CONSERVATION OF COAL 179 They are overloading the already strained capacity of the railroads; they are rendering slower and more difficult the transportation of food and other vital commodities; and in short they are simply counteracting the measures of efficiency in production and distribution which have elsewhere been established. PREVENTABLE WASTE OF FUEL. The preventable waste of fuel in the boiler furnace of one steel mill amounted to 40,000 tons per year, which at $5 a ton would cost $200,000. This was a comparatively modern plant. The efficiency of boilers and furnaces in a fourteen-day test was fifty-five per cent. The load factor was unusually favorable to high efficiency and could readily be raised to This is only one example, and there are seventy per cent or over. many more extreme cases. The saving or wasting of one-fourth of the coal consumption of any industrial plant depends entirely upon the efficiency of its operating management. This fraction of the consumption relates exclusively to the boiler plants, i. e., the production of steam, and does not include the large economies possible in connection with its distribution and use. Under present conditions a plant which carelessly operates at an efficiency of forty to fifty per cent receives from the Government the same consideration in the delivery of coal as the one whose efficiency is seventy to seventy-five per cent. This obviously is unfair as well as wasteful. The Government hands over, say, 200,000 tons of coal a year to a plant owner, but asks for no account as regards its consumption, nor any questions as to the amount of steam it is made to produce. There is, nevertheless, an equivalent amount of steam this fuel is capable of generating, and it can and should be made to produce that quantity. In general, there are two plans of operation worthy at least of consideration. One might be termed the autocratic method. This would involve the use of authority to compel coal consumers to execute such measures of economy as the proper authorities might prescribe for any given case. Limits to be set as to expense to the user. Such limits might be in terms of a percentage of their present yearly coal bill. Alterations to be directed chiefly, as previously implied, to purely operating improvements. Many objections would probably be made by consumers against this plan, but once in effect the majority would no doubt realize its pecuniary advantage to themselves. But its tendency may be too strongly opposed to democratic principles. The other plan would be largely an educational one, in which patriotism and efficiency would furnish the motive forces required. The teaching must be accomplished with the utmost simplicity and directness. Above all it must be in such form as to be readily comprehended and applied. The U. S. Bureau of Mines has for a number of years engaged in obtaining and disseminating scientific information regarding the mining and consumption of coal, and the results of the work have been of great value to technical engineers who are able to use and apply it. It is evident that we now require an extension of the idea of education, but in such form as directly to affect the men who run the boiler plants of our country, for in their hands is the saving or wasting of one-fourth of our fuel supply. Six hundred million tons of coal were mined in the United States in 1916. If we assume only one-half of this to have been used for our industrial boiler plants, then a quarter of the coal used under boilers amounts to 75,000,000 tons per year. It is worth while to save this fuel by preventing its waste. This quantity of coal represents the use of 1,500,000 fiftyton freight cars. GENERAL MINUTES OF THE 1917 MEETING OF CENTRAL ASSOCIATION OF SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS TEACHERS. The seventeenth annual meeting of the Central Association of Science and Mathematics Teachers was held at the University of Ohio, Columbus, Ohio, November 30 and December 1, 1917. A fine spirit of hospitality was manifest throughout the whole convention and the splendid facilities and complete arrangements for the comfort and convenience of the members were evidences of the labor and forethought of the local committee. Friday morning the delegates were cordially welcomed to the city by Hon. George J. Karb, mayor of Columbus. Professor Charles H. Smith of Hyde Park High School ably responded for the Association. The main addresses of the morning were given by Dr. William Oxley Thompson, President of Ohio State University, on "Immediate and Ultimate Aims of Science and Mathematics Teaching” and Dr. L. H. Bailey of Cornell University on "Science Element in