Page:Popular Science Monthly Volume 51.djvu/805

Rh style harmonize admirably with those of the other buildings upon the grounds. It is, however, far heavier and stronger in construction than the others; the interior wainscotings are in marble; the first-floor laboratories are provided with piers of masonry in addition to the heavy slate wall shelves which are found throughout the other portions of the building. The object of this heavy construction is to minimize the jars and disturbances from outside, which would otherwise seriously interfere with the delicate manipulations to be conducted, and the minute movements and vibrations to be studied. One striking constructional feature which adds largely to convenience is the presence of ducts and channels between walls and in the floors, so that pipes can be laid from any part of the building to any other without difficulty. Elementary students work upon the third floor, senior college students on the second, while the first floor is devoted to research work. The more notable features of the department's work are naturally upon this floor. The



machine shop, under the direction of an expert mechanic with two trained men for helpers, allows the manufacture on the ground, under the eye of the investigator, of instruments needed in pursuing any study. This shop is fitted up with all needed machinery, supplied with power, and has connected with it a fully stocked supply room. Adjoining it is a students'