--- title: Improvement Era description: Monthly periodical of the Mormon church, 1897 onward. This library holds the issues of November 1897 to December 1930. authors: - Harris, F. S. - Butt, N. I. collections: - periodicals tags: - magazine - improvement-era periodical: Improvement Era volume: 28 number: 1 published: 1924-11 publisher: Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Associations publisher_place: Salt Lake City language: en type: magazine reference: "F. S. Harris and N. I. Butt, “Heroes of Science,” *Improvement Era 28, no. 1 (November 1924)*: 30–43." source: url: https://archive.org/details/improvementera2801unse transcription: Transcribed from the Internet Archive scan of each issue (the item for each issue is named in the issue's own source); unnumbered advertising leaves are omitted, printed page numbers are kept as page markers. identifier: improvementera2801unse start_page: 30 end_page: 43 rights: status: public-domain basis: US publication 1930 or earlier (published 1924-11) source: https://archive.org/details/improvementera2801unse publication_year: 1924 note: The Internet Archive item metadata carries a blanket "© Copyright by Intellectual Reserve, Inc." notice. The library owner judged it inapplicable because this issue was published in 1924, before 1931; a scan-level notice does not restore copyright. --- # Heroes of Science HEROES OF SCIENCE By President F. S. Harris and N. I. Butt of the Brigham Young University 5- RONTGEN When Rontgen discovered X-rays, he added a power to the human eye that has not only saved thousands of lives and an incalcu- lable amount of suffering, but has also put manufacturing, commerce, and other industries on a more safe footing. By its use physicians can locate bullets, needles, broken bones, and other objects within the body. Likewise, stomach trouble, heart abnormality, teeth abscesses, rheuma- tism, appendicitis, cancer, some ear troubles, and many other diffi- culties are sometimes discovered by the use of X-rays and remedied in time to prevent serious trouble or loss of life. To insure the safety of aeroplanes the wood and metals are inspected by X-rays and all defective parts discarded. In manufacturing and trade the quality of steel is often examined for defects in this way. Besides being used in the inspection of many manufactured products, the X-ray is a valuable aid to purchasers of valuable old paintings, to chemists, and to many others who are helped by a view of the interior structure of materials. Rontgen happened to be one of the fortunate scientists who follow up the final stage of an investigation before it yields practical results. Many research workers toil along year after year the same, as did Rontgen before discovering the X-rays, but fail to secure popular fame. Rontgen is justly regarded as a great man because of the many painstaking experiments which he performed, yet he might never have become so world renowned had he not had at his dis- posal the results of the investigations of several men who brought knowledge up to the point where such a great practical device as the X-ray might be discovered. Rontgen, as are most great men, was well prepared to do the service which he rendered. Born in Germany in 1845, he passed rapidly through school and was granted his college degree at a uni- versity in Holland in 1869. After this preliminary training he assisted in various universities in central Europe where he became known as a deep and persistent student. Later he was granted professorships and finally became director of a great university. In order to give his students the best training possible Rontgen performed many experiments. He was somewhat like Edison in that when he became interested in an experiment he forgot everything, even his meals, and sleep often being neglected, in order to learn some new fact. He tested the distance up tiny capillary tubes which water and other liquids would rise under different conditions, he worked on HEROES OF SCIENCE 31 the springiness of different metals, on the rate which heat is taken up by substances, on the creation and passage of electricity under different circumstances, and on a great number of other subjects. While many of the experiments he performed were not important, but merely added another mite of knowledge to the human race, they gave him inspira- tion in his teaching and they prepared him for a discovery which was revolutionary. At the time Rontgen discovered the X-rays he was investigating the light which many persons had noticed when electricity is made to jump from one wire to another inside of a glass tube which has had most of the air pumped out of it. Many scientists had studied this light and had discovered that it has peculiar properties such as being bent out of its regular course if a magnet were placed near it. In 1895, Rontgen was trying to discover more about the Ultra violet, or the light rays which move so fast that the eye cannot see them. In doing this he covered his exhausted electric tube with black paper so that no light could escape. But to his surprise some of the light rays went right through the paper and caused some chemically treated paper a few yards away to sparkle. Immediately he com- menced to investigate this strange phenomenon. He put objects near the sparkling paper to try to cut off the light, and in this way traced it to one of the