Education." These addresses are printed in full in the Proceedings. Friday afternoon was devoted to Section programs, inspection of exhibits, and an informal reception in the University library. At the preliminary meeting Friday evening, Vice-President Harry D. Abells presided and the reports of the members of the Committee on "Science in the High School of Tomorrow" were presented. Mr. B. J. Rivett of Detroit, Mich., discussed the subject in its relation to Physics, and Miss F. B. Hunter of the University of Chicago in its relation to Home Economics. In the absence of Mr. H. B. Shinn of Chicago, Miss Nellie M. Cook of Springfield, Ill., read his report on "Biology in the High School of Tomorrow"; in the absence of Mr. H. N. Goddard of Madison, Wis., Mr. F. T. Jones read his paper on "Nature Study in the Seventh, Eighth, and Ninth Grades." Mr. W. R. McConnell of Platteville, Wis., read a paper from Mr. J. H. Smith of Chicago on "The Necessity of Geography in the High School." Chairman Franklin F. Jones briefly summarized the work of the committee and presented charts showing the possible arrangement of science courses from the seventh to the twelfth grades. It was moved and carried that the committee be continued for one year, and two additional members were added to the committee. The lecture of the evening was given by Dr. Robert F. Griggs of Ohio State University, on "Katmai and the Ten Thousand Smokes." Dr. Griggs has recently returned from Alaska where he made explorations under the auspices of the National Geographical Society. It is unfortunate that copyrights owned by this society make it impossible for the Association to publish this interesting number in full. Saturday morning was given over to routine business. The minutes of the 1916 meeting were read and approved. The Auditing Committee reported that the Treasurer's books were correct. The Treasurer's report was read and accepted. In the absence of Mr. E. L. Mahaffey, the Treasurer read the report of the Membership Committee and the list of new members to be voted in. Sixty-five new members were added to the Association. The following committees also presented reports: Necrology, Advertising, and Railroad and Steamship Maps. In the absence of Mr. H. L. Terry of Madison, Wis., Mr. H. R. Smith of Chicago read the report of the Committee on Resolutions, which follows: "Realizing the tremendous significance of the principles involved in the present world conflict, the Central Association of Science and Mathematics Teachers in convention assembled at Columbus, Ohio, November 30 and December 1, 1917, publish the following resolutions: "Resolved: "I. That we affirm our trust and confidence in the wisdom and management of America's entry into and service in the present war. "II. That we heartily support President Wilson and all the branches of the Government in the successful prosecution of the war. "III. That we, as teachers, are not content to 'do our bit' but we will do our utmost in advancing efficient education. "IV. That it is imperative that we, as teachers, look ahead and consider what our present pupils must do when they take up life work in the reconstruction period after the war. "V. That we urge our membership and all teachers to beware of false economy in limiting growth in the ideals and inspirations of teaching. "Be it further Resolved: That we mark with sorrow and regret the demise of a former honored President, James F. Millis, and that we will cherish his memory by increased devotion to the cause of progressive education, of which he was a most faithful exponent. "Be it further Resolved: That we acknowledge our appreciation of the cordial welcome given by the city of Columbus, through Mayor George J. Karb and by the University of Ohio, and through President William Oxley Thompson. "That we offer our sincere thanks of appreciation to the speakers of the General Session, President Thompson, Dr. Bailey, and Dr. Griggs, for their inspiring addresses. "That we also thank all others who have contributed to our comfort and entertainment, Mr. and Mrs. George Arp at the reception, the newspapers of Columbus for their publication of the Association meetings. "That we commend the activity of the Committee on the High School of Tomorrow and recommend that it continue its work in the light of changing content and methods in education. "The committee begs to submit the following suggestions as a general theme for the year 1918: "The educational demands of an awakened democracy.' Ill. H. R. SMITH, C. E. COMSTOCK, The Nominating Committee reported the following: Vice-President-William M. Butler, Yeatman High School, St. Louis, Mo. Treasurer-John H. McClellan, Harrison