The American Scientists In An

The meeting of the Association for the Advancement of Bcience, which began Aug. 26, and closed last even ing, is noted for its bannony and also for the scope and thoroughness of the work done. The Convention was called to order last Wednesday, at 10 a. in., by the retiring President, Prof. J. P. Lesley of Philadelphia. Following were hearty speeches of weieome by Bussel A. Alger, Gov. of Michigan ; Thomas M. Cooley, Chief Justice of Michigan ; Jas. B. Angell, President of Michigan University; and John Kapp, Mayor of the city of Ann Arber. President elect Newton of Yale responded in a few well choseii remarks in behalf of the Association. The association is divided into nine sections, each of which met twice a day after the general session in the morning. There were froni two to gix papers read beforeeach section at each session, a few minutes being allo wed afterevery paper for general discussion by the members. All of these papers were excellent and were highly appreciated not only by the members of the Association but also by the large number of visitors who attended the meetings. Many of these papers were especially valuable from the fact that they dealt with subjects of practical importance to all classes of people. The paper on " Weather Changes" by H. H. Clayton of Ann Arbor, brought out many newpoints not erally understood or appreciated by common people, yet one of interest to all. Prof. F. P. Dunnington of the Uuiversity of Virginia, read a very interesting paper concerning a very simple method of "Fixing Crayon DrawiDgs on Paper." The discussion on " The Best Initiatory Course for Studente Beginning Laboratory Work " brought out many pointe not generally considered by teachers i this branch of science. " The Economy of Accurate Standards " was discussed in a brief but interesting paper by Prof. J. Burkitt Webb of Cornell University. Prof. M. E. Cooley of the university of Michigan gave a brief account of a " New Snioke Burning Device" lately '"¦"piit.edbvMr.DavisonofAnn Arhnr Since a large per cent. of all fuel uscd is carried away In smoke and lost, the means by which this may be economized, has becoine a very important one. The Gas and Oil Wells of Northwestern Ohio, were discussed by Pres. E. Orton of the Ohio Agricultural and Mechanical College at Columbus. The development of the gas and oil producing districts of this country have beconie of too great importance not to be of interest to all. " The Importance of Individual Facts of Environment in the Forination of Groups of Animáis," was the subject of a very instructive paper by Prof. Steere of Michigan University. This papar ohoweU that Prof. Steere thoroughly understands his subject and may well be considered authority in bis particular branch of science. Mr. Henry Gillman of Detroit, Mich., read before the Section on Anthropology a paper giving many heretofore unknown customs among the burlal rites of our aborigines. Mr. Gillman has evidently given much study to our prehistorie races and maltes his talks very interesting. Mrs. Ellen H. Richards of the Institute of Technology, Boston, Mass., gave.with a class of young children, an "Experimental Illustration of a Method of Teaching Science in Grammar Schools." She is undoubtedly a keen , student of human nature and especially of child nature and her . paper is well worth the careful study ; of every instructor ut yuulh. Before the same sec U on and immef diately following the above papers j were read papers as follows : "The . Present Status and Future Prospect of . Silk Culture in the ÍJnited States," by , Prof. C. V. Kiley, United States Ento mologist ; " The Need of a Systematic , Reorganizaron of the Executive Department of the Government in the ! Interest of Science and Public Economy," by John W. Hoyt of Cheyenne, Wyoming Territory ; "SomeDefects of Our Savings Bank System and Need of Postal Savings Banks in the United Ktates," by Charles W. Smiley of Washington, D. C. In theSection on Biology, on Thursday, the following among other valuable papers were read : " Proof that Bacteria