wires inside the tube. Next he placed his hand between the light and the paper and saw the bones of his hand. When he was convinced that he could see the actual bones and could distinguish in the new light metal which was held clasped in his hand he thought this should be valuable knowledge to physicians. Accordingly he wrote to a medical society telling them about the discovery. The medical world seized the knowledge with great excitement, because it meant that the body could be made almost as transparent as glass so that the interior could be more closely studied and operations more easily made. Rontgen carried on extensive tests to discover the limitations of the rays. He took pictures through books, leather and other materials. While examining wood doors, in this way, he discovered that white lead in paint obstructed the rays. This knowledge gives us a means of telling the historical age in which a picture was painted because white lead was not used in older times. The fact that lead is excellent to obstruct the rays offers a good means for protecting those who work with X-rays. Unprotected persons working around these rays are likely to suffer injury because the light is darting right through the body injuring some of the delicate parts which are not accustomed to such treatment. The year following the discovery of the X-ray Rontgen was awarded the medal of the Royal Society of London, one of the greatest honors which can be bestowed upon a scientist. Other medals have also been given to him for his discoveries concerning X-rays. But better than all these medals is the knowledge that he has done a great service 3 2 IMPROVEMENT ERA to suffering mankind- Without the rays, made useful to the world by his aid, thousands of the wounded in the World War might have died and many others have gone through life crippled by bullets in their bodies. But in spite of the honors heaped upon Rontgen, he remained a humble investigator. He gave the credit to the men who had made it possible for him to make his discovery. He loved his experiments and his students more than public applause. Gems of Thought Faith lies deepest where justice reigns supreme. Foul-mouthed persons are best appreciated when out of breath. Say nothing that you would not have your echo pass on to others. Neither a feather nor a bubble is light when compared with vanity. A big free-hearted man is not always measured by the roll in his pocket. Don't let your pride of beauty get so weedy as to choke out good sense. God placed man above everything and gave him power to hold himself there. Prop up injustice with better timber; justice can stand on its own foundation. If you are above making mistakes, get off the earth, this is no place for you. You touch a tender cord when you say, Mother; an elevated one, when you say, Father. Gather wisdom with the speed of electricity and hold it with the firmness of gravity. All smoke flues do not emit from housetops, some lead from the mouth and are called nostrils. Get Satan behind you when your neighbor wants to fight, and hold him there till the quarrel is over. Publish all the good thoughts you can, but let the bad ones lie dormant until they smother out. Stand head and shoulders above dishonesty, then your vision will be clearer and your friends dearer. Let your mother know when you return home, then she may take more comfort in your being out. Better go through this world blind than to pass through it and see nothing but the glitter of gold. Don't try to retain all your wisdom, pipe some of it to the world, or the flow may cease and the well go dry. A well filled head may incline the back in old age, but why should an empty one? It carries no weight. A man's height is not always measured by what he thinks of himself. "Actions speak plainer than words." How can a man give an insult without a cause; he is not capable of such a thing, he's too light to be considered. If you can't do anything but crow, take your place with the rest of the barnyard fowls — "misery loves company." Do not hinge your gate of faith on man alone, because he swings both ways and passes out some who would seek a throne. — Sent to the Era by E. S. Howell, Fairview, Utah. RECREATION IN THE GREAT OUT-OF-DOORS Boy Scouts Jamboree, Utah Lake The Grant stake boy scout jamboree was successfully held on the shores of Utah Lake, August 23-30. The object of this standing camp was the Top: Retreat — when in this formation scoutmasters only salute; all scouts remain at attention. Center: Setting up exercises. Bottom: Daily dip in Utah Lake. 34 IMPROVEMENT ERA coordination of the various troops in the stake to prepare for the coming winter's work. Previously stake and ward scout men met periodically to formulate and perfect details in connection with such an arduous under- taking. The great object of scouting is to reach every eligible boy. It was decided to make this wonderful opportunity available to the poorest scout in the stake. So the cost was set at the nominal sum of $3. This was made possible through the generosity of a number of leading business firms and persons of the stake who donated trucks to care for the transportation to and from camp. The camp was under the supervision of William E. Nelson, deputy scout commissioner; assisted by Melton V. Backman, finance officer; Eugene Bengtzen, chief officer; Arthur W. Sadler, recreation