Heroes of Science

HEROES OF SCIENCE By Dr. F. S. Harris and N. I. Burr OF THE BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIVERSITY 3. — Bunsen The average person is likely to be forgotten very soon after his death. The few who render unusual service to their fellow men may become more renowned as the years go by, and the greatness of their services becomes more evident. Robert Bunsen belongs in the latter class. We remember Bunsen (German chemist, 1811-1899) because of a number of fundamental facts which he discovered. Practically every person in civilized countries is deriving benefits from his re- searches. Iron and steel are now used in thousands of ways in which they were too expensive to be practical a century ago. Bunsen was one of the investigators who pointed out ways for reducing the cost, and therefore bringing these valuable aids to man into more common use. He simplified chemistry by perfecting a method for easily analyzing any ordinary chemical. He discovered chemical elements which have become of considerable importance. Bunsen was born in 1811, and by the time he was attending school the new science of chemistry was attracting much attention. Just as many boys of today become enthusiastic over the new science of radio, so he became very interested in the new facts of chemistry. Bunsen was not what might be called a brilliant student, but he was thorough. He studied long and hard to discover the deepest secrets of chemistry. By the time he had finished college he was a specialist, and in 1836 he began to teach chemistry in schools, and later in colleges. Many teachers do not become interested enough in their work to inquire concerning the fulness of the truth they are teaching. They merely tell the students what the text book says. Bunsen was one of those exceptional ones who seek for every detail and look for missing facts. When his time was not fully needed with his classes, he utilized the spare moments to discover new properties of chemicals or new ways for analyzing them. His mind, like that of most great men, was always full of questions concerning the common things which ordinary men do not think worthy of consideration. New thoughts brought up in this way gave him ideas for experiments. He allowed his stu- dents to perform many of these experiments and they became so inter- ested in chemistry that several of them afterwards became famous men. Pupils from all over the world came to study under Bunsen. He nearly lost his life during one investigation. While experi- menting with two of the most deadly poisons, arsenic and cyanide, an explosion of the tube containing the chemicals blinded him in one

994 IMPROVEMENT ERA eye and the deadly fumes caused an illness from which at first it was not thought he would recover. In spite of this accident, he was soon back in the laboratory work- ing as enthusiastically as ever. He discovered methods for determin- ing the elements of which a gas is composed. Chemists had long been looking for just such a method and its value was immediately recog- nized. After analyzing the gasses from steel furnaces Bunsen pointed out the great waste of fuel and ways for correcting the losses. His analyses helped pave the way for the revolutionary process of steel making, devised by Bessemer in 1856. Before Bunsen's time, gas could not be burned without a great loss of heat, and without causing foul smelling smoke, which made the laboratories very unpleasant. Knowing the chemistry of com- bustion he set about to make a perfect burner. The problem was to cause complete combustion of the gasses. Success in doing this de- pends upon the proper mixing before burning of the gas and air the same as in the carburetor of an automobile engine. The Bunsen burner which resulted from experiments in 1855 is found in prac- tically every chemical laboratory of today. The same idea is used in the plumbers blow-torch and many other burners, as well as in many stoves and furnaces. One of the greatest services which Bunsen rendered was in con- nection with what is called spectrum analyses. While he and Kirchoff were burning various substances in his newly discovered burner he noticed that the rays of light which came from each chemical element had a different property. If the light was passed through a narrow slit and then through a glass prism, dark bands would appear at cer- tain places among the colors, if certain chemicals were present in the light. This device had been used a little by other experimenters, but its extensive use began with Bunsen. By watching the places where the dark bands appeared, he could tell which chemicals were being burned. One day while he was analyzing some water he found bands in his spectroscope which corresponded to no known elements. He be- came curious to know what these mysterious elements were but could not tell because ordinary analyses were not sufficiently delicate. In order to concentrate the substance he evaporated between 3,000 and 4,000 buckets full of the water which contained it. He discovered two chemicals which had never been known before. The spectroscope made possible the discovery of Helium, the gas now being used to fill the huge dirigible airships. It was known to exist in the gasses around the sun before it was found on earth. The spectroscope is also very useful in making chemical analyses of gases coming from such inaccessible places as the intensely heated iron and steel furnaces. It is by means of this device that we can tell what elements exist in the atmosphere of stars, billions of miles away from us, and to tell how fast these stars are moving.

