1952 10 00 Journal of the Franklin Institute - Vol 254 No 4

Magazine Overview

Title: CURRENT TOPICS
Issue: J. F. I.
Volume: 352
Date: October, 1952

This issue of "Current Topics" delves into several distinct areas, including advancements in industrial optics, innovative construction techniques, a potential scientific explanation for the phenomenon of "flying saucers," and a surprising application of hen's eggs in medical research.

Industrial Optics Advancements

The first section discusses a new industrial microscope that embodies the latest advances in optics. This instrument is designed to meet the demands of modern industry for increased precision in working tolerances, which have become commonplace, requiring greater use of optical instruments in manufacturing and inspection. The microscope offers a large range of wide field objectives and eyepieces, providing variable magnification, working distance, and field size. A typical combination mentioned is a 1.0 objective with a 10 eyepiece, yielding 10x magnification, a 0.79-inch field, and a 3.77-inch working distance. Magnifications up to 150x are possible through other combinations. James R. Benford, head of Bausch & Lomb's microscope design department, highlights that tolerances of .0001 inches or less are now common, necessitating such advanced optical tools. The industrial stereomicroscope allows for comfortable observation of enlarged images with a wide field of view and long working distance, offering three-dimensional qualities. When integrated into machinery, it facilitates continuous observation of operations, ensuring adherence to manufacturing and inspection standards, particularly in fine machining, assembly of small parts, and micro-welding.

Framing Anchors as Joist Hangers

This segment details the use of Trip-L-Grip framing anchors as joist hangers, as described in a new folder distributed by Timber Engineering Company. While designed for general secondary connections in wood frame construction, their primary use is as joist hangers due to efficiencies in time, labor, materials, and space. These anchors are adjustable on-site for joists of varying widths and depths and can be installed before the joist placement. They eliminate the need for ledger strips, notching, fitting, and shimming of joists, and do away with traditional toenailing. The article notes an increasing application in clear span construction with trussed rafters, where anchors are placed on the plate in advance for quicker and easier erection. Detail drawings of other uses are available upon request from Timber Engineering Company at 1319 18th Street, N.W., Washington 6, D.C.

Flying Saucers: A Scientific Hypothesis

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to a potential scientific explanation for the "flying saucer" mystery. Noel W. Scott, a physicist at the Engineer Research and Development Laboratories in Fort Belvoir, Virginia, proposes that an electrical discharge phenomenon produced in a vacuum bell jar could be responsible. During experiments with mirror and lens coating, Scott observed an eerie orange object that bore a striking resemblance to reported "flying saucers." He demonstrated how pumping air out of the bell jar to create a partial vacuum, then electrifying the air via charged electrodes, could produce these objects. Introducing outside air caused a bright glow on the positive electrode, with colors varying from orange-red to purple, pink, and white depending on the air introduced. Adding helium produced a green "saucer." These laboratory-created "saucers" exhibited behaviors similar to those reported in sightings: they could move at excessive speeds, change direction instantaneously by altering electric and magnetic fields, skirt elusively, stand still, and reverse fields. Scott suggests this phenomenon might explain why airplanes have failed to detect or sight them, as changes in atmospheric conditions or fields could cause the "saucer" to engulf, attach to, repel, or fade out. He also stated that these "saucers" possess enough substance to create radar "blips." Scott emphasized that this is just one theory, not necessarily new, but one that associates a known scientific principle (ionization or electrification of air) with the "flying saucers" mystery that has persisted since 1947. He posits that "flying saucers" might share characteristics with other atmospheric phenomena like streak lightning and the Aurora Borealis. Scott noted that the conditions necessary for this phenomenon are not typical of the upper atmosphere, but occasional local conditions might produce glows interpreted as "flying saucers."

Hen's Egg in Rabies Fight

The final article highlights an unexpected role for the common hen's egg in medical science. Scientists at Lederle Laboratories are using embryonated eggs (eggs with a living embryo) extensively, consuming up to 12,000,000 per year, in their efforts to eradicate rabies and other virus-caused diseases. This demonstrates a vital application of a familiar item in cutting-edge medical research.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue reflects a forward-looking perspective, exploring new technological advancements in industry and construction, while also engaging with contemporary mysteries like unidentified aerial phenomena through a scientific lens. The editorial stance appears to be one of curiosity and a commitment to investigating phenomena, whether industrial, structural, or unexplained, with a basis in scientific principles and practical application. The inclusion of diverse topics suggests an aim to inform readers about a broad spectrum of current developments and intriguing possibilities.