Meetings of the National Academy of Sciences-Continued. Research fellowships‒‒‒‒‒ Scientific sessions___ Report of the National Research Council. Introduction_-_-. Organization and methods__. Relations to the National Academy of Sciences_ Officers for 1926-27---‒‒‒‒‒‒ Headquarters of the academy and research council.. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences_- Bulletins--- Reprint and circular series.. Miscellaneous___. Sales and distribution____. International critical tables-- Special organizations affiliated with the research council. Activities of divisions and committees._. Division of Federal relations__. 49 52 52 53 55 55 55 56 57 57 58 58 58 59 59 60 61 63 63 ANNUAL REPORT OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES REVIEW OF THE YEAR 1925-26 When, in his farewell address, Washington charged his countrymen: "Promote, then, as an object of primary importance, institutions for the general diffusion of knowledge; in proportion as the structure of a government gives force to public opinions it should be enlightened," the seed was sown for that development of science in America in the course of which the National Academy of Sciences was chartered in 1863 under the hand of another great President In its work of stimulating scientific thought, and of assisting research students in the field of pure science; in its aid and advice to the Government in the solution of scientific problems, and the formulation of policies, and in its value to humanity, the academy activities are fulfilling the objectives of Washington and Lincoln. When the organization of the academy was prepared, men were working on some plan to save the United States as one Union; with all that was available they found lacking expert advice in the then most recent of scientific problems. That the United States had men who could give this advice there was no question, but where they could be found when needed was another matter. With these thoughts in mind, the bill creating the National Academy of Sciences went through Congress unanimously, providing for the bringing together of these men in one body available at any time to aid in the two kinds of problems in research work with which the scientific men of the world have to do-one the determination of the fundamentals of science, and the other their application to human needs, which confronted the Nation then and later during peace. When the same conditions developed during the World War the academy was again ready to organize the scientific resources of the country, which had grown by leaps and bounds, and responded to the call of the country by the creation of a special agency to take care of problems of war. This body was the National Research Council, and through this agency the academy was able to bring the workers in pure science in close contact with those working in applied science. After the war it seemed best to continue this body, and at the request of the President of the United States this was done. The academy and research council now occupy the building completed some two years ago, as administrative headquarters. The activities of the academy are given in detail in the following report, but special attention should be called to the work of the committee on forestry research. Three men are now in Europe to ascertain what is the status of forestry research there, and the remainder of the committee is at work planning and framing a far-reaching and constructive program of forest provision. A survey is being made of all of the places where forestry research is being carried on, and those who are making the survey are experts in the fundamental problems that confront workers in forestry. It is essential that there should be considered in this connection not only the condition of the present forests, but also their protection and the propagation of new trees in order that the timber supply may keep up with the demand for this product, which is essential to almost all of the manufacturing interests of the world. Appreciating the need by research workers of this country for funds that would relieve them of work foreign to scientific research problems upon which they are engaged, the National Academy of Sciences undertook the creation of a fund for the stimulation and support of research that would be available to aid those worthy of help. To accomplish this a board of trustees consisting of— with Herbert Hoover, a member of the academy as chairman, was appointed to secure the necessary funds. With the close of the first year of this effort, there is every assurance that the trustees will be successful. In order that the work of organizing the fund might proceed without delay, Mr. Andrew W. Mellon contributed $10,000 to cover such contingent expenses as might be incurred by the board. The distinct benefits to science arising from the aid to scientific publications other than its own, to take care of the needs to publish results of research study, through the special funds secured by the academy last year, led the committee to give further consideration to this matter, with the result that recommendations were made for additional funds for the next fiscal year. |