HEROES OF SCIENCE 995 Besides the noted things mentioned above Bunsen will long be remembered for many other discoveries of perhaps lesser importance. Scientific workers frequently learn that the experiments carried on by this man make clear facts which would otherwise need to be investi- gated before progress could come. His electric battery was the best made up to the time he invented it. By its means several discoveries, such as metalic magnesium (flash light powder), were made. Bunsen was active even during his spare time. When he went on a vacation to Iceland, at one time, he became interested in geysers and hot springs found there. After studying the water a while he came to the conclusion, and proved by laboratory experiments, that geysers need not depend upon volcanoes for their action. The theory he ad- vanced to supplant the volcanic one, is still taught in geology. The story of Bunsen is important because it shows that if a per- son will train himself to remain at the task of discovering all the facts concerning a subject, he places himself in a position to render a great service. Bunsen was always seeking fundamental causes, and for this reason, he went to the bottom of things. Persistence coupled with a wide-awake mind will very likely lead to achievement. Many men have become famous not because of any unusual brilliance, but because they have the tenacity to stick with a difficult problem through almost overwhelming discouragements. Ptovo, Utah. The Road to Happiness (Dr. Charles Barker's Five Rules) Whate'er your experience, howe'er bad your plight, Don't look at the dark side, but search for the bright. Though clouds may be sombre, just pierce them, you'll find That even the darkest with sunshine are lined. Accept your position, endeavor to see That the place you are in is the place you should be. Meet every condition with courage and zest, Believe, while you're in it, that place is your best. Disdain not the labor allotted to you, The task that's assigned is the work you should do, Let your soul e'er be cheerful, your mind not depressed, And your efforts, though toilsome, each one be your best. Each hour of your life, as the world you go through. Be ever alert for kind deeds you may do, Give hope, cheer and comfort to others each day; Your joys will increase if they're given away. Though dreary and troublous, the pathway you trod, Have faith as a child in your Father and God: Approach him, be fearless, he's loving and mild, Indeed, he's your Father, and you are his child. Bingham Canyon, Utah J- S- BtNGHAM

996 IMPROVEMENT ERA

In Zion Canyon (See Opposite Page) Top: View on the new $10,000 West Rim trail being built up from the main canyon, Zion National Park. Looking up the canyon just behind Angel's Landing, christened "Scout Lookout," on June 15, 1924, on the occasion of the visit of the national officers, including Forest Ranger Harold Russell who was the guide on the occasion of the annual visit of the boy scouts of the Salt Lake Council to Zion National Park. Center: Looking down Zion Canyon. Bottom: Hip! Hip! Hooray! Dedication and naming of "Scout Lookout," acting Superintendent Walter Reusch has notified Scout Executive Oscar A. Kirkham that he sees no reason why the Boy Scouts of Utah should not have the honor of naming one of the many beautiful spots in the Park. "As soon as possible, I will secure a metal sign which will be in harmony with Park regulation signs." Does Nature Speak to You? Does the murmur of the brooklet Whisper courage to your soul, When your thorny path looks crooked, And you fear you'll miss the goal? When dis'pointment with obstructions And misfortune make you sad, Watch the river, how it functions; When obstructed, it is glad. Rain drops brighten up the sunbeams, And they make the sky more blue, And chastisement draws the heartstrings, Making always hearts more true. Watch .the sunset and the sunrise, How they beautify the earth. How the birds with heart and voices Ever fill the earth with mirth. Take new courage from the mountain, Ever towering far above: Hark! the voice of nature shouting, Ever praising God, in love! Kewdale, Ida. S. SCHWENDIMAN

Y. M. M. I. A. OFFICER SPANS THE CONTINENT IN ONE DAY On Monday, June 24, 1924, Lieutenant Russel L. Maughan, a native of Logan, Utah, grandson of Peter Maughan who first settled Cache Valley, 1856, spanned the North American continent in less than a day. The hazardous flight was his third attempt to fly from New York to San Francisco in a day. He left Mitchell Field, New York at 2:59^ a. m., (Eastern standard time,) halted briefly at five refueling stations, fought fatigue and constantly-recurring nausea the whole long distance and arrived at Crissy Field, San Francisco, at 9:47:15 p. m. (Pacific time), where he was re- ceived with cheering and an unparalleled ovation. He had crossed the continent in about 1 8 hours. He goes on record as the first man that has made the hazardous and gruelling flight in so short a time. He passed through about 150 miles of rain, 100 miles of fog and low- hanging clouds, and two-thirds of the way a heavy wind bucked him, and he met also a heavy cross wind, which is the most dangerous of all. He broke a casting on the way which was mended at Dayton, Ohio, delaying him one hour and a quarter for repairs. He had intended to go the distance from dawn to dusk, but the elements and Hot any mechanical device kept him from holding to his schedule. His average speed, according to his own statement, is estimated at about 140 miles an hour at times, and at other times 160. During the trip he held out well, but his stomach became sensitive from the high speed which he was traveling at a high altitude, and the strain upon his nerves was something terrific. He leaped over the Great Divide without mishap and landed at Salduro, Utah, at 5:20 Pacific time, ending his flight on Crissy Field, dedicated to Major Crissy who sacrificed his life for air service. On landing he was borne away to army headquarters amid a deafening ovation. During the dash he had been ill two or three dozen times. He ate nothing from the time he left New York until he reached San Francisco, but drank water at some of his landings. His machine was a 3 7-horse-power, single-seater, and he made the trip alone, being his own pilot, and arrived with his machine in perfect mechanical condition. He had made two previous attempts to span the continent, the first, July 1 9, 1923, when a small motor ailment midway across the country, forced him to abandon the flight. On the 29th of July the same year he tried again, but at Rock Springs, Wyoming, was forced down when an oil leak developed in the engine. In his successful trip which he completed in San Francisco, his first stop from Mitchell Field, New York, was at Dayton, Ohio, 575 miles. His second stop was at St. Joseph, Missouri, where he arrived at 10:52 a. m. (Central time),

