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

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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

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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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D D I. HARLEN BRETZ Profe.r.mr of Geoloyy Enwm B. Fizosr Prafc.v.mr of !l.fIroplzy.rif.r THE PHYSICAL SCIENCES .. GEOLOGY...PALEONTOLOGY ASTRONOMY .. Geologists of the University whose in- vestigations in the past have carried them far afield found, in at least two in- stances, the materials for valuable work without venturing far out of the city limits. Under the direction of Har- len Bretz, best known among under- graduates as an instructor of great abil- ities, an intensive geological survey of the Chicago region was brought to com- pletion. At the same time, Dr. Carey Croneis acted in an advisory capacity in the installation of geological exhibits in the new lyluseum of Science and Indus- try. Other workers in Rosenwald, Ed- son S. Bastin and R. T. Chamberlin, worked on materials collected by Held expeditions during the summer. Pro- fessor Chamberlin developed geophysi- cal concepts of the mountain-making processes displayed in the Rockies, and Professor Bastin studied the ores of a number of the mining districts of liex- ico. ln nearby VValker Kluseum Alfred S. Romer, paleontologist, continued his tedious work of preparing and classify- ing remains of Permian vertebrates col- lected by the Department's South Afri- can expedition. With a full understand- ing of the specimens he was in a position to recreate for the first time a previously unknown chapter in evolutionary his- tory. The Astronomers at Yerkes Observa- tory conducted a very extended investi- gation of the double star Epsilon Auri- gae which makes a complete rotation every twenty-seven years. Thus, once during this period, one star revolves about the other producing an eclipse. This phenomenum occurred two years ago and the results of this event are now about to be published by the University Press. These records have been com- piled by Professors Frost, Struve and Elvey. Other interesting projects now being studied are the rotation of the stars and their speed of axial rotation. Professor Struve, the fourth generation of a fam- ily of astronomers, and Professor Elvey are particularly interested in this work. Professor Frost, leading authority on astrophysics, is well-known for his work at Yerkes Observatory. Page 22