FINDS HARVARD AMONG LEADERS IN CHEMISTRY

A pamphlet entitled, "Chemistry, Extending its Frontier" has just been issued by the University. The purpose of this pamphlet is to show as far as possible in a compass so brief, the importance of chemistry in its bearing upon modern civilized life, as well as to indicate the manner in which its usefulness may be developed most effectively in the future.

In commenting on the pamphlet, President Lowell says, "In America, Harvard University has been among the leaders in the development of chemistry since the middle of the last century, and has thus taken a significant part in advancing this highly important science."

The first professorship of chemistry at Harvard was founded in 1791, without laboratory facilities, but it was not until 1847 that a few of the special students received laboratory instruction from Professor Horsford in the Lawrence Scientific school. Charles W. Eliot was really the first undergraduate to receive any considerable opportunity to study the subject, the pamphlet relates. Because he had incurred the approbation of Professor Josiah Parsons Cooke, he was permitted the use of the Professor's private laboratory, and spent a large part of his time there. After he became President of the University in later years, he maintained an especial interest in the Division of Chemistry, and did much to strengthen the department.

The University is peculiarly well adapted to the study of chemistry today, affording excellent opportunities for specialized and advanced training; this is particularly true for those students who wish to enter the ranks of industrial chemistry. Much time also is devoted to instruction of those men who need some knowledge of chemistry as a basis for medical studies, or as a part of a liberal education. The University authorities immediately recognized that the study of chemistry offers an important contribution to the mental equipment of any one who desires to keep in touch with current thought.

The Science of Chemistry constitutes one of the most popular courses in the University, an average of 800 students being enrolled annually, including graduates and undergraduates. This number would be considerably greater if laboratory facilities permitted. In addition to this group, there are usually about 50 graduate students engaged in research, many of whom are drawn from among the most capable students in colleges and universities throughout the country.

Among the seven professors, three associate professors, an assistant professor, four instructors and a number of assistants, are six chemists who are members of the National Academy of Sciences, in the total membership of which are only 28 chemists. Harvard chemists have always published a considerable quota of papers relating to research in their fields, and have initiated new methods which are generally referred to as "Harvard Methods."