SCIENCE 20 July 1973Vol. 181, No. 4096

AMEIE1ECAN ASSOCIATION rORt THE AJDVANClEMElCNT Or SCIEINCIE

w: _~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~l

t. _~~~~~~~__~~~~~~~~~~

i' ' X~~~~~~~~~~~~~<IIt

I did500radioimmunoassays

while I sleptThe big, 500-sample capacity of the LKB-WallacAutomatic Gamma Sample Counter means that you,too, could set up for long uninterrupted runs over-night or on weekends. Come back in the morning andfind a complete printout of results in digital form,with every sample positively identified. And withsample transfer taking as little as 10 seconds, youget fast results.The LKB-Wallac Gamma Counter is simple to operate.You will be able to handle a high volume of samplesfor radioimmunoassays with a minimum of effort andat low cost. Samples can be added or removed fromthe counter at any time, without interrupting the run.They will always be positively identified. And youcan add a binary-coded cap when you need toidentify the samples of multi-users, or to give a

command to your computer to select a certain pro-gram for processing the data from a group ofsamples.Write now for information about LKB-Wallac GammaCounters for either 300 or 500 samples, with oneor two channels, for single cr dual labelled samples.

LKB Instruments Inc.12221 Parklawn Drive, Rockville MD. 2085211744 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles Calif. 900256600 West Irving Park Road, Chicago III. 60634260 North Broadway, Hicksville N.Y. 11801

WIeu-InterMarihuana Users andDrug SubculturesBy Bruce D. Johnson, Brooklyn College, CUNYAddressed to students, teachers, lawmakers, school ad-ministrators, public officials and interested laymen,Marihuana Users and Drug Subcultures presents impor-tant findings about college student drug use and life-styles. Using such social variables as gender, cigaretteuse, religious participation, political orientation, andfriendships, the author demonstrates that it is possibleto predict-with unusual accuracy-who will use mari-juana and who will not. Of special interest are the threeappendices which present detailed data for interestedresearchers, details of data collection, and the question-naire completed by 3500 college students.1973 290 pages $12.95

Biological Applicationsof Electron Spin ResonanceEdited by Harold M. Swartz, The Medical College of Wis-consin, James R. Bolton, University of Western Ontario,and Donald C. Borg, Brookhaven National LaboratoryThis is one of the few books on Electron Spin Resonancethat specifically considers the interests and backgroundof the biological scientist. The first three chapters aredevoted to a thorough step-by-step introduction to ESR,while the remaining contributed chapters provide an au-thoritative overview of current ESR studies in such areasas cells and tissues, photosynthesis, flavoproteins, andradiation biology. The authors have carefully selectedtopics that accurately reflect the possibilities and prob-lems of ESR applications in the biological sciences.1972 569 pages $27.50

Non parametric Statistical MethodsBy Myles Hollander, Florida State University, andDouglas A. Wolfe, The Ohio State UniversityEmphasizing procedures that are easy to apply and easyto understand, this book highlights cohditions for validapplication of nonparametric techniques. The materialextends to coverage of tests and recent advances in ro-bust estimation and multiple comparison procedures,and includes interesting examples from disciplines suchas astronomy, biology, criminology, education, environ-mental science, sociology, and space science. Extensivetables and charts for implementing the statistical pro-cedures are also included.1973 503 pages $18.95

Analytical Chemistry ofPhosphorus CompoundsEdited by M. Halmann, Weizmann Institute of ScienceVolume 37 in Chemical Analysis: A Series of Mono-graphs on Analytical Chemistry and Its Applications,edited by P. J. Elving and 1. M. KolthoffThis book covers the predominant aspects in four majorareas of this important branch of chemistry: separationmethods, identification methods, groups of compounds,and analyses of specific materials. Included are discus-sions of recent refinements of such physical methodsas nmr, IR, Raman spectrometry and mass spectrome-try; applications in the fields of fertilizers, feedstuffs andpesticides; and analyses of recently discovered naturalcompounds with carbon-phosphorous bonds.1972 850 pages $39.95

Available at your bookstore, or from Dept. 554-

WILEY-INTERSCIENCE605 Third Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10016In Canada: 22 Worcester Road, Rexdale, OntariPrices subject to change without notice.