SPANS CONTINENT IN ONE DAY 999 5 70 miles from Dayton. His third stop was at North Platte, Nebraska, where he arrived at 1:34 p. m. (Central time). His next stop was at Cheyenne, Wyoming, 2: 1 7 p. m. (Mountain time) , where he was ill when he stepped from his plane and showed signs of strain, but expressed confidence that his flight would be successful. Leaving at 2:45 p. m., he leaped over the Great Divide, courageously facing the portion of his road which held the greatest peril to himself. He jB TH^ 4B1 1 fliB^L^ fcJ~~"^^^^W >JP — -. «^?0 *\ ^8BB|). ^|^H ^^^B ^"^^SkMt^^m^^l)!^^^^ a *%. •£ *£'':'^f t%r^ft ■ ' - 1 y ilPK life, ^ ^^B * ^Plt H«>^^l ^Ht ' *|L m i J ^■pr ;. r vsw * ^M [ . -3J if] fl « U , w |! HI . ■ - Si'? £?' *? J&? !. : Wl ¥■■ ■ It. H ^turnr "-.,. Photograph by courtesy of the Salt Lake Telegram Left to right: Mrs. P. W. Maughan, Lieutenant Russel Maughan, wife of the aviator, Miss Ruth Maughan, and Miss Marjorie Maughan, photographed dur- ing the aviator's recent visit to Salt Lake. Ruth Maughan and Marjorie Maughan are College students, and Mrs. Maughan is a resident of Logan. arrived at Salduro, Utah, at 5:20 p. m. and finished, as stated, the last leg of the journey at Crissy Field, California. Lieut. Maughan's father was Peter Maughan, for many years secretary of the Utah Agricultural College, where the Lieutenant was educated. He was trained in aviation after he entered the army in 1917. He became First Lieutenant in June, 1924. He went to the war with the 139th pursuit squadron and won the distinguished cross by accounting for four enemy planes in a single combat. He won the Pulitzer races at Detroit, in October, 1922, and has been stationed at McCook field, Dayton, Ohio, for a year and half. Formerly he

1000 IMPROVEMENT ERA was stationed at Mather Field, Sacramento, and the Presidio, Sari Francisco. Governor Charles R. Mabey, the Chamber of Commerce, the Rotary and Kiwanis Clubs of Logan, and President Calvin Coolidge of the United States, wired congratulations to him on his epoch-making achievement in aviation. Congratulations from many other friends all over the nation were sent to him. Mrs. Maughan, his wife, who had come to Salt Lake City during the flight from Heber, Utah, said: "I feel that Lieut. Maughan was inspired to make the trip from love of service and a desire of progress, rather than from any ambition for personal glory. I think it is a real fine thing for America that he could do it, and I believe the achievement has paid. I am delighted to know that he is the man who has made the first successful flight of this kind. I think that he was the man fitted to make the flight." The citizens of Utah particularly, as a unit, join in congratulating him upon this wonderful achievement and are proud that a son of Utah through clean living and laudable ambition, was able to so dis- tinguish himself. In Salt Lake City, on his return east, he was received on July 1, by his mother, wife, and other relatives, and an enthusiastic crowd of admirers and well-wishers. At a banquet in his honor at Fort Douglas, he declared that the cross-the-country trip which now seemed a great achievement will, in a few years, be regarded as very common- place. He left for Cheyenne the following day at 8:49 a. m. The following interesting incident in connection with his return call, July 1, has been supplied at the request of the Era, by Elder Junius F. Wells: "Wishing to call on Lieut. Maughan, and to congratulate him upon his wonderful flight, it was my good fortune to meet Lyman R. Martineau who had lived in Logan on the same block with the Maughans and had known Russel all his life. Together we called at the Hotel Utah and Elder Martineau introduced me to the famous aviator. I found him a delightful young man, having the manner of an army officer, without stiffness, upstanding, polite, very approachful and congenial. In saying to him that his home people rejoiced in his great success and were very proud of him, I added that it was largely because, in attaining high distinction, he was still just 'one of our boys.' He appeared pleased with this commendation. It was then suggested to him that it would be a gracious and appreciated courtesy if he could take a few minutes, though crowded for time, and call at the Church Office, to receive the congratulations of Presi- dents Penrose and Ivins, President Grant being absent. Upon being assured that they would be glad to see him, he readily assented to this and we proceeded to the Church Office, Mrs. Martineau going along with us. The Lieutenant's interview with Presidents Penrose and Ivins was necessarily brief, but quite cordial and mutually enjoyable.

