Seaborg Second Nieuwland Lecturer A STAFF REPORT

ft LISTORICAL and current developments in the discovery of elements, pro­ductive applications of atomic energy, and production and properties of the trans­uranium elements were the subjects of the second annual Nieuwland Memorial Lec­tures, delivered by Glenn T. Seaborg, di­rector of the Chemical Radiation Labora­tories of the University of California, at the University of Notre Dame. Nov. 17 to 19.

The Nieuwland lectures, founded in memory of Rev. Julius A. Nieuwland, C.S.C, widely known for his chemical and other scientific research at Notre Dame, are presented annually at that university by an outstanding scientist. The award of this lectureship is to be made every third year in the field of botany, Father Nieuwland's other major field of research interest. The lectures were initiated last year when W. S. Calcott, of E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Co., long-time friend of Father Nieuwland, gave a series of three lectures on "Industrial Research."

Describing the discovery of elements, in his first lecture Dr. Seaborg showed that there are now no gaps existing in the ele­mental chart from the lightest to the heav­iest element. The only place to look for new elements now is in the transuranium field where 93 wras found seven years ago and 94, 95, and 96 have been discovered since. Dr. Seaborg discussed his part in the work on the discovery of the last three—plutonium, americium, and cu­rium—the special importance borne by plutonium in the atomic bomb, and the difficulties overcome in working out the chemical production of plutonium at a time when extremely small amounts were available.

In the second lecture, on the possible applications of atomic energy to peacetime uses, it was told how plutonium might be used in atomic energy machines to gener­ate power and how this might be advan­tageous. Dr. Seaborg stated that a half pound of this element could furnish all the power needed for an entire day by a city the size of South Bend, Ind., with a popu­lation of 130,000, but emphasized that this application is not just around the corner and explained some of the problems faced.

One of the drawbacks pointed out was the present lack of suitable materials for the construction of a plant. Dr. Seaborg explained that materials would have to be found which do not readily absorb neu­trons resulting from the atomic chain re­action and tha t means would then be needed for fabricating such a material.

Atomic piles operate a t a comparatively low temperature, he said, and for the gen­

eration of power a high temperature must be obtained. Thus, we must learn the properties of new materials xvhich will be able to withstand temperatures ranging from 500° to several thousand degrees F. Pointing out that such power installations

would necessarily be large for shielding and prevention of the escape of harmful radiations, Dr. Seaborg said that atomic energy probably would never be adapted to automobiles o r even locomotives, al­though its use t o drive ships appeared feasible. He expressed the belief that one of the most important peacetime develop­ments from atomic energy discoveries would be in the field of medicine, where through the use of tracers the progress of chemicals through tin» human body can be followed.

Condon Warns of Overconfident in Science A STAFF R E P O R T

W Ε MUST guard against <>verconfidence in our scientific ability said t£. U. Condon, director of the National Bureau of Stand­ards, speaking at the banquet, of the Ajncri-can Council of Commercial Laboratories in Washington, D. C , where they had as­sembled for their annual meeting Dec. 8 and <).

Germany had slipped from her top po­sition as a scientific leader and England was no longer the world's technological leader, both downfalls resulting from a failure to pursue vigorously the policies which had made them leaders. We in this country must profit by their mistakes, stated Dr. Condon, and if we are to main­tain our leading position we must foster scientific leadership and encourage basic research.

Dr. Condon pointed t o the Steelman Re­port as a -"comprehensive and cogent analysis of the problems of science." The report, he added, takes into account the three major groups engaged in research and development activities—the univer­sities, the industrial laboratories, and the federal research agencies—each of which is,

"Bernard L. Oser, Food Research Laboratories, Inc.

accord!·ι·.-. ·»ο i ) r . Steelman, "especially adapted to ii:< performance of a particu­lar type ->f research and each can make a unique contribution to our total research and development effort."

Business Meetings

Business meetings of the AOCL were re­stricted to members, but the highlights of the meeting were made available by Ber­nard L. Oser, Food Research Laboratories Inc., newly elected president of the ACCL and A. J . Nydick, the group's counsel.

The principal item on the agenda was a discussion of industry support of univer­sity research and the rapid growth of non­profit institutions engaging in research or a commercial basis. It was the feeling ol the members of tbie group that results of al research conducted in tax-exempt or tax-supported institutions should be immedi ately available to all through prompt publication. Furthermore all patents re suiting from such research should be placée in the public domain.

A principal objective of the ACCL ii the coming year will be to make bettei known the fact that its member labora tories are fully equipped and staffed wit! the necessary skilled scientists and technol ogists to carry out any research or de velopment project in addition to testinj and inspection assignments.

Other officers elected in addition to Di Oser were: Gustavus J . Esselen, Esselei Research Corp., and Roger Truesdail Truesdail Laboratories, Inc., vice presi dents; Alvin Purdy, Bull & Roberts treasurer; and EX E. Douty, U. S. Testin Co., secretary. R. R. Bowser, Bowsei Morner Testing Laboratories, James Β Herron, The James H. Herron Co., an W. D. Langtry, Commercial Testing an Engineering Co., were elected to th executive committee.

The sessions -were held a t the Nationt Bureau of Standards and the meeting wa concluded with a description of th bureau's activities by associate directe of the bureau E_ C. Crittenden, and toui of the various divisions of the bureau.

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