The Chemist's Companion:A Handbook of Practical Data, Techniques, and Refer-ences By Arnold J. Gordon, Pfizer, Inc., and Richard A.Ford, Montgomery CollegeHere, in just one convenient volume, is a library's worthof facts, figures, addresses, references, tips, techniquesand sources needed by every chemistry student, teacher,and researcher. Not just a dry collection of tables, TheChemist's Companion provides abundant theoretical andpractical information in literally dozens of categories,covering properties of molecular systems, properties ofatoms and bonds, spectroscopy, photochemistry, chro-matography, kinetics and thermodynamics, various ex-perimental techniques, and mathematical and numericalinformation. Extensive, up-to-date bibliographies are in-cluded, as well as discussions on the latest experimentalmethods and directions for access to specialized sup-pliers and services.1972 560 pages $14.95

World Directory of Collections ofCultures of MicroorganismsEdited by S. M. Martin, National Research Council ofCanada, and V. B. D. Skerman, University of Queensland,BrisbaneCompiled with the assistance of UNESCO, this bookoffers a wealth of information previously unattainable ina single volume. Collection listings are cross-referencedwith indexes of their geographical locations, main inter-ests, and associated personnel. There are separate sec-tions on algae, bacteria, fungi, lichens, protozoa, tissuecultures, animal viruses, bacterial viruses, insect viruses,plant viruses, and yeasts. The editors have includedappendices containing the questionnaires used in obtain-ing the information. Microbiologists, infectious diseasespecialists, medical technologists, and all researcherswho use cultures in their work will find the World Direc-tory of Collections of Cultures of Microorganisms an in-dispensable reference volume.1972 560 pages $19.95

WILEY-INTERSCIENCE605 Third Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10016Gentlemen: Please send me the books I have indicatedbelow-0 471 44623-8 JOHNSON:

Marihuana Users and Subcultures ........... $12.950 471 83870-5 SWARTZ et al:

Biological Applications of ESR .............. $27.500 471 40635-x. HOLLANDER/WOLFE:

Nonparametric Statistical Methods .......... $18.950 471 34558-x. HALMANN: Analytical Chemistry

of Phosphorous Compounds ................ $39.950 471 31590-7 GORDON/FORD:The Chemist's Companion ................. $14.95

0 471 57356-6 MARTIN/SKERMAN: WorldDirectory of Cultures of Microorganisms ...... $19.95

El My check (money order) for $ is enclosed.Ol Please bill me.

Address

Prices subject to change without notice.Please add state and local taxes where applicable.

*Restricted to the continental United States.093-A4036-WI

I 14GLI I IV

uty/6tate/zip

HP MEASUREMEN_/COMPUTATION: changing things for the better

These calculators have such special significancefor scientists and engineers that we devotedthis space to describe them in some detail. Othernew instruments and systems stemming fromour measurement omputation technologies arebeing developed: look for them in thecoming months.

Three alternatives (two of thembrand new) to the drudgery ofpaper-and-pencil mathematics.Almost 300 years ago, Gottfried Wilhelm Leibnizwrote, "It is unworthy of excellent men to losehours like slaves in the labor of calculation." Hewas right, but how could anyone avoid it then?

Today, in any field of science or engineering,tedious manual calculation is neither wise nornecessary because things have changed signifi-cantly for the better, even in the last few months.We're convinced you should never again laborwith slide rule, tables, scratch pads and addingmachines ... wasting your creative time gettinganswers that aren't as accurate as you'd like.

Any of the economical calculators that wedescribe in this month's message is as easy to op-erate as an adding machine but incomparablymore powerful. All are pre-programmed to performnot only the basic arithmetic operations butalso transcendental and statistical functions. Allcalculate positive and negative numbers through-out a 200-decade range. All automatically keeptrack of the decimal point and can display answersto the tenth significant digit.

One of the traits that sets them apartfrom the recent flood of electronic calculatorsis a four-register operational stack that issolidly based on computer theory. The stackautomatically stores intermediate results obtainedduring your calculations - whether they beserial, chain or mixed chain - and brings themback to the working register when they are neededto complete the calculations. In plain English,the stack relieves you of the necessity to makescratch notes and re-enter intermediate values:it does it for you, automatically and without error.

