield to take up residence Froblems of Natural Gas Engines. in Los Angeles where he will make his James Mercereau is in the Transformer headquarters. Engineering Department of the Westing house Electric and Manufacturing Com• Hampton Smith, Ph.D., '34, has been pany at Sharon, Penna. promoted from the position of district geologist with the Texas Company, to 1926 assistant chief geologist. Hamp continues to make his headquarters in Los Angeles Alexander Kroneberg, who is an elec- with Mrs. Smith and their child. trical engineer for the Southern California addressed the April meeting of the Edison Companys Angeles chapter of Ed Joujon-Roche, geologist with the Shell Oil Company. Inc., has been trans- the American Institute of Electrical En- ferred from the Bakersfield Division to Regulation "Practical Aspects of Voltage Ventura. Vito Vanoni, who is with the U. S. Soil Conservation Service, addressed the Los 1929 Angeles Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers at its May meeting Alphonse Cramer is the very proud held at the Institute. father of a daughter, Susan Carole, born Arthur C. Werden, JI., of Southern Cal- on April 1, 1939, at Los Angeles. ifornia Edison Co. fame is living with his family in Boulder City, Nevada. Beverly Fredendall, who is with the National Broadcasting Company at New York, has been transferred from broad casting engineering design to work on the public television broadcasts which started Willard H. Francis, x27, who is practicing architecture at Ojai, California, was the archie the Marchin tria, esidence World's Fair on April 30th. John Daly, M.S., '31, wishes to poin the Architectural Forum. out an error in a recent number of th Carl D. Anderson delivered the Sigma Review. Daly says that he is no longer a Xi lecture at Louisiana State University draughtsman with the Shell Oil Company, last March in which he discussed the pos- but has been a seismologist for the past sibilities of future cosmic ray research John D. Shuster is electrical adviser for the Bethlehem Shipbuilding Corp. on the George Schild Lufkin was married to purchase of equipment for the merchant Miss Audrey Jordan on April 14. The cere- and naval vessels now being built by the mony took place in Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church, New York City. Grease Company. Alfred Stamm, who is senior chemist at Forest Products Laboratory at Wisconsin, spoke at the April meeting of the American Chemical Society oyames Boyd, who is assistant protessor Ralph McLean is now a structural en- recently been member of the Oceanography committee gineer for the firm of Holmes andNarver of the America Geophysical Union and of Los Angeles. Brotholed to the rank of captain in the Fred Groch is now employed by the Imperial Irrigation District. Louis H. Erb, formerly with the Pacific his faculty duties, he is a consulting min- …. Sprague de Camp is the co-author of various a book, "Inventions and Their Manage- Telephone and Telegraph Company, mining operations in the Rocky Mountain now Deputy Registrar of Contractors ment," published by the International Company of Scranton, Penna the State of California with offices in San Edmund G. Grant is to be married to N. Marsh, who is production Miss Myrtle Elaine Kendall of Pasadena, engineer for the General Petroleum Carl Renz, M.S., is now with the U. S. on July 7th. poration, addressed the Mechanical En- Engineer's office at Cincinnati, Ohio. Ernest Levine is vice president and A. Perry Banta, M.S., who is assistant Philip Cravitz, '29, is engineer of April 26th on "Mechanical Engineering Production." Sanitation Districts, has been appointed Contractwich is building a 432 foot con- Blake Beatty has been honored by be- assistant professor of sanitary engineering crete bridge to carry the ing appointed Foreman of the 1939 Fed- at the Institute, and will continue his work Parkway across the eral Grand Jury for Los Angeles. Robert C. Ramey, x30, is to be married to Miss Muriel Rolls in San Francisco on June 3rd. 1931 Byron Johnson is now a contractor in San Bernardino, Calif. Howard Smits 15 the proud tather of a daughter, in Gretchen, born on March 17th Los Angeles William D. Hacker has just completed a trip through the West Indies and Cen- tral America. including Cuba, Porto Rico, Haiti, Dominican Republic and Mexico. Use a bautics, Oakland, Calif, recently addressed the Sacramento Section of the American Mobilgas the Corps of Engineers, U.S.A., is now on leave of absence domg graduate civil engineering Al Atwood has been playing an important role recently in the testing and break- Metropolitan Water District pumps along the aqueduct. Gie dit Card ASK YOUR MOBILGAS DEALER Willis P. Popenoe, M.S., will carry on a DRIVE systematic search for petroleum in the Philippine Islands for the Filipino gov- t0t ernment this summer, having gone to the Islands by the Philipine Clipper. Fair Robert L. Smallman, who is an arna- won a $200 prize the Johnson picture of his twins, which is appearing in the June issue of the women's maga- Ray Cripps is the proud father of a son, Dale Edward, born on March 20, 1939, at Los Angeles. Grover Secord is now a time study engineer for Andrew Jurgens in