Technical High School, Chicago. Assistant Secretary-D. A. Lehman, Goshen College, Goshen, Ind. Assistant Treasurer-M. F. Wadleigh, South Division High School, Milwaukee, Wis. HERBERT E. COBB, It was moved and carried that the Secretary be instructed to cast the ballot of the Association for the officers named and they were declared duly elected. Invitations from Cincinnati and Chicago for the 1918 meeting were read and the matter was referred to the Executive Committee. A. W. CAVANAUGH, Secretary. TREASURER'S REPORT OF THE CENTRAL ASSOCIATION OF SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS TEACHERS FOR THE YEAR ENDING NOVEMBER 30, Subscriptions to School Science and Mathematics.. Subscriptions to American Journal of Home Economics.. $1,107.25 108.50 Membership Report for the Year Ending November 30, 1917. Paid-up membership, December 1, 1916.. 973 Honorary membership.. 9 Total membership.. 982 Delinquent, but left on the list as per Constitution. 88 Total names remaining on the list, November 30, 1917. New names added during the year... 1,070. 214 Net Constitutional membership, November 30, 1917. 1,087 990 JOHN H. MCCLELLAN, Treasurer. MINUTES OF BIOLOGY SECTION, CENTRAL ASSOCIATION OF SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS TEACHERS. On Friday, November 30, at 1:30 p. m., in Room 100 of the Biology Building of Ohio State University, the joint meeting of the Biology, Agriculture and General Science Sections was called to order by the chairman, Miss Nettie M. Cook, Springfield, Ill. In the absence of Mr. Jerome Isenbarger, Secretary of the Biology Section, the chairman appointed Miss Estelle Feldmann, Columbus, Ohio, as Secretary pro tem. The following three members were proposed to the chairman to serve on the Nominating Committee: Miss Francis Reinhard, Columbus, Ohio; Miss Nettie M. Cook, Springfield, Ill.; Miss Mary Goodard, Ypsilanti, Mich. The chairman announced that the topics of the following program were those generally suggested as a result of the questionnaires that had been sent to all the members. Since these papers are given in the Proceedings, no abstracts of them are included in these minutes: L. J. Cole, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wis., gave an illustrated lecture on "Plant and Animal Breeding in Relation to Biology Teaching in High School." E. N. Transeau, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, read a paper on "The Rise of Sap in Trees.' M. M. Wells, University of Chicago, Chicago, Ill., read a paper on "The Relation of Ecology to High School Biology." The meeting adjourned until Saturday, December 1, at 10:00 a. m. The Saturday morning meeting was called to order by the chairman. Since the Executive Committee of the Agriculture and General Science Section was not present, Miss Spielmeyer of Cincinnati, Ohio, made a motion to have a joint meeting of the Biology, Agriculture and General Science Sections again. This was seconded by Miss L. Marzetti, Columbus, Ohio. The Nominating Committee presented the following report: Chairman, Mr. Jerome Isenbarger, Nicholas Senn High School, Chicago, Ill.; Vice-Chairman, Miss Rousseau McClellan, Shortridge High School, Indianapolis, Ind.; Secretary, Mr. C. H. Sackett, Ben Blewett Junior High School, St. Louis, Mo. The chairman turned the meeting over to G. R. La Rue, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Mich., leader of the Round Table. Mr. La Rue stated that he was interested in the problems confronting teachers and how they were solving them, as students were receiving part of their biological training in his department before entering on their teaching career. The program follows: "Note Books," C. H. Sackett, St. Louis, Mo. "School and Home Gardens with High School Botany," Miss Rousseau McClellan, Indianapolis, Ind. "Do College Courses as Now Administered Fit for Botany Teaching in High School?" Miss Mary A. Goodard, Ypsilanti, Mich. "The Present Status of General Science as to Content and Method," Mr. F. D. Barber, Normal, Ill. Next was to have followed a paper by E. M. Gilbert, Madison, Wis., but since Mr. Gilbert did not agree with many statements made by Mr. Barber, he asked that the time allotted him for the reading of his paper be given to the discussion of these statements. Discussion of the papers was next on the program. Miss M. Flynn, Columbus, Ohio, objected to Mr. Sackett's statement, "by all means have the laboratory problem inked." She contended that a medium hard pencil served the same purpose and also saved time. Miss Cook, Springfield, Ill., thought it is not necessary to ink, as the laboratory problem was collected at the end of a period, put on file and de |