ordinary affairs of life. The need of such institutions was regarded as necessary only to those intending to follow a few chosen callings designated as the 'learned professions,' or who desired to broaden their minds with the adornments of learning for the satisfaction felt in the consciousness of fully developed powers. It is only recently that these great institutions of learning have become of practical importance in specially fitting men outside of these few professions for greater efficiency in their chosen callings.

"Without detracting from the importance of knowledge as a reward in itself, in its broadening and enlarging effect

Garfield should have overcome the great obstacles that poverty interposes in the way of getting an education, and have risen to the highest rank, only emphasizes this fact, for men never cease to point to such an instance as being remarkable.

The knowledge of this fact, and the belief that there is nothing too good for the American citizen, has inaugurated a movement to bring into the very homes of the American people the opportunity of acquiring a liberal education. This opportunity is offered not only to the youth, but to the ambitious man of mature years from whom fortune has heretofore withheld the opportunities of per

upon the personality, I believe that the great purpose of an education is to prepare the person educated to do his part of the work of the world in as efficient and intelligent a manner as possible. Nothing so ennobles and dignifies labor as that it shall be performed by a skilful hand, guided by an intelligent eye, and controlled by an enlightened mind. Noble as has been the work of these great institutions, it has been the cause of regret of every lover of his fellow men in this land of splendid opportunities, that they are necessarily, to a very large extent, the schools of the rich and of those residing in their near vicinity.

fecting himself in his chosen calling or preparing himself for an occupation which is congenial to his taste. He may pursue his studies at his own fireside, under the guidance of the most efficient instructors, while resting from the work by which he is providing for his family's needs.

"One of the greatest of these institutions is the American School of Correspondence, at the Armour Institute of Technology. We are honored this evening with the presence of the dean of that institution, and in introducing him to you I take pleasure in presenting one whom I am proud to name as a friend

A

MONG the investigators in the world of science to-day one of the foremost is Sir Oliver Joseph Lodge, F. R. S., who for the last thirty years has devoted his life. to solving the problems presented by electric phenomena. His numerous experiments and many valuable researches have won for him eminence not only in Great Britain, but throughout the scientific world. He is one of the pioneers in wireless telegraphy, and its remarkable development is due largely to his study and lucid explanations of the curious appearance of the Hertzian waves. While he did not invent the first wireless telegraphic apparatus, by his device known. as the "coherer" he rendered communication possible through space without wires. In 1894 he exhibited at Oxford his first "tapperback" or automatic system of de-cohering the iron filings after each impulse. This ingenious invention has rendered possible the development of wireless telegraphy to its present advanced condition.

Sir Oliver Lodge was born June 12, 1851. When he was fourteen years old he left school and commenced work in his father's pottery, where he was employed for seven years. His early education was thus sadly neglected. By chance an odd copy of the "English Mechanic" came into his hands, and he read it with growing interest. This was his first taste of science, for he says while at school he "never even heard that there was such a thing." After this he kept a sharp lookout for all stray bits of information, scientific articles and books, and never missed an opportunity to attend classes or lectures. A course of six lectures on heat, delivered by Prof. Tyndall, fired him with such enthusiasm that he realized he was "a born physicist." By

devoting all his spare time to study, he was able to pass the entrance examinations at the University of London with honors in physics.

At the age of twenty-one he gave up his position in his father's pottery to take a course in mathematics and physics at University College. Three years later he received his degree of B. S. and was appointed demonstrator in physics at the University. Prof. Lodge was a prominent figure in the scientific world during the next few years in connection with electrical research, and he offered many original suggestions which proved of great value.

In 1877 he gained his degree of Doctor of Science, and four years later he was appointed Professor of Physics and Mathematics at the Liverpool University College, which he held until 1900. This institution is intended chiefly for the training of mechanics and laborers during the evening, so that they may be enabled to acquire a thorough knowledge of their trades.

Dr. Lodge was appointed principal of the University of Birmingham in 1900, which position he still holds. He has a remarkably terse, perspicuous method of explaining his theories and ideas and can arouse the interest of even a dull mind. This trait makes him invaluable as a lecturer to students, with whom he is extremely popular. It is said that he is "absolutely the kindest man who ever sat in an English chair of physics."

Dr. Lodge has made many varied and important contributions to scientific literature. His most valuable works are "Elementary Mechanics,' "Modern Views of Electricity," "Pioneers of Science," "The Work of Hertz and His Successors," and the "History of Wireless Telegraphy."

N the occasion of the recent visit of Grover Cleveland, former President of the United States, to the Armour Institute of Technology, when he delivered the memorable address of which a verbatim report will be found on page 41, the assembled students, prior to the arrival of the distinguished guest, listened to an inspiring talk from Dr. Colledge, Dean of the American School of Correspondence.

At the present time the American School of Correspondence is operating extension classes in six of the social settlements of Chicago. The classes are under the supervision of one of the school staff. Their privileges are enjoyed by large numbers of men who otherwise would not be able to attend school, and their influence for good is beginning to be far-reaching.

It is gratifying to note the increased number of American School students who are availing themselves of the privileges of evening class work at the Armour Institute of Technology and at the Lewis Institute.

At a recent meeting of the American School of Correspondence Club in the Joliet Steel Works Club, the following officers were elected: President, Thomas Aurelius; Vice-President, Phillip Bourgois; Secretary, Hartley Wilkinson; Treasurer, C. A. Russell.

John C. Watts, Middletown, Connecticut, holds the responsible position of Chief Engineer for the Annual Wind Clock Company of that city. Before he took up a course in Electrical Engineering he was assistant dynamo tender at the East Hadden electric light plant, and after six months' study he was promoted to head tender. Since completing his course he has secured his present position; and he attributes his advances to the benefit he derived from his studies.

David S. Affleck of Chesterton, Indiana, is the inventor of a new cement for railroad ties which promises to be of much value.

structed, and writes about it as follows:

"The dynamo is compound-wound and has been running for two years from sunset to sunrise, shows little or no wear at the bearings and commutator, and is absolutely sparkless. It is of 15-ampere capacity and 55 volts, running at 1,250 r. p. m., furnishing light for the pump room, boiler room, and dwelling house.

"The water-wheel is a plain circular disc, having 20 buckets dovetailed in, the opening of the nozzle one-fourth of an inch in diameter. Since the water pressure is nearly constant, about pounds per square inch, and the lights used always burning, no regulation is used. The lights are remarkably steady, even with a variation of 20 pounds in water pressure."

J. F. Wolf, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is employed as engineer at the Pennsylvania Bottlers' Protective Association, 2537 North Ninth street, writes that he never could have secured his license as an engineer if it were not for the knowledge he gained from his correspondence course.

(Continued on page 82)