HP-35.The electronic slide ruleSmall enough so that you can easily carry it aroundin your shirt pocket - it weighs only 9 ouncesincluding rechargeable battery - the HP-35 isthe original electronic slide rule introduceda little over a year ago. It has since become theconstant companion of more than 75,000 scientistsand engineers around the world.

Due to the economies realized in this longproduction run, the price of the popular HP-35 hasbeen reduced to $295.*

HP-35

The HP-35 is easier to use, 10 times faster andsignificantly more accurate than the slide rule.With a single keystroke and in less than a second,it performs trigonometric (sin, cos, tan), loga-rithmic (log x, In x, eT) and other commonly usedfunctions (x1, l/x,'xiar) as well as the fourarithmetic operations. It also calculates inversetrig functions.

In addition to its computer-like operationalstack, the HP-35 has a constant storage registerwhich lets you store any number and recall itas often as you want for repeat operations, with-out ever having to re-enter it.

The HP-35 comes with owner's handbook,battery pack, AC adapter/recharger, carrying caseand travel case.

HP-45.The scientific pocket calculatorA direct descendant of the "electronic slide rule,"the new HP-45 packs nearly twice the computa-tional power into the same package. The trick isthat it has a unique gold-colored "shift" keythat doubles the function of 24 of its 35 keys.Hence it does all that the HP-35 does ...and then some.

The HP-45 is the first pocket calculator withnine addressable memory registers besidesits operational stack. You can store data in eachone - any number that appears on the display -and recall it to the working register wheneveryou want. (Let your imagination picture the calcu-lating horsepower of this feature for registerarithmetic, conversions, continued products,payrolls .. .)

The HP-45 also has a 14th register, called"Last X" in which the last input argument is auto-

HP-45

matically stored. You can recall this numberby pushing the "Last X" key ... then proceed tocorrect it or to perform calculations with it.

There's more. The HP-45 lets you do trigcalculations in any of three anguldr modes(degrees, radians or grads) and converts angles inany mode to degrees/minutes/seconds instantly,and vice-versa. It lets you convert polar coor-dinates to rectangular and vice-versa, at a singlekeystroke. Add or subtract vector componentsin polar or rectangular coordinates. Perform twodimensional accumulations for vector calcula-tions. And convert U.S. units of length, weight orvolume to metric, and vice-versa ... to 10-digit accuracy.

The HP-45 costs $395* including owner'shandbook, quick reference guide, battery pack,AC adapter/recharger, carrying case andtravel case.

HP-46.The scientific printing calculatorIf you need a permanent record of your calcula-tions and don't insist on the size and portability ofour two shirt-pocket wizards, the HP-46 wasdesigned especially for you.

It has all the computational ability of the HP-45with the important addition of a printer. Theprinter's extended set of alphanumeric symbolslets it "talk back" to you as you perform your

HEWLETT- PACKARD

Sales, service and support in 172 centers in 65 countries.Palo Alto, California 94304. Offices in principal cities throughout the U. S.

calculations. The HP-46 prints easy-to-readsymbols with all operations you perform, andclearly labels the results. Its printout thusconstitutes a complete permanent record.

For example, when you calculate the meanand standard deviation of a series of numbers, theprinter lists each entry with a E+ symbol. Then,after you push the x, s key, it prints the results, inorder: the number of entries, the calculatedstandard deviation and the mean .. . eachclearly labeled.

On command, the printer will also recordthe contents of the operational stack or the9 addressable memory registers, each also clearlylabeled. Should you make a logical error indata entry or call for an improper calculation, theprinter will make an error note with a referenceto an explanation contained in the operatingmanual.

A 15-digit LED display is available asan option.

The HP-46 costs $695* including owner'shandbook, printer paper, and carrying case.

*Domestic USA prices only.0*00000*00000 00000000000000e 060000000000 100.

0- 00310 0

. Mail to: Hewlett-Packard, *.* 1507 Page Mill Road, Palo Alto, CA 94304

I want an alternative. Send me complete Information on:( ) HP-35 Electronic Slide Rule

* ( ) HP-45 Scientific Pocket Calculator( ) HP-46 Scientific Printing Calculator

* 0

* Name

* Title o

* Company 0* 0

Address*

0

City State Zip .

