1967 01 27 Science - Vol 155 No 3761 - Stibitz

Magazine Overview

Title: SCIENCE
Issue: 155
Volume: 155
Date: 1967-01-01
Publisher: American Association for the Advancement of Science
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of SCIENCE features articles on scientific instrumentation, UFO analysis, and medical research.

Temperature Plateau for Transducer Calibration

The article "Creating a 'temperature plateau' to calibrate temperature transducers" describes the L&N 8411 Fixed Temperature Standard. This instrument utilizes a vertical electric furnace and a cell containing a pure metal sample (chosen from seven metals that define the International Practical Temperature Scale) to achieve a stable reference temperature. The process involves heating the sample above its melting point and then reducing power. As the sample cools and reaches its freezing point, the furnace design maintains a constant temperature, or 'plateau,' for up to six hours. This precise and uniform temperature is crucial for calibrating resistance thermometers and thermocouples. The system ensures accuracy because the metal samples are over 99.999% pure. The cell is designed to accommodate thermometer immersion up to 18 inches, providing support and heat retention. The cells are interchangeable, allowing a single furnace to provide calibration points for all seven defined metals.

UFOs: Dimensions and Speed Analysis

George R. Stibitz analyzes a reported UFO sighting, critiquing the conclusions drawn from the observations. Stibitz argues that estimating the diameter or speed of a UFO without additional data is problematic. He points out that stereoscopic vision is only effective at short distances (up to 20-30 meters), and without radar or sonar, determining distance is difficult. The primary visual clues—the angle subtended by the object and its angular rate of motion—are insufficient to determine linear dimensions or speed. Stibitz explains two types of dimensional information: stadiometric (knowing the object's size to determine distance) and ranging (knowing the distance to determine size). He notes that the reported UFO was "on the horizon about a mile away," and that deceptive factors like haze were ruled out. Without any information about a linear dimension, Stibitz concludes that no other linear dimension or speed can be deduced from visual clues alone. He also expresses difficulty in interpreting a "phenomenal" angular rate without more context and finds no support for the reference to "machines."

Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO) Toxicity Study

This section addresses a report on the toxicity of Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO). The author, Don C. Wood, responds to a challenge regarding toxic effects on animal eyes. He states that high doses of most pharmaceuticals can cause toxicity in small animals. A study conducted on rabbits, using DMSO of human-grade quality at dosages of 0.1, 0.5, and 1.0 g/kg per day, showed no retinoscopic changes after 11 weeks of topical therapy. Weekly biomicroscopic examinations revealed no lenticular changes even after 8 weeks, and only the slightest suggestion of an early DMSO effect was noted at the highest dosage (1.0 g/kg/day), which is approximately five times the usual human dosage. Oral consumption of the same low dosages yielded similar results, with biomicroscopic changes observed only a few days earlier.

Letters and Editorial Comments

One letter, from Tung Tsang, discusses the concept of "diversification" in education and research. Tsang suggests that established professors should limit the number of graduate students to focus on more significant, long-shot problems. He advocates for allowing the brightest students to diversify but believes average and mediocre students benefit more from conventional methods. He cautions against diversification for its own sake.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue demonstrates a commitment to rigorous scientific inquiry, emphasizing empirical evidence and critical analysis. The articles on temperature calibration and DMSO toxicity highlight the importance of precise measurement and controlled experimentation. The critique of the UFO sighting report underscores the scientific principle that conclusions must be supported by verifiable data and logical deduction, cautioning against speculation. The editorial stance appears to favor a methodical, evidence-based approach to scientific understanding, while also acknowledging the value of pursuing unconventional ideas when properly substantiated.