Shortages Feared In Chemistry Laboratory

"Everyone working in the Chemical Laboratories is urged to be as sparing as possible in the use of expendible supplies" according to the notice which is posted now in all the laboratories in Mallinckrodt.

The Chemistry Department emphasized that rubber tubing, rubber stoppers, and corks should be used with the utmost economy because about 30,000 feet of tubing, 200 to 300 pounds of stoppers, and 150,000 to 200,000 corks of all sizes are used annually. No actual shortage exists at present, but the Department is trying to conserve supplies for a possible lean, period in the future.

No Rationing

An appeal for cooperation is being used rather than the force implicit in a rationing system. "Rationing would be difficult to enforce and it might entail considerable hardship for indiduals," said Lyon Southworth, assistant director of the Laboratories.

The Physics Department does not have this problem because in most physics experiments, electricity, rather than perishable supplies, is used.

Harry R. Mimno, Associate Professor of Physics and Communication Engineering, said, "no rationing or priorities are expected, since our work is regarded as important by the Government."