-* 0-000000 0 0 0000 000000000*0000@00000*@@@o@ o00000

HP-46

Our new multichannel peristalticpump. Up to 18 channels, only$29.75 per channel.

At $53-5, this Desaga-BrinkmannMulti-channel Pump is a 'best buy' nomatter how many channels you re-quire, 1 or 18. Its pumping action issmooth and foam-free. An electroniccontrol lets you continuously vary theflow rate from 0.3 to 7,200 ml perhour. The pump is self-priming andhas no valves or seals.

A variety of pre-assembled 6, 12

stir risinwhat youcan do

with ourNEWtwo-quart

<E1Blendor!I

Our new six-page catalog tellsall about it . . . and about ourcomplete line of Blendors- in-cluding explosion-proof models

and accessories. Write foryour copy.

Waring Blendors® are unique ...

no wonder we registered the name!

Waring Products DivisionDynamics Corporation of America

New Hartford, Conn. 06057

216

and 18-channel tubing sets are avail-able. Each is mounted in its own brack-et to facilitate positioning in the pumpbed. For descriptive literature, justwrite: Brinkmann Instruments, Canti-ague Road., Westbury, N.Y. 11 590.In Canada, write: BrinkmannInstruments (Canada) ltd.,50 Galaxy Boulevard, Rex-dale (Toronto), Ontario. BFRNKMANN

LETTERS

Objectives of Agricultural Research

The state of social science researchin the U.S. Departmenit of Agriculture(USDA) and the state agricultural ex-

periment stations is indeed disappoint-ing, as the Hightower report (1), thePound report (2), and Nicholas Wade(News and Comment, 18 May, p. 719)point out. Even more disappointing isthat there is little evidence of improve-ment. The lack of increase in financialand executive support for social scienceresearch in the agricultural researchsystem is difficult to unlderstand whencompared with repeated pronounce-

ments of interest in social problems,including rural community development.

Wade places primary blame on Con-gress, especially on CongressmanJamie L. Whitten (D-Miss.) for thepaucity of support for social science re-

search in the "agricultural establish-ment." While some blame rests there,it is too easy to blame Congress foractions or inactions that disappoint us.

Part of the blanme must rest with deci-sion-makers in USDA and the Officeof Management and Budget. For many

years they either failed to see the needfor a stronger research program in thesocial sciences or feared to go to ap-

propriations committecs with meaning-

ful requests.Part of the blame also rests with

social science researchers and theirprogram administrators. We have notconvinced budget-makers in the Execu-tive Branch or members of appropria-

tions committees of the value of our

work. I know of no way to prov,e thevalue of social science research. Yet, ifwe cannot convince people of its use-

fulness, how can we expect them tosupport it?

While Hightower's Hard Tomiiatoes,Hard Timne.y and the Pound reportdeplore the state of social science re-

search in the agricultural establishment,administrators in USDA and state ex-

periment stations have not been callous-ly blind to social and economic prob-lems of farmers and other rural people.Their agencies and institutions are sup-

ported by the public, so they do gen-

erally very well-what the public pays

them to do. If the public appropriatesmoney to build chicken houses, admin-istrators would be stupid indeed to use

such moniey to build homes.Until we can demonstrate that social

science research is at least as useful as

SCIENCE, VOL. 18t

Research for theWorld Food Crisis

.. . there is no equivalent collec-tion of the separate conti-ibLutions ofplant science, animal science, soilscience, and agricultuLral engineeringto the phenomenal increases in post-World War It agricultural productiv-ity."-A merican Scientitst, January-February 1972, p. 91.

Edited by Daniel G. Aldrich, Jr.320 pages. 25 illustrations. 3 1 tables.Index. Retail price: $12.50. AAASmember price when payment is sentwith orider: $10. ISBN 087168-092-0.

Arid Lands in TransitionScientists from 14 countries assess

the changing conditions, the potentialfor development and possible solu-tions to problems of development ofarid regions in 15 countries aroundthe woIrld.

