testing anemometers. In this connection a new tripping and timing device has been developed so as to completely eliminate the personal element of the operator. The upper limit of available speed has been increased to 3,300 feet per minute, and the lower decreased to about 200 feet per minute.

PROPERTIES OF MATERIALS.

The purpose of this branch of the Bureau's work is the determination of the physical and chemical properties of materials in cases where definite authoritative information is needed in connection with their purchase and sale or their use.

As far as possible, this work is confined to investigational tests. Commercial tests are not made except for the departments of the Government and for individuals where the facilities of private testing laboratories are not available.

A study of a number of samples of brick was made, to determine the best method of measuring the absorptive capacity and its influence upon the adhesion between bricks and mortar. Apparatus has been secured and an investigation is being made of lubricating oils, for the purpose of determining the relation between their physical and chemical properties and their value as lubricants. An investigation of twenty-two bookbinding cloths has been made for the Printing Investigation Commission, as a basis for the preparation of standard specifications for the binding used on public documents. Other investigations of like nature are under way or will be begun in the near future. This work will be greatly facilitated by the completion of the new laboratory recently authorized by Congress.

The commercial tests made for the departments of the Government and others include cements, plasters, concrete, steels, alloys, bricks; steam, air, and water hose; valves and other fittings, textiles, paper, inks, twine, etc. In many of these cases the tests were made not only to ascertain whether or not they complied with the specifications, but with a view to securing data for the purpose of improving such specifications generally and the methods of testing.

PERSONNEL.

The personnel of the Bureau, including the Director, as provided by Congress, consists of 118 persons, classified as follows:

Scientific force.-One physicist, 1 chemist, 6 associate physicists, 1 associate chemist, 21 assistant physicists, 3 assistant chemists, 21 laboratory assistants, 6 aids, and 7 laboratory apprentices; total, 67. Office and clerical force.-One secretary, 1 librarian, 9 clerks, 1 storekeeper, 1 draftsman, 2 assistant messengers, 4 messenger boys; total, 19.

Engineer and mechanical force.-One engineer, 4 assistant engineers, 1 electrician, 7 mechanicians, 1 woodworker, 3 skilled laborers, 3 firemen, 1 elevator boy, 4 laborers, 2 watchmen, 2 janitors, 2 charwomen; total 31.

LIBRARY.

The technical library of the Bureau contains 4,561 bound volumes, consisting of works on physics, chemistry, mathematics, engineering, and related fields. The library is classified by subjects and card

indexed by author and subject. During the year 1,087 books were added. The Bureau regularly receives 169 technical periodicals. The circulation of the library has been about 5,500, including 600 loaned by other government libraries. Cooperation among the scientific libraries in Washington has greatly extended the reference resources for technical investigation.

PUBLICATIONS.

During the year 31 technical papers were published giving the results of researches and investigations conducted by the Bureau. Nineteen extra editions of earlier papers were required to meet the public demand for the publications of the Bureau. The standard specifications for the purchase of carbon-filament incandescent lamps were published in revised form in Circular 13, and separately as a blank form for use in contracts for government purchases.

SUMMARY OF TESTS.

The work of the Bureau involves, among other things, a large amount of testing of standards, measuring instruments, and materials. A certain amount of this work is already organized upon an accurate routine basis. Much of it, however, involves investigation of the scientific principles underlying the test, a study of existing methods, and the development of new standard tests of known accuracy. In such cases the research which must precede the actual testing is a most important function of the Bureau. For the test, a reasonable fee is charged, except when made for the National or State Governments. The corresponding amounts for government testing are of interest, however, and are added to the statement of tests which follows:

NUMBER AND VALUE OF TESTS COMPLETED, FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 1908.

Received prior to July 1, 1907, for tests completed in fiscal year 1907-8---

Received for tests in progress at close of fiscal year 1907-8

$4, 375. 77

58.30

$4, 434. 07 99.78

Fees for tests completed, 1907-8---.

67044-C & L 1908-44

4,334. 29

FINANCIAL STATEMENT.

The following statement shows the amount and object of each appropriation provided for the Bureau for the fiscal year 1908, the disbursement during the year, the amount of unfilled and unpaid orders at the close of the year, and the unexpended balance remaining at the close of business June 30, 1908:

The following statement shows the condition of the appropriations for the preceding two fiscal years at the close of business June 30, 1908:

During the year Congress provided for a new building to furnish laboratory space urgently needed by the Bureau. Plans in harmony with the existing buildings will be completed as soon as possible and the contract will be let early in the autumn. The new building will materially relieve the congestion in several lines of work.

The grading of the grounds has been continued along the lines previously laid out. The steep slope south of the main building has been partly filled in up to grade and seeded with lawn grass. The east portion of the grounds has also been graded and put in excellent condition.

INSTRUMENT SHOP.

The apparatus used by the Bureau is largely special in character, designed by the experts who are to use it in their work and constructed under their direct supervision. The quality and quantity of testing and research depend to a large degree upon the facilities available for constructing such apparatus. The instrument shop of the Bureau is well equipped with skilled mechanicians and modern machine tools, and has materially aided the Bureau in maintaining a high standard in its technical work.

Respectfully,

To Hon. OSCAR S. STRAUS,

Secretary of Commerce and Labor.

S. W. STRATTON,

Director.