Pennsylvania College of Optometry - Iris Yearbook (Philadelphia, PA)

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R Senior Class

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- , ,- , Y, V ,,--. -.nw :WI--A - , --rms-f -V - ECEND has it that Archimedes, ancient Creek mathemati- cian, set fire to Roman ships through the use of a large convex lens that intensified the sun's heat by converging the rays, mirrors reflecting them across the water. Or it may be that he used a concave mirror, or a combination of plane mir- rors, for the same purpose. Whether this story is true or not, it shows that knowledge prevailed about lenses used as burning glassesl' and indicates that thought might have been given to the subject of refraction in very early times. Archimedes lived in 287 B, C. l-le appears to have been an inventor of instruments, mainly instruments of war. One of his great accomplishments was aiding King Ptolemy in the launch- ing of his warships. This legend is interesting also because of the fact that one of the first incidents connected w3th lenses depicts them as destructive instruments, instead of the highly beneficial in- struments they have become to relieve human suffering. Archimedes discovered the relation which a sphere bears to a cylinder. At his direction, a cylinder and a sphere were en- graved on his tombstone to commemorate his discovery of their relation. tCourtesy of Optical journal and Review of Optometryl

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1 THE 1935 IRIS GEORGE M. MCENEANY H. IAMES LEWIS President Vice-President The Presidents Message lt is with mingled feelings of regret and pleasure that I write these last few words of farewell, sorrow for the passing of the happy association but with a sense of gratification that having been privileged to be President of this fine class it falls to my lot to address you. Our acquaintance in point of time seems short indeed, for the three years we spent together have gone so fleetly by that it seems like one, but in the light of actual accomplishment we know we have profitably spent the full quota. Lifetime friendships have been formed and cemented, and, most important of all, the course of our future lives, professionally speaking, has been determined. Little did we realize when first we entered the portals of this our Alma Mater the far reaching importance of the step. To most of us, fresh from the salad days of High School, entering a professional college seemed just another stepping stone. Stepping stone indeed, but to what potential heights it may well be, if we aspire nobly and go definitely about the business of carrying out our high aspirations. Always, while travelling the high road to success, when confronted by seemingly overpowering obstacles, we may turn to the beautiful example of our reverend Dean and respected members of the Faculty, who so painstakingly and ably laid foundation for our knowledge, and of our standards. There is no reason why we cannot make their ideals our own. l've enjoyed all the years of my association with the Pennsylvania State College of Opto- metry, but most interesting and absorbing has been this last, our Senior Year. You, fellow- members have been so cooperative and given me such spontaneous help that my work-if one may call it.that-has 'been comparatively simple. Every Class President realizes his ideal when his contemporaries give him full support, and we part on the happy note of harmony. Our Class has been the first to spend three years in the new and improved surroundings. We were indeed fortunate in having had so many advantages from the beginning, and now that we have attained our goal-successful completion of our preparation for professional Opto- metry-may we go on to prove intrinsic worth to our Dean and Faculty by conducting ourselves, and our practices, in truly ethical and professional fashion. Sadly, I realize this is the last time I shall have either a formal or informal message for you as fellow studentsg therefore, l entreat you to remember your friendships formed here, to cherish and foster them. Let us make a solemn pact-and keep it-to return to our Alma Mater for class re-unions, to renew happy contacts, and to revivify our hopes and aims in the life- giving atmosphere of our sanctum-Pennsylvania State College of Optometry. So, onward Class of '35 to service and gloryl 'The road undoubtedly will be rocky at times, but with stout hearts nothing shall deter us, and, to some of us, a modicum of fame may come, but, withal, our ideals and principles must ever be paramount. George M. McEneany. 4