Edited by Harold E. Dregne. 524pages. 120 illustrations, 5 maps. In-dex. Retail price: $15.75. AAASmember price when payment is sentwith order: $13.50. ISBN 087168-090-4.

AAASAMERICAN ASSOCIATION for theADVANCEMENT OF SCIENCE1515 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W.Washington, D.C. 20005

research on boll weevils, I fear it willcontinue to be "oppressed and povertystricken."

M. L. UPCHURCHInstitute of Food and AgriculturalSciences, University of Florida,Gainesville 32601

References

1. J. Hightower, Hard Tomatoes, Hard Titnes(Schenkman, Cambridge, Mass., in press).

2. Report of tlte C(omnzittee otn Research Ads isoryto the U.S. Department of Agricultuire [PE21338 (main report), PE 21339 (appendices),National Technical Information Service, Spring-field, Va., 1973].

It appears that the Report of theCommszlittee on Research Advisory tothe U.S. Department of Agriculture(1) was incomplete. One of the fourquestions which the committee was sup-posed to answer (1, p. 2)-"the extentto which the scientists in the basicdisciplines relate their research to agri-culture"-does not seem to have beenanswered. My own answer to the ques-tion is that, with very few exceptions,the scientists in the basic disciplineshave not related their research to agri-culture.

I am a practical geneticist, a corn-breeder. I routinely scan journals likePlant Physiology, Genetics, Heredity,American Naturalist, and the AmericanJournal of Botany for research reportsof practical consequence to those whosebusiness it is to breed and grow bettercrop plants. I have waited 20 years fora molecular biologist to suggest waysin which the Watson-Crick hypothesiscould alter our plant-breeding tech-niques. I have been looking for 15years for suggestions from researchersin plant physiology about how theKrebs cycle could be manipulated,genetically perhaps, in ways to increasecrop yields or to improve other at-tributes. I have even thought that thetremendous advances in cytologybrought about by electron microscopycould point out key organelles in cellsthat could be monitored while the corn

plar't-or another agriculturally im-portant plant-was constructively al-tered.

But I have been disappointed. Theleading figures in biological researchhave not pointed out how their resultsmight be used agriculturally. Or if theyhave, they did so in meetings I don'tattend, or in journals I don't read,or in a language I don't understand.The general impression I get is that,so long as their funds are sufficient,the leading biological scientists have no

concern at all with agriculture andwhether or not it can use their findings.

This is not to say that these basicresearchers ought to have communi-cated with agricultural scientists orhave been interested in the agriculturalimplications of their research results.The conventional view is that the properend of basic research is the further-ance of its own investigations and thatpractical applications are incidental tothis end. Nevertheless, because the top-flight basic researchers make little orno effort to communicate with agri-cultural scientists, they have failed tostimulate the buildup of programs inagricultural research in those areas withthe most promise of spin-off to keyagricultural needs.The basic researchers' ignorance of

agriculture and its needs must be recog-nized as an important reason why fundsfor agricultural research are not nowbeing used to support much topflightbasic research.

DONALD N. DUVICK6837 North West Beaver Drive,Johnston, Iowa 50131

References

1. Report of the Committee on ResearchAdvisory to the U.S. Department of Agri-ciulture [PE 21338 (main report), NationalTechnical Information Service, Springfield,Va., 1973].

Nicholas Wade's recent appraisal ofagricultural research (News and Com-ment, 1 June, p. 932) is one moreperspective on the elephantine set ofcircumstances that have contributed toboth the successes and problems of thisresearch effort. He obviously talkedwith a lot of people and collected manyof the personal observations that havebeen expressed among agriculturists forseveral years. His commendable inten-tions in making these many-sided obser-vations part of the public domainshould be acknowledged.