SPANS CONTINENT IN ONE DAY 1001 Upon leaving them he shook hands with a number of employees of the office and, in the hallway, I mentioned the fact that, as original officers of the Y. M. M. I. A. which now numbers over 50,000 members and 10,000 boy scouts, we regarded him as our hero, our air-pilot, and pioneer aviator, whose example would in time be fol- lowed by many in carrying our message to the ends of the earth. I was surprised and charmed by his response. He put his great arms around me and said: 'I belong to the Mutual. I am first counselor in the association at San Antonio, Texas.' He seemed to be almost as proud of his connection with the associations as of his achievements in the air; an altogether, unaffected, genuine son and grandson of eminent Utah pioneers; a competent, brave soldier, having won distinction upon merit and deserving all the honors that are being heaped upon him." — A. Let Me Be True True to the faith, O let me be, True to my living God, Filling my heart with ecstasy. Making my vision broad; Feeding my soul with love divine, Trusting him day by day, Learning to know that he is mine, What more could I ask or pray? Mine when I wake in the dewy morn, Mine when the sun shines bright, Mine when my soul is sad and worn, With sorrow's bitter night; Safely he guides my trembling feet. Over the tempter's snare, Shelters me with his love so sweet, Answers each faltering prayer. True to the faith, O let me be. Safe in his arms at last, When trials and strife have all gone by, And life itself has passed. Then to the cross, O let me cling, Where he gave his life for me, Then, O his praises let me sing, Blest Lamb of Calvary, Newcastle, Pa. EVELYN MAE BlRK.

Editors' ^Table Just a Word About the Eta With this number of the Eta we present our subscribers with thirty-two extra pages, making a magazine of over 125 pages of read- ing matter. We have issued in this volume three such editions, Feb- ruary, May and August, and have thus practically given our readers one extra number, or 13 instead of 12 numbers, when we shall have issued the September and October numbers. We hope that our readers appreciate this addition and that they will do their share in helping us to continue these extra large numbers in the future, at least three times each year, and more if we are encouraged. This can be done by prompt and timely renewal of the subscriptions for the coming vol- ume, beginning with the November issue. We call attention to this matter from the fact that the Superin- tendency and General Board have ordered that all subscriptions be- ginning from now on, and with the new volume, shall be paid strictly in advance, $2 for each subscription. This action is taken to save expenses and losses incurred in keeping accounts, and to avoid so much clerical work in the general office arising from the credit system, not to speak of the errors and misunderstandings that naturally come about where credit is extended. It has been thought by the Superintendency and management that to pay in advance will be more agreeable, both to the subscriber and to the office, and also save much annoyance and labor. We believe that our subscribers will unitedly recognize the value of this change, and will be prompt in their renewals. The money must be paid where time is given, and it is just as easy to look ahead and arrange to have the amount ready before the expiration of the subscription, as to put the matter off and pay later. Annoyance and difficulties will thus be avoided, and we think a better feeling en- gendered. There are still about twelve weeks in which to provide for the cost of the next volume. A little saving during that time will enable one to pay his subscription for the next volume promptly before the expiration of his present subscription. We trust that our over 20,000 patrons will recognize the advantages in this proposed change and forward their renewals promptly before the end of this volume. If this is done the savings arising will be devoted to the enlargement and illustration of the magazine, to the benefit of the subscriber. Three weeks are required for adjustment of the lists, and new subscriptions reaching us by the middle of October will be in time for the first number of the new volume. Subscriptions may be sent