Hollywood. MOBILGAS MOBILOIL Alvin Smith is now employed as an engineer by the Monolith Portland Cement Company at Monolith, Calif Thomas S. Terrill has resigned as co- GENERAL PETROLEUM CORPORATION pilot for Pan-American Airways to accept which expects make survey fights between New York and Mediterranean ports early this sum-mer. An unusual feature of the proposed route is that planes will be in constant contact with steamships of the affiliated American Export Lines. Howard P. Gluckman is the proud fath er of a daughter, Sharon Esther, born on April 16, 1939, at Los Angeles. Robert Gelder is now with the General Robert Dourson, formerly a chemical Corporation at Los Angeles. engineer for the Union Oil Company, Martin McMahon was married to Miss Alberta Sanders in Glendale last March now assisting Albert Tyler, Ph.D., biological research at the Institute and they are now at home in Taft, Calif. opened a dry Frank Davis has been commissioned a cleaning establishment in Los Angeles. lieutenant in the U. S. Marine Corps and is now stationed at Quantico, W. D. Chawner, M.s., who is chief geol- Lewis Browder is now employed as a ogist at Papua Explora- physicist by the Walt Disney Studios. Dick H. Wallman, M.S., is now a met- tions, Ltd., a subsidiary of the Anglo- eorologist for the Atlantic division of the Charles A, Dawson is a geologist for Iranian and Socony-Vacuum Companies, the Superior Oil Company Pan-American Airways and is working on was a recent visitor to the Institute. for the proposed transatlantic Horace W. Babcock, who 1S on the quarters at Bakershield, Calif. and expects to be transferred to staff of the Lick Observatory of the Uni- Leonard Patterson, formerly with the versity of California, read a paper at the Nevada-California Electric Corporation, is recent meeting of the American Philo- now with the California Railroad Commis- Edward Price has accepted a position as sophical Society in Philadelphia on the sion at San Francisco. physicist with the measurements of the rotation of the great spiral nebula in the constellation Andro- Gale M. Smith is radio engineer for ation of Long Beach, meda. Pan-American Airways at Miami, Florida. James W. addressed the June meeting of the Los Angeles section 1935 C. F. Thomas is leaving for Europe im-Inediately, He will represent Lockheed Aircraft there for one year, touring all Europe, with headquarters in Amsterdam, Holland. Victor W. Willits, Jr., is the father of of the American Society of Civil Louise, gineers. born on April 21, 1939, at Long Beach, Robert Mahoney. with his wife nounces the birth of a son, Robert Vignes, Nelson P. Nies has been honored by on May second. Bob was student body election to Sigma Xi at Western Reserve president during his senior year. University. (Continued on page 16) June, 1939 - 15- NEWS OF CLASSES (Continued from page 15) 1938 OMSTED WRITES Telling of boom conditions in Norway, as well as of much improved outlook for technicians, Harold Olmsted, John Minasian is an office assist- writes interestingly to Prof. M. R. Martel ant for the William Neil Company of Los of the Institute civil engineering staff. Angeles. When he left Pasadena two years ago, Albert E. Jurs is now employed by the after receiving his master's degree, Yale Townsend Corporation of New York Mr. Omsted expected to spend vacation Robert Custer is a chemist at the Gen-of several week in Norway and then re" eral Petroleum Corporation's Laboratory turn to the United States. He had worked at Santa Fe Springs, California. in east and in the neighborhood of Los Angeles for 18 years before being able Peter Goff is now employed by the to afford his graduate tuition as a civil Board of Fire Underwriters. with head-engineer. quarters in Los Angeles. Jack Johannessen is now employed by the Imperial Irrigation District. LETTERS The following is an excerpt from a letter to Charles Schwieso, former Y.M.C.A secretary at the Institute. Hong Kong, China March 16,1939 Dear Chuck, It happened that when your letter reached Canton, the latter had fallen into the hands of the Japanese. However, the letter was forwarded to the Pui Too Girls' School, which is an American owned academy in which there are some missionaries staying to watch over the property. I was engaged in governmental rail- road work the last two years until last July when I came down to Hong Kong to join my family. Since then I've been teaching in the Engineering College of Kuomin University which had also moved from Canton to Hong Kong last Sep- tember, Just two weeks ago I was called again to go into the interior to work in Yun-nanfu- China. the southwest bordet one s am to join the members of the Yunnan-Szechuan Railroad, a line of about 800 kilometers. It will be the main road connecting these two big provinces. I shall leave Hong Kong on March 19. Owing to the fact that living conditions in Yunnanfu are unfamiliar shall leave the family in Hong Kong for the time being. I know it is hard to leave them, but conditions are so in China in this time of our struggle. I hope that they will be able to join me in the summer. We have our confidence battle if we will stick it out hard enough with the Japs. I'm sure you will remember Drs. Woo (Ph.D., '31) and Liu who were with me in Pasadena. Both of them are staying in Yunnan now. I will look them up when I get there and say hello to them for you. Yours sincerely, DAVID WONG, '32. June, 1939 A conference was held in the Guggenheim laboratory in which aeronauties research and problems were discussed. After the conference, Colonel Lindbergh viewed the polishing of the 200 inch mirror for the Palomar Mountain Observatory. T Finds Job Position However, he writes, he landed a posi-ion with one of Norways prominent consulting engineers, A. L.. Hoyer, who 1 son-in-law of the famous Dr. Fridtjof Nansen. When he was previously at home in 1930, he had tried unsuccessfully for six months to obtain work. "The country in general, and Oslo in particular, has witnessed a building boom the like of which it was never my fortunc to experience in the United States. It has encompassed all kinds of building as well as highway construction. The young Norwegian-American engineer criticises much of the struction he has being "arty" rather than sound basically in engineering Concrete work is not up to best Ameri- ca standards, he finds. In a brief reference to the political situation, he says: "We in the quiet corner of Europe view with alarm,' to say the least, the present trend toward barbarism in certain European countries. In recent Swedish papers, Norway has been severly criticised for not arming enough! PITTSBURGH GROUP ACTIVE The frequent visits of Tech men provide Pittsburgh Alumni with a close per sonal touch with the Institute-particu-larly because they, whenever possible, seize these occasion for get-togethers. Professor Sorensen was feted in January and Professor Maxstadt, Ph.D. '31, was the honored guest in February. Late in March the presence of Protes-sor Frederick C. Lindvall, Ph.D. '28, was made the occasion for a dinner party. Those in attendance were: Mr. and Mrs. T. E. Brown '36, Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Hobson '35, Mr. and Mrs. A. E. Schuler '26, Mr. P. H. Wyckoff, M.S. '37, Mr. W. E. Stephens, and Professor Lindvall NEBULAE CONTAIN METALS The existence of the heavier metallic elements in planetary nebulea has recently been definitely established by Dr. Ira S. Bowen, Ph.D. '26, professor of physics, Aware of Danger Lick observatory. This discovery announc- "But with gangsters for neighbors we in collaboration with Dr. Wyse, at the are forced to make a few precautions. Vol-ed at the recent meeting of the National untary groups of citizens are drilled for Academy of Science in Washing promises various duties during air attacks. All in- to be of considerable astronomical im- habitants of the larger cities are regist- portance. ered with the bureau for evacuation in There is now reason to believe that the case of raids....In short we are constantly heavier elements exist in planetary nebulae being reminded of the situation. in about the same proportions that they "I am thankful to be an American citi- exist in the sun. zen, and to be able to return if need be to the safety of the United States, behind the world's strongest army and navy. And this is an old-time pacifist speaking!" - T CORRECTION LINDBERGH The Alumni Review wishes to make a correction in the biography of the late Col. Charles A. Lindbergh, while on his Dr. Calvin Bridges who spent his sum-recent tour of active duty in which he mers at the Carnegie Genetics Laboratory was engaged in investigating aeronautical at Cold Springs Harbor, Long Island, N. research and production facilities for the Y., rather than at the Woods Hole Labor-Chief of the U.S. Army Air Corps, visited atory as stated in the March issue of the the campus on the afternoon of May 9. Review. 16 - Alumni Review RESISTIVITY NATURAL POTENTIAL CURVE =1 CURVE CURVE #3 (DOTED SHALE FRESH WATER SHALE SALT WATER SAND THIS MIGHT BE A PICTURE OF YOUR BACK YARD OIL SAND SHALE SALI WATER SAND DENSE FORMATION SHALE OLL SAND Wei on botton YoUR own back yard might look like this-to a petroleum engineer. It's true the picture isn't beautiful, but it is an accurate chart of sub-surface formations. differentiate between oil sand. water sand and impermeable shale. Its development has in creased many times man's knowledge of the world in which Accurate electrical logging of oil we live. Complete information of wells is a Lane-Wells Service Lane-Wells Technical Oil Field which enables petroleum engi- Services is available through any neers to correlate wells and Lane-Wells branch, or by mail. LANE-WELLS COMPANY - Los Angeles - New York - Houston - Branches in all principal oil fields Through this electrode Nature records her secrets for accurate interpretation. 1500 feet of formation is accu rately charted by Lane-Wells Electrolog. LANE TECHNICAL OIL FIELD WELLS MPA TECHNICAL OIL FIELD SERVICES Electrolog Truck at the derrick in a busy field The Chesterfield glove, created by New York's smart designer Merry Hull... Original and different too is Chesterfield's way of combining the world's best tobaccos to bring out the finer qualities of each. It's the Chesterfield way and that's why Chesterfields are milder than other cigarettes. 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