However, the emphasis on negative,controversial, and inflammatory issuesto the near exclusion of the positive,harmonious, and productive ones hasresulted in overly restricted conclusionsregarding the motivation of recentchanges and the prognosis for futurechanges. When Wade states that therecent reorganization of the Agricul-tural Research Service (ARS) was"'undertaken for political reasons," heis confusing means with objectives. Asone who had considerable responsibilityfor that reorganization, I can say thatthe primary objective was to increasethe capability of ARS to meet rapidly

20 JULY 1973

NALGENEIFILTER UNITS

...THETIME SAVERS

If it takes time, it costs money. NalgeneFilter Units save precious time. When youpeel off the protective bag, they're instant-ly ready for use. These uncomplicated filterunits replace inconvenient glass, metal,and plastic filtration equipment requiringtime and manpower to clean, assemble,fuss with membranes, wrap and sterilize.The Nalgene Filter Unit comes completewith everything you need-filter cup, pro-tective cover, support plate, 115-mI ca-pacity suction flask with vented and cot-ton-plugged sidearm, and membrane filter.It's pre-sterilized and individually pack-aged in a sealed, plastic bag-ready forimmediate use without elaborate prepara-tions.This single-use, low-cost, reliable unit fil-ters rapidly. Filtrate can be poured off veryeasily. And it's disposable-can be incin-erated after use to destroy pathogens.Available with a plain 0.20 micron mem-brane (Cat. No. 120-0020), or an 0.45 mi-cron grid membrane (Cat. No. 245-0045).Buy them by the case and keep a supplyon your shelf ready when you are.

Order from your LabSupply Dealer. For fulldetails write Dept.4207C, Nalgene Lab-ware Division, P. 0.Box 365, Rochester,N.Y. 14602.

41 SNLGESYBRON CORPORATION

Nalgene® Labware ...the safe unbreakables-preferred by professionals

217

MAN * TECHNOLOGY * ENVIRONMENT

For the fourth year, the IAIAIAISI Audiotapes program is offering a wide selection ofrecorded scientific symposia. Available as 5-in. reels (33/4 in. per sec. for standardmachines) or cassettes. Price: single-session symposium, $15; multi-sessions, $15first session, $12 each additional session of same symposium. Check box and circlenumeral(s) for session(s) you wish to order.

Is There an Optimum Level of Population?: S. F. Singer, R. Revelle, et al. 10/69-Sessions I El II El iII El IV El

Biology and Sociology of Violence: L. L. Havens, A. Kling, et al. 24/69-Sessions I O II OCTechnology Assessment and Human Possibilities: A. Spilhaus, C. Starr, E. Mesthene, et al. 25/69-Sessions I ElO 1 El III El

Science and the Future of Man: J. Platt, V. F. Weisskopf, G. Wald, et al. 35/69-Sessions I El 11 E] il El

Power Generation and Environmental Change: Reconciling Man's Desire for Power With the Needs of His Environment: A. M.Squires, D. Berkowitz, et al. 41/69-Sessions I E II El

Brain and Language: R. S. Cohen, S. Toulmin, N. Chomsky, et al. 44/69-One Session El

Are We Winning the War Against Urban Fires?: H. Newell, H. C. Urey, P. H. Abelson, et al. 58/70-One Session E

Automobile Pollution: J. D. Caplan, W. P. Lear, et al. 59/70.One Session E

Advances in Human Genetics and Their Impact on Society: D. S. Borgaonkar, S. A. Shah, et al. 61/70-Sessions I El II E

Lake Restoration: R. A. Ragotzkie, W. T. Edmondson, et al. 67/70-Sessions I E II E

Industrial Approaches to Urban Problems: J. D. Lewis, H. B. Finger, et al. 69/70-Sessions IlOi El

Is Population Growth Responsible for the Environmental Crisis in the United States?: M. W. Corr, G. Wald, B. Commoner, et al.73/70-One Session E

Reducing the Environmental Impact of a Growing Population: S. F. Singer, J. E. Dunwoody, et al.74/70-Sessions I El 11 E liI El iv El

Population Control in Social and Economic Perspectives: W. H. Goodenough, J. J. Spengler, et al. 96/71-One Session El

The Energy Crisis: Some Implications and Alternatives: D. E. Abrahamson, J. Fay, B. Commoner, et al.101/71-Sessions I El II El IiI EliOV El

Environmental Sciences and International Development: D. Bajracharya, M. T. Farvar, et al. 110/71-Sessions Vil El Viii El

Heavy Metals as an Environmetal Hazard to Fish, Bird, and Man: G. J. Lauer, W. Fulkerson, et al. 111/71-Sessions I ElOi E