officer; Doral Cutler, first aid, campfire, and program officer; Grant Fox, assistant; LaMar Hatch, mess officer, Dan Kooyman, signaling instructor; Wallace Butter- worth, assistant. The scouts were divided into three groups, Mohawks, Utes and Piutes, each under a scoutmaster and assistant. A further division was made into patrols, with a patrol leader in charge of each. Responsibility rested upon the scoutmaster. Each division had its own kitchen, presided over by a senior scout, who, being an expert, did, the actual preparing and cooking of the food in conformity with the daily menu previously arranged by the camp chef. A regular daily program, beginning at 5 :45 a. m. and closing with taps at 10 p. m., was arranged, including first call, reveille, setting up exercises, breakfast, assembly, swimming, scout craft, dinner, rest period, tent inspection, recreation and sports, assembly, drill, swimming, supper, campfire, tattoo and taps. Daily classes and demonstrations were held in nature study, first aid, mapping and signaling, under competent directors. At the close of the encampment many of the scouts successfully passed First Class exam- inations in these subjects. A fine baseball tournament was held, won by the Mohawk division. In addition, there were barnyard golf, mumble peg, swimming and boating, daily, all of which provided ample outlet for the pent-up, superfluous energy compressed within every red-blooded boy in the camp. Each day closed with a very fine campfire program which discovered considerable native scout talent of a very entertaining nature. Through speech and story the serious aims, ambitions and obligations of the Boy Scout move- ment were impressed upon all present. A very interesting and highly successful Sunday school was held on the Sabbath day under the trees in nature's house of worship. Nothing hap- pened to mar the enjoyment of the encampment and all returned home carrying with them happy memories. Being the first standing or permanent camp ever attempted in the state of Utah, we believe that the men responsible are to be heartily congratulated upon its success. We firmly believe that the permanent camp will become very popular in the future, for in no better way can boy friendships be made and cemented, and in such close and constant communion the scout learns more fully to realize his duty and obligation of service to his fellows — Arthur W. Sadler. South Sanpete Fathers and Sons, and Scouts Meet in the Forest The first Fathers and Sons' outing of South Sanpete stake, in the mountains, was held August 18-21, at the head of the forks, in the Manti National Forest. Seventy-seven fathers, sons and scouts were present. The first day we traveled to camp, pitched tents, erected the flag pole in the center of the camp, etc. Each evening a big campfire meeting was held. The IN THE GREAT OUT-OF-DOORS 35 speakers included W. B. Hawkins, scout deputy regional executive of eastern and southern Utah; C. G. Braithwaite, Y. M. M. I. A. stake superintendent; Merrian King, John R. Nielson, Jr., William A. Tuttle, Chauncey Harmon, scoutmasters and fathers. Nature study, hiking, and games of various kinds were carried out every day. The last evening after campfire meeting was over "a feast of goodies" was enjoyed — oranges, candies, nuts, etc. All sat around the fire and delighted in a real social time which will always be Top: Partial view of one of our baseball games, showing a number of our tents with a fine, pine background, an ideal place for camping. Bottom: Ready for a tug-of-war. Sanpete Fathers and Sons' outing. Ten boys won over six fathers. Deer may be seen within an hour's walk from this camp. remembered. The outing was a grand success, a spirit of good fellowship between fathers, sons, scouts and scoutmasters was enjoyed. No event on the whole trip occurred to mar the pleasure of anyone. Brother Wells Thompson, stake recreation chairman; M. K. Knudson, president of the Snow Normal College; J. Mabin Thompson, of the High Council, and other prominent men were present, which added spirit to the camp. — Chauncey Harmon, Scoutmaster, Manti Center Ward. 36 IMPROVEMENT ERA rhotos by H. L. Hammond Top: Entrance to Providence cave. Center: Cave man's tabernacle, Providence cave. 300 feet into the mountain from the entrance. Bottom: Satan's theatre, 500 feet into the mountains from the cave entrance. IN THE GREAT OUT-OF-DOORS 3 7 A Community Outing Following the suggestion of the Church recreational leaders, that a com- munity outing be made a part of the Summer's program, the people of Provi- dence, on Labor Day, realized one of the best get-together events of the entire year. The recreation committee met with the M Men and Gleaners and sug- gested the idea of a canyon trip. Their enthusiasm exceeded all expectations. M Men and Gleaners were joined by parents, brothers, sisters and friends. Every available saddle horse, at home and in neighboring towns, were rounded up. Men and women who for 20 years had lived in Providence without ever seeing the beauties of their own canyon, at once donned their khaki and fell into line until the party numbered up to seventy-five. The day's program was carefully planned, thoroughly organized and successfully carried out. The party had breakfast at 8:00 a. m., at White Pine Springs, about 7 miles up the canyon. Each person prepared his own meal, and after