From the February 4, 1933, issue
SUPERLATIVE SPLENDOR REVEALED BY EXCAVATIONS IN PERSIA
Eastern magnificence that surrounded Persian emperors 2,500 years ago is revealed by excavations at Persepolis. Palaces of the kings are being brought to light there by Dr. Ernest Herzfeld excavating for the Oriental Institute of the University of Chicago. The sculptured walls arouse comparisons with glories of one of the worlds most famous palaces, Versailles.
Dr. James H. Breasted, director of the Oriental Institute, says of this sculpture: There has never been any discovery like it anywhere in Western Asia since archaeological excavations began there almost a century ago.
A stairway, uncovered by the excavators, is carved with a scene of pomp and ceremony. Up the stair rises a long line of ambassadors from 22 subject nations, bearing tribute to Persia. Down the stair, on the opposite side, are ranged the brilliantly uniformed palace guards. The cover of the Science News Letter presents a close view of two tribute bearers.
RADICAL CHANGES SUGGESTED FOR MODERN AUTOMOBILE
Scathing criticism was hurled against the modern automobile before the American Society of Automotive Engineers meeting in Detroit by Herbert Chase, consulting engineer of New York.
Automobiles are now too rough riding, too low down, too heavy, too dangerous, and numerous other toos, in the opinion of Mr. Chase. Many needed improvements, he says, can be made almost immediately without time-consuming research. Mr. Chase lamented the fact that this is not done because engineers are bound by conventions and inhibitions that require them to make the least possible change that will enable their company to get through another season with satisfactory sales.
The low-down accusation combines with it the charge that cowlings are too high. Cowlings of present design were said to be dangerous because they do not enable the operator to see enough of the road immediately in front of the car and tiring because he has to strain his neck to see. Mr. Chase believes that very low cars do not achieve the safety claimed for their low centers of gravity. Too low a center tends to increase skidding and reduce the pressure of the outer tires against the road when rounding a curve, which results in instability, he said. This instability was called a worse hazard than high center of gravity.
TWO DRUGS FOUND THAT CURE HORRIBLE DISEASE OF WEAKNESS
New strength and health for victims of a horrible disease of killing weakness has been found in two drugs, ephedrine and glycine.
The discovery of ephedrine as a cure for the disease was made by Dr. Harriet Edgeworth of Chicago, who was herself attacked by it while a student in medical school. Members of the staff of the Mayo Clinic, who have been using both medicines successfully in treating the ailment, heard Dr. Edgeworth tell her own story.
Three years ago, Dr. Edgeworth was bedridden, entirely helpless, dependent on the constant aid of nurses, scarcely able to swallow. Then she discovered, accidentally, that ephedrine gave her renewed strength. Daily doses of six-eighths of a grain of this drug, familiar to hay fever and asthma sufferers, now enables her to live a life of some usefulness, which is comparatively comfortable and pleasant.
The ailment from which she suffered is known by the Latin name of Myasthenia gravis.
