University of Chicago - Cap and Gown Yearbook (Chicago, IL)

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U D PROGRESS IN THE PHYSICAL SCIENCES -A x . HENRY GORDON GALE Dcan of the Physiral Scienre: ln the development of research tech- niques and in the uncovering of new facts and relationships University physi- cal scientists retained their leadership among educational groups in the United States. But many of these same men whose investigiations have given Chicago its World reputation turned the major share of their attention during 1931-32 to the formulation of more efficient teaching methods and organization. Thus, While some were preparing the new College courses others were carry- ing on their research in nearby labora- tories and in distant parts of the World. In famed Ryerson Physical Labora- tory members of the 'Physics Department made significant contributions to the knowledge of molecular and atomic structure. Robert S. Mtllliken was en- gaged in- the determination of the prop- erties of molecules as demonstrated by band spectra, While Samuel K. Allison attacked the same problem as related to atoms by measuring the intensity of X- rays. Artheur J. Dempster continued his prize-Winning work on the measure- ment of the Wave properties of protons. Dean Henry Gordon Gale, although mainly concerned with the administra- tive duties of co-ordinating departmental Ecximxr HALL. Page 20

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U n WILLIAM A. NITZE Professor and Head of Department, Romance Language: and Literature.: EDWARD S. AMES Profesror and Chairman, Dejzarlmerzt of Philosophy THE HUMANITIES . . PERLESVAUS . . . BALZAC . . .THE PIROVERB . . . RIGA . . Of outstanding signihcance to research workers in the field of romance lan- guages and literature were the published results of the careful investigations car- ried on under the direction of William Nitze and T. Atkinson Jenkins on the Arthurian romances. In Lancelot and Gzzenervere and in Perlesfvaus, these two scholars contributed authoritative ma- terial relating to the origin of European romantic literature showing the profound influence exerted by earlier forms. They further demonstrated the profitable use of new scientific technique in the study of literature. lt was fitting that during the year the University as possessor of one of the finest collections of firsts, and ma- terials relating to Balzac, in the world should be responsible for careful analy- sis of the more important aspects of that genius. Edwin P. Dargan in his Studies in Balzzzcfv Realism produced a piece of literary criticism of the first rank. Withiii the Department of .German- ics the chief objects of interest were likewise medieval. Phil Allen pointed the way for further research in a hither- to untouched field in his examination of The Medieval Latin Lyric. Archer Taylor published a specimen study for students specializing in folksongs and fairy tales, and a more general interpre- tive book on Tlze Proverb as a literary form. Carl Goetsch treated in detail a small piece of philological minutia cen- tering about the Low German dialect of the city records of Reval and Riga in the llfliddle Ages. Edward Ames, of the Philosophy De- partment, was particularly occupied with the philosophy of religion with special emphasis on the interpretation of mysti- cism and the reference to God. Symbol- ism, logic, and logical theory were the research fields of Professor Charles lilorris. He conducted his general work in symbolism in conjunction with Mr. Moore. At an early date, he expected to publish his new book, Six Theories of llffinfl. Page 19

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U U THE PHYSICAL SCIENCES ....COSMlC RAYS... instruction and research was able to de- vote some of his time to a study of the spectrum of light atoms in extreme ultra- violet light. A research project which attracted world-wide attention during the year was the cosmic ray investigation conducted by Nobel Prize VVinner Ar- thur H. Compton. Dr. Compton car- ried on preliminary measurements of the intensity and variation of these short wave rays during the summer in Colo- rado and Switzerland. Prime object of these investigations was to determine if possible the origin of the cosmic rays. In that fact would lie, many physicists believed, the clue as to whether the universe is growing or disintegrating, and of more economic significance the preliminary step for the ultimate release of atomic energy. In the proof or disproof of the theory advanced by British scientists and origi- nated in part by W. D. McMillan, that the universe is dehnitely a disintegrating unit there were involved philosophical implications of profound influence. The scientists working in Kent Lab. were vitally interested in the educational departures inaugurated with the enter- JULIUS Sriacurz Profm-.vor and Chairfqan, Dejlartmenl of Chemistry .INSULIN .... ATOMS.. A . .ARTHUR -H. COMPTON Dzstznmzzxhfd Serfuzre Profexmf of Physics ing class. Professor Schlesinger, with Professor Lemon of the Physics Depart- ment, was designated by Dean Boucher to organize and direct the new general course in the Physical Sciences. Syllabi for the first year courses in general and elementary organic chemistry were pre- pared by Hermann Schlesinger, Mary M. Rising, W. C. Johnson, Adeline Link. In conection with the research of the department, Professor Kharasch pre- pared insulin of a very high degree of quality from its extracts, far more read- ily and simply than by older methods. He also obtained very interesting results on the effects of traces of iron and cop- per in cell activity. Professor Harkins proved that emulsions of oil in water are kept stable by a film of molecules surrounding the droplets, which has a thickness of only one molecule. Pro- fessor Stieglitz, a member of the original University faculty and an international- ly famed chemist, continued his investi- gations concerning the electronic insta- bility of specihc atoms, and molecular instability which led to molecular rear- rangements. Page 21