an hour, was ready to continue. And as their seventy-five voices sang forth the sweet strains of "The Long, Long Trail," and the crags from a dozen sides echoed back their welcome — then was experienced the real thrill, joy and inspiration of God's great out-of-doors. Forest Ranger Rice took lead of the group, explaining and pointing out things of special interest to the party as they proceeded. A cave in which much interest has recently been shown was visited and explored. Measurements showed it to be 700 feet long. The passageway in places is barely large enough for entrance while again it en- larges into gigantic caverns, one of which measured 30 feet across, 35 to 40 feet high, and about 70 feet long. On the return trip the party stopped near the mouth of the canyon for a wienie roast and watermelon bust. AH reached home safe and sore, but happy as a result of the day's experience. Providence First Ward Recreation Committee, by David H. Fuhriman. Bingham Stake Fathers and Sons Meet at "Big Springs" The fourth annual Fathers and Sons' outing was held August 2-4 at the head of the North Fork of Snake river known as "Big Springs," 106 miles northeast of Idaho Falls. No place could be more enticing than this spot where that river rises f:om Mother Earth with a normal flow of 186 second feet, surrounded on all sides by the great Targee National Forest. The days were spent in literary and musical programs, games, fishing and swimming, except Sunday, which, being Fast day, was observed by fasting and prayer and a unique program. An impressive Priesthood and testimony meeting was held in the open with the pines for a background, followed by a walk among the woods with Ira Latham, forest ranger of the Targee range, ex- plaining the value of our national forests and the Government's work to preserve them. An "out in the mission street meeting" was held in the evening, three returned missionaries furnishing the singing and preaching. This became rather interesting when members of the audience interrupted the speaker with questions about the "Mormons." The next day after the usual flag ceremonies and program, there were competitive athletic events between the wards in which keen interest was taken. Iona ward had the largest number present — 72 members, 12% of their ward population. The camp had two members over 70 years of age, Richard Bates, 73, and Patriarch T. W. Lee. The stake presidency and four bishops were in attendance. The Shelton ward won the American flag, having the largest percentage of the ward in attendance — 60 fathers and sons. ; Shelton ward members. For three years this ward has had an average of 20% of their population in attendance at the outing. Stake board members in the foreground. They were awarded an American flag this time, presented to them by Stake Superintendent H. R. Kirkham, in behalf of the stake board. The population went 106 miles to attend the outing accompanied by F. Birkenshaw, ward president Y. M. M. I. A., and Bishop Lovell, enthusiastic fellows with the young people. Center: Saluting Old Glory. Bottom: A real bear that fur- nished entertainment at the outing. — Bingham Stake. IN THE GREAT OUT-OF-DOORS 39 Top: Fred J. Storer and his five sons, the father having the most sons in attendance at the outing. Bottom: The fellows who "put it over," left to right: Sylvan Olsen, stake recreation chairman; Orial L. Anderson, Senior and M Men leader; David Scott, recreation leader; H. R. Kirkham, stake superintendent; Todd Andrus, stake board member; Earl Nixon, Advanced Senior Leader; Reed Scott, second assistant.- — Bingham Stake. Over 300 Fathers and Sons Have a Joyful Time On July 28, 29 and 30, over 300 fathers and sons of Fremont stake Y. M. M. I. A. held an outing which will long be remembered for its genuine success and the highly enjoyable time everyone had. They met on 40 IMPROVEMENT ERA the banks of the Madison river, three miles west of West Yellowstone, and unanimously named their camp, "Kirkham," since Oscar A. Kirkham, execu- tive director of the Y. M. M. I. A. was present to take part in the exercises. They played baseball, volley ball, horseshoe pitching, and other games, fished and swam. A roll call showed the following wards represented: Piano, 32; Herbert, 5; Rexburg First, 81; Second, 5; Third, 11; Sugar City, 82; Camp Kirkham on the Madison River Salem, 24; Newdale, 4; Lyman, 17; Burton, 15; Independence, 11; Archer, 7; Hibbard, 9. An account of the Indian custom of reverence for fire, by Oscar Kirkham, commenced the campfire program, then followed the scout law, interesting stories, one number from each ward, including also recitations, humorous yarns, songs, speeches and stunts. A drive was made ;he next day to Old Faithful in Yellowstone Park, where the company watched the eruptions of Old Faithful; and, during lunch, had singing and stories. At the evening fire a pennant was offered by Brother Kirkham to the boy making the best report of what had impressed him most on the trip. Orlo Maughan won. It impressed one to see so large a number of men and boys travel and camp together without one accident or unpleasant or evil incident occurring. Fine sportsmanship and good will prevailed throughout. For the excellent arrangements made, credit is due Superintendent Oswald Christensen, his counselors; J. A. Watts, outing chairman; Stake Scout Executive Dilworth