are the Direct Cause of the Disease in Trees Known as Pear-blight,"byJ.C.Arthur ofGeneva, N. Y. ; "The Mechanical Injury to Trees by Cold,1' by Prof. T. J. Burrell of Illinois Industrial Universlty. In the Section on Economie Science there were four papers on Thursday, all of which are worthy of notice. " The Relative Value of Human Foods," by Henry E. Alvord of Houghton Farm, N. Y., showed a careful study of the subject; "A New Mcthod of Counteractingthe Ravages of the Grasshopper," by C. V. Riley of Washington ; " City Government' by C. Reemelin of Cincinnati; and " Insurance Against Loss byFire," by E. Atklnson of Boston, Mass., were all papers of the high est merit. So many and so important were the discussions that many of the Sectlons were iti scssiim at llii's.'iniii timn n-i,;..i, left the visltors in acontinual quanilary as to how to distribute themwelves so as to lose as few as possibleof the literary treats. The evenlngs during the meeting were devoted either to lectures by some of the more prominent members or were spent in enjoying the hospitality of Ann Arbor's open hearted citizens. The farewell address by the retirlni President, Mr. Lesley of Philadelphia was a rare treat. " Tlie address was one of the most scholarly ever listened to by the Assoclation. The subject was : " The Tendency of Modern Hcience." The over accumulation of illy digested scientiflc knowledge is of the tendencies to be deprecated. How much we know is not tne best question but how we got what we know, and what it is that has made us. Again, the dogmatic impertinence of untrained young scientists is also to be deprecated." Though long, the address was listened to patiently and was higlily enjoyed by the audience. A resolution ofthanks to tlie outgolng President received a hearty vote from the Association. Thursday evenlng the members of the Association were tendered a tion at the court house hy the citizens of Ann Arbor. Friday eveuing, Mr. Cortuell delivered an address before alargeaudience in University Hall on the subject "The Inter-Oceanic Problem and its Scientirtc Solution." This was indeed a masterly address. Mr. Oorthell's past experlenoe in some of the largest engineering schemes in the world addl Krent weight to liis conclusions. Ha was connected with Eads in constructing the Mississippi River Jetties, and took a prominent part in coustructing the West 8hore Road. Thefactthat the Tehauntepec route is over a thou.sand miles shorter than the Panama, that a ship railway is a cheaper method of transporting ships, passing through a better climate, wíth better ports at each terminus and through a country with a more stable government and more favorably disposed, were plainly shown to be decisive factors in decidingso important a question. The subject of a ship passage way across the isthmus and under the control of the United States, is one of vital importance toevery American citizen and a few such speeches like Mr. Corthell's, placed in the hands of our people, would arouse them to a just appreciation of this subject. Therewere nearly 400members present at the Assoeiation. There were 133 new members elected at the presentsession. The numberofStatesand Territories represented is 29, Michigan leading with (iö, and New York coming second with 46. All the leading scientists of the nation were here and all were profuse in their praise of the treatment at the hands of Aun Arbor people. ELECTION OF OFFICEKS. Tuesday morning, being the closmg day, the offleers for the ensuing jrear were reported by the nominating comtnittee and elected. In the electioH of president for the ensuingyear therewere three contestants before tiic American Association, Profs. Wincliell and Morse cach recelved ten votes. If Prof. James Hall had not returned home, Prof. Alexanüer Wlnchell wonld have received eleven votes, and in accordance with precedent, would have become President for the ensuing year. It is a prevalcnt teeling umong the incinberïthat Prof. Wincliell will be elected president of thu association next year. The following is the list of offleers elected : Proadiant TT Cl Xfnoan n.r OniA mm - i i' jurni - c, 3 inurst ui naiem, .Mass. Vlce prealdeuU- A. Malhrmalict and Atlronomy-J. W. Ulbbs of New Huven, Conn B. Phy$ict- O. F. Bracket of Prlnceton, N. J. C. CAtmiMlry-Vf. W. Wlley oí Wasblnton, 1). AfechanUal Science- O. Chati ute of Kansos City, Mo. E. Oeoloyy and OeograpAy-T '. C. Chamberlln of Washington, D. C. F. Biology - H. A. Bowdltch of Boston Mass. H. Anthropology- Horatlo Hale of Clinton. Onu I. Economie Science and Statistici - Joseph rum niliiKN of Kvanstou, III. Termanent aecrctary - F. W. Putnam of Mass., (holding over). General Secretary- S. O. Wllllamg of Ithaca, N. Y. Asslstant General Secretary- W. H. Pettee of Ann Arbor, Mlob. SwrHlarlPM of thB S(-ti"" éS" Cliandlerof Cambridge, Mass. B-H. 8. Carhart of Evanston, III. C- Wm. McMurtleof Champalgn 111 D- Wm. Kentof Jersey Clly, N j c'layPo'e of Akron, Ohlu. í - J. C. Artliur of Geneva, N. Y. H- A. W. Butler of Brookvllle, Ind. ¦ I- H. E. Alvord of Mountalnvílle, N. Y Treasurer- Wllllam Lilly of Mauob Clm'uk, The next meeting of the society will be lield n Buffalo, New York, Aug. 18, 1886. At the closin;? meeting of the asssociation on Tuesday evening, resolutiong of thanks were adopted thanklng all concerned In the entertainment of the association. The secretary aunounced tliat there had been 340 members present, 154 new members added, and 176 papers read. The meeting was declared to be the most successful one ever held In the west. CITIZEN'S KECKPTION. The one great eveut of the meeting for the Society was the reception tendered the members by the citizens of Ann Arbor. Thuisday evening, the 27th, was fiMil apon as the date, the eourt house as the proper place, and every energy was put fortli by the committee having the arrangements In charge to make a ¦ ceas ot It. To say that their efforts were successful but faintly tells the trutli. The court house was made to blossom as a rose. It was beautiful to look upon; the draperies, the flags, the pictures, the exquisite designs of lelters spelling ñames of noted scientists, all arranged iti harmony and beauty, was a sight that lias been seldom if ever before looked upon in Aun Arbor. Add to these brilliaiit siirroundings a gay throng of people in elegant costurae, with happy smilinulace?, aud you inay possibly, in your miud's eye, form some conception of the arene. The court room was utilized tor a music room, and the eweet strains pro(luced by the "Aïliubert String Quartet " of Cleveland, will probably never be for{rotten by tliose who lienrd them. The following is the program observed tbr the occasion : . mmw AiiPKTO vivace, op. U XendeUnohn 2. Kaiser Var, op. -6, No. i Jnviln 3. Allegro Molto in C i',urt 4. Adagio írom 9tli Concerto....'.' SniïuMR. J. H. BKCK. e f (a) Ungarish Schuhrrt 1(6; Moorisu serenade....:.:.:.;...:::'.'; PART II. 0. Danse Hollandaise Dunkler MR. CHARLES IIKYJH.ER. ' 7. The Proposal and The Mili, Quar. od 192 '?,# 8. Mexican Serenade "Hm, „ . AllegroVlvacefrom C. Mlnor.QÜa'rt'et.üící The teast for eye and ear was not alone provided for, but the ?ense of taste carne in for Itl shure and in the basement wliich liad boen transformed into a bower for the occasion, were ferved rare tlainties in Hangsterfer'a most tenipting marnier' The reception lasted froni 8 o'clock t 11 o'clock p. m., and was attended bv at least 1,200 people. All enterances except the outh one wcrc closed, and Qw people entering there were directed lo the cloak rooms, the conncil room being used by the ladies for that purpose, and the supervisor's room by the gentlemen. The OUTSIDE DECORATIONS were also beautiful to Lnze upon. Arches bad been erected upon the lawn, to the right and left of the walk, to which were strung ulres from both sides of the pórtico. On these wires and arches were nung about 250 Chinese lanterns of various designs and styles. Over the entraace wt-re the words "A. A. A. S." fonnel of the EdUon incandescent lamps, plaiu and in colora, ar.d a more cffectlve piece of decoration could liardly be conceived. The idea was lirst sufrgested by Marshal Fall, and the work