A Search for the Recognizable Goals and Constraints of the Steady State Earth: P. L. Blackshear, Jr., A. Kantrowitz,G. Buglierello, et al. 112/71-Sessions I El ii El

Technology and Growth in a Resource Limited World: R. U. Ayres, H. Kahn, J. H. Hollomon, et al. 113/71-Sessions I E II El

Can We dlevelop an Index for the Quality of Life?: S. F. Singer, M. R. Gainsbrugh, M. L. Olson, et al. 117/71-Sessions I El 11 E]Communications Technology and Its Effect on People: W. S. Baer, E. S. Mason, et al. 119/71-One Session El

Money order or check payable to AAAS-No cash. Allow 3 to 4 weeks for delivery. Please check: -Reel -Cassette

Name

Street

City State Zip

AMERICAN ASSOCIATION for the ADVANCEMENT OF SCIENCEA A A S Department T-11515 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W. Washington, D. C. 20005

changing problems that required agri-cultural research. A second objectivewas to increase the ability of ARS towork closely with the state agriculturalexperiment stations on mutual researchi

responsibilities. That there were "politi-cal" and administrative activities relatedto achieving these objectives is to beexpected but does not make those ac-

tivities a substitute for the objectives.To leave the impression that thisreorganization was solely "politically"motivated does a disservice to themany ARS employees who view thereorganization as an opportunity tomake improvements in the system andwho have responded with dedicationin trying to do so.

Similarly, the conclusion that "Thingswill have to become a lot worse beforethey get any better" does not acknowl-edge a growing cognition among agri-

cuLltural scientists, among both state andfederal research administrators, andamong members of the Congress of a

need for changes in the system. Thatone could obtain differences of opinionon what those changes should be is

obvious because of the wide-rangingactivities and disciplines of agriculturalresearch. However, these differencesand the sharpness with which they are

expressed is, to many of us, real evi-dence of the interest in bringing aboutimprovements.

Knowing the large number of institu-tions and people involved, the con-

sequent potential variations in responsi-

bilities, and the progress which hasbeen made in identifying and movingcooperatively toward coordinating mu-

tual responsibilities, I cannot help butbe encouraged and optimistic about thepresent attitudes and efforts for changesitn agricilitLiral research. Such changeswill ensuLre future successes comparableto the maniy achieved in the past.

NED BAYtlEYOffice of the Secretary,U.S. Deparunlent of Agriculture.WaA,vhington, D.C. 20250

References

1. Report of tlhe (ommnittee Researchl Ad-visoryto the U.S. Department of Agricultutre [PE21338 (main report), PE 21339 (appendices),National Tcchnical Information Service, Spring-field, Va., 1973].

The Blind Technique

At a recent meeting at the NationalAcademy of Sciences entitled "Confer-ence on carcinogenesis testing in thedevelopment of new drugs" (23 to 25May), it was suggested by RobertElashoff, a statistician, that pathologyspecimens be sent to the pathologistblind (unidentified). A spirited discus-sion ensued between proponents andopponents of this viewpoint. The re-sponse of the audience clearly indicateda polarization either for or against theviewpoint proposed. Any discussion ofthis important matter should take intoaccount a number of philosophical con-siderations which are familiar to pathol-ogists but may be less well known toother scientists.

1) Many statisticians consider theexamination of pathology specinmensand slides analogous to the examina-tions in a double-blind clinical study.There are, however, important differ-ences. The placebo factor in treatingpatients who are easily influenced bypsychological factors and expectations

Hemes a step by steppocedure fordispensing samplesStep one: push the button. Step two: push the button.Keep that up for 48 more steps and you've dispensed50 samples from the same syringe. Syringes for ourPB600 can range from 25 Id capacity to 10 ml givingyou samples from 0.5 1/ to 200 IV. It's an ideal devicefor dispensing radio isotopes in RIA, thin layer chroma-tography, microtitrations, or any time you need todispense similarly sized samples at the push of abutton. For information on the PB600 Repeating Dis-penser, write to Hamilton Company, Post Office Box17500, Reno, Nevada 89510.HAMILThNl

* i _ 'V

I IS