Walker; and C. P. Packer, recreation leader. At Bryce Canyon Superintendent Joseph A. Griffin, of Garfield stake, reports the Fathers and Sons' outing of that stake on August 1 and 2 at Bryce Canyon. There were one hundred present. Every ward in the stake was represented. It was the first Fathers and Sons' outing held in that stake. A program consisting of songs, recitations, story-telling, and a well delivered discourse on scout work by Elder Alfred Riddle, recently returned from the mission field, was pre- sented. There were a number of visitors on that evening, making the whole number present 150, and many tourists heard the program and the gospel that IN THE GREAT OUT-OF-DOORS 41 night. Saturday was spent in foot racing, jumping, and other athletic exercises. Circleville came out first in jumping; and Escalante, in running. "We are expecting to make the Fathers and Sons' outing this coming season the biggest program of the year. Brother Joseph J. Porter and his seven sons were all with us on the outing. It was a glorious occasion for us all." ^gpr Bjw?* Jj i { KIR*- ^ "*1 •■ '' ■ ■ PUl^'"] / 9 LiSfeL i&> 19 k K 1 ■■L jjjf '^QSJ^Mm!! Jj^^feA IkvHErcflB H^VSfin^BI Joseph J. Porter and his seven sons, Garfield Stake Fathers and Sons' Outing South Sevier This picture shows the stake presidency of the South Sevier stake, John E. Magleby, Joseph L. Staples, and James R. Ware. It was taken by Frank Gunn at the Bully Boy mine at the Fath- ers and Sons' outing of the South Sevier stake on July 10-12, sent to the Era by him. Bits of Philosophy Character is better than cun- ning. Almost anybody is as good as the man who thinks he is good. It is strange but true, the smal- ler the head the more it swells. Greatness is just the ability to discount the complements you re- ceive, two hundred per cent. A thinker is a man who can recognize a great thought without knowing who first thought it. 42 IMPROVEMENT ERA Oakland M. I. A. Annual Hike Big Success "Is everybody happy?" — "Absolutely" echoed through the Marin Hills Saturday evening, August 30, as the Oakland, California, M. I. A. hiked the Dipsea trail on their way to Willow camp. When the roar of the grand old Pacific reached our ears, we knew we were nearing camp. Arrangements had been made months in advance, by our trusty man, Reed Smith, and upon arrival at camp, we received a hearty welcome and a midnight supper. The full company of 91 reached camp safe and sound, with tired feet after the 10-mile hike, but boyant in spirits. A schedule prepared weeks before the hike, itemized the names of those assigned to various jobs during the hike, such as hike leaders, end-men, photographers, first aid, cobblers, bugler, chaperones; and appointments were made for each meal for the Kitchen Police, cooks and waiters, so that when this schedule was posted in the dining room, everybody knew when it was his or her turn in the kitchen, and to be "on the job." The Oakland M. I. A. invited all the missionaries of the San Francisco conference to join in the hike, with all of their expenses paid by the Mutual, and fifteen of them accompanied us, and they were good hikers too. Sunday morning, after a hearty breakfast, we all climbed up on a hill overlooking the ocean, where we held our Sunday morning services, with Elder Kenneth Nielson in charge. We sang songs of Zion, and enjoyed a number of short talks, of which the general theme was thankfulness for our knowledge of the gospel; and our obliga- tions to conduct ourselves, at all times, in a manner praiseworthy, as mem- bers of the Church of Jesus Christ, so that the good impression previously established at Willow camp, would be maintained. We felt that the Spirit of the Lord was with us in our meeting, and that our endeavors were acceptable. A fine spirit of fellowship and goodwill prevailed during the entire outing. Old friendships were made tighter, and many new ones made. Friendly confidences were exchanged and a warmer feeling stimulated among the Mutual members. We enjoyed bathing in the ocean, and playing on the beach. A huge bonfire was built on the beach, and we all sat around the fire, singing songs and watching the logs burn in the fire, with the song of the sea reaching our ears. Monday morning, being Labor Day, many of us had another dip in the ocean and finally rounded up the crowd for lunch with a serpentine parade back to our camp, with much merry-making and wholesome fun. After lunch the majority hiked back twelve miles to Mill Valley. We all felt fully repaid for the effort made and the $2.50 assessed to each for expenses. We are all looking forward to our next big annual hike. — Elsie Hoffman Buchanan. The First With the Fund The North Weber stake and the Star Valley stake has each sent to the General office full payment of the Y. M. M. I. A. general fund for 1924- 25. Both of these stakes are thus over the top, with their fund matters, and have them off their hands before the opening of the lesson season. We congratulate them on this accomplishment. The cooperation of the ward presdents with the stake officers in each of these stakes has enabled the organizations easily to accomplish the task. The stake boards as well as the ward officers are congratulated upon the results, and they are assured that the Superintendency and General Board appreciate what they have done and commend their action to other stakes.