upon ths same was entirely due to the penius and perseverance of Mr. C. B Davison, who found the task no easy one to accomplishj but the results must have been quite as fftttltytllg to him as it was bc.utuul to to the public, and in front of wl.iili great crowds of people stood watching the whole evenlng through. An account of tliia notable event would Imrdly seem complete without giving ' "--'" " "v ji cu B iiiiiiii iiiiy umi ehecrfully in inaking it a success: in other words ftlvlng lIONOn TO WHOH HONOR IS DtE. Tlie commlttce on decoration, appointed by the rtceptlon committee, consisted of Mr. Geo. II. Pond nnd Mrs. Oov. Ashley, wlio asked niimber of ladics to attend a preliminar? meeting, and the woik was eubdlvided lato divisioní, for each of which a chitirman was appolnted who called upon other assistantfl. The divislons were as follows : Basement-Mrs. C. 8. Mlllen and Mr. P. Bacli, Rsslsted by Mrg. Jmlge Best anU Mrs. Houth Corridor Mrs. Alex. Y. Hanil on.afwlMtctl by Miss Kilte M. Hule, Mrs. JU-nJ. I'. ('ram-, Mr,. Cha II. Perklus, and i Mr. Joel W. Ilanillton. East Corridor- Oerman-Miss Wheeler, ' Utediby Mrn K. D. Klune. Ml. Jewett, Mhw ' MrUj'M WhílíerlqUe"' M'" öat' Hyd d Center-Mra. H. J. Brown. ] North Corridor-EnRlish-Mrs. C. IT. Rlchmonil, asslsted ly Mrs N. M. Schuif, Miss Miiry Noble aud Mr. C. II. Richmond. West Corridor- Frencli and Itallan-Mrs. J. X. Bailey, asslsted by Mrs. Oeo. A. Douglas, Mrs. A. W. Ames, Mrs. H. Randall aud Miss Clara Oott. Upper Corridor and Cloak Rooms- Miss Mary Clement and Mita Condón, astilsted by MIhs Allee Douglass and Mrs. Cralg. The ladles who had In charge the bascïncnt deoontlons' dcseivc warm words of praiaOi not only for the fine eifects produced, but for their perserverins; efforts in face of such discouiagements as wc re at fint encountered. Mr. H. Handall, of the firm of Kandall & Burnham, contributed niuch toward the success of the decorations. White n the east he purcliased a quantity of bunting for decoratlve purposes, and he was employed by tlie committee to furnish the game, togethcr with liis own asfistance and thiit of two men. The ceilIng tlrapings were entirely liis own, and h8 advice and good taste added man y a finishing touch to the corridors. 41 is. Aehley proved lierself "a hero in the strife," throughout, and a vnluable metnber of the committee. Too much praise cannot be given to tliese ladies and gentlemen who by tlieir time and lnbor contributed so largely to the suceess of one of the most briüiant events Ann Arbor ever witnessed. The varlous occupants of the county offices did themselves proud in the way of decorations. Judïe II;irriman'8 office was beautifully adorned witli flowers, and Probate Kegister Doty's sanctum took the eyes of all who saw it. Deputy Clerk James A. Hobison spared no pains in either time or money, to make hls rooms look handsorae - and he succeeded; while Wherill' Walsh, Treasurer Belser and Register Kearns were well to the front. TUE LAWN PARTT. Friday erenlng, from flve to seven o'clock a lawn party was giren upon the Univers ity campus. Tables were eet under the trees, and delicacies were served to the guests of the city and others. This was taken in charge largely by University ladies, under the supervisión of the general committee, conaistlng of Prof. Pettee and Mrs. Got. Ashley. The affair was as pleasant as a lawn party could be, and must have elevated the ideas of the members of the Science Association with regard to Ann Arbor's geuerous hospln' tv THE EXCURSIÓN. Saturday inorning at 7 o'clock, there left tlie M. C. R. R. depot a train of se ven passenger coaches, all fllled with scientists or members of the local commlttee, bound for an excursión to Detroit, and from thence by steanier Northwest to Marine City and St. Clair the Mineral Springs wilh its fumous hotel, the Oakland. This excursión was planned and pnid for by the getierous citizens of Detroit, who went to $1,000 expense upon the occasion. There wcre about 500 people on board the train, and though some of them made no pretense toward being scientiflc, yet they liad an eyo for enjoyment, and said eye was wide open. At about seven o'clock sharp, the train pulled out of Ann Arbor. It made one stop at Ypsilanti, which aaide from the F. & P. M. crossing at Wayne, constituted all the delays. Arrivinsj at Detroit the crowd wasjoined by about 50 Detroit people, and all took tip a line f maren to the M. C. docks where the tnagnilicent Rteamer "Northwest," lay along slde in walting, anu in uiteen minutes more all were iu readiness and the shlp's bell gave the signal to swing out nto the stream, and out we went, headed up the rlver. Nothing of a sclentific nature occurred until Marine City was reached, thnugh timny of the passengers watched with interest the passage of St. Clair Flats and its immense snip canal. At Marine City the immense aalt block of the Marine City Stave and Snit Co. was Inspected, ant! each of the party was presented with a diminutive bag of salt. Many (who didn't care for their good clothes) secured beautiful specimens of salt crystals, or as one of the presa gang expressed it, "salt cicles." If the crowd hadn't been so terifically hungry they would liare enjoved tliis part of the program much better, but salt wouldn't save their stomaclis from the cravings of a vacuüm mnde :ill the more extensive and apparent by a remurkably early breakfast A few of theiu ws know of improved the time in finding a place where crackers and pretzels were kept- -and sueceeded. Proceedipg, the boat brought the party to its destination, the niagniticent and gjgantic Oakland hotel, at about 2}4 o'clock p. m., where a luncheon, oonaifting of cold meats, salads, tea, coffee, fruits, etc, was In waiting, much to the gratificatiou of scientists and reporters who did ampie justice to the layout. At 4 o'clock slurp the return home was entered upon, and the fact was clearly demonstrated that a steamer can travel with grenter rapidity going down stream than going up stream. Aa occasion of this kind, where there were so many learned and celebrated ï 1 tï 11 I . , I I 1 ( 1 i , v ¦ ¦ . ,i . i n all, - . _ t V ", i i uut i. i.i wiuiuuL ome speecii inaking, consequently a mass meeting was improvised in the aft eabtn. Harry Hussel], of Detroit, calUd to order and Jud;e Campbell waá askeil to preside, an office whicli he aceepted in a few happy remarles. Senator Palmer was first called upon for a speech, and responded in a peculiarly happy manner, notwitbstanding the boiits' whistle insisted upon applanse at the wrong periods in his speech. Mayor Grummond, of Detroit, said a few words expressing the gratitude the people of Detroit feit that Michigan's Universlty town should be chosen as a place of meeting for the distinguished body. The mayor was followed by several gentlemen from the ranks of the association, the happlest and most eloquent belng exGov. Bross, of Chicago, who esteemed it a great honor to be found in company with such distir.giiished men as wcre there present. After speech making a üght lunch was Berved on the boat, our former fellow townsman J. W. Hangsterfer offieiatiiig as caterer, and lie did his work well. There were no other incidents wortli clironicling except that the train arrived in A nu Arbor at 9 o'clock- on time. We, the undersigned passengere enroute to attend the American A3sociation for the Advancement of Science to be held In Ann Arbo-, Michigan, Aug. 20th, desire to expresa to the management of the Mich. Central railroad our thanks for the special train placed at our service from Búllalo, August 26th, over the M. C. U. H. tor the grand tre:it they have given us In viewliig the great cataract from their train at Falls View and the celebrnted cantilever bridge, no better view can be had of the wonderful Niágara Falls. Wisliing this management uninterrupted succe8s and tiianking for a quick run over a first-class road, we desire to express onr ncknowledgements. Signed by J. C. Lesley, Phlladelphia, Pa.; James Hall, Albany, N. Y.; Thendore F. Jewell, Com. U. S. Navy; Jeanie M. Walker, New Orleans, La.; Ilenry Furqiihar, Washington D. C. ; E L. Corthell, New York City, and about 60 others.