Platinum

Abstract

A FEW months ago we noticed (vol. c, p. 486, February 21) the chapter on “Platinum in 1916” which Dr. G. F. Kunz contributed to the current volume of “The Mineral Industry,” and now we have before us in pamphlet form the illustrated article on the same subject, though studied from a somewhat different point of view, which the same writer penned for the issue of the Bulletin of the Pan-American Union for November, 1917. On the last page—and, therefore, there being no cover, the back of the pamphlet—we are told that this union is an international organisation, which is housed at Washington in a beautiful building provided by the munificence of Mr. Andrew Carnegie, and is maintained by the republics, twenty-one in number, in both the Americas, the necessary funds being provided by the several countries in proportion to their population. The administration is in the hands of two executive officers—Director-General and Assistant-Director—who are appointed by, and are responsible to, the Board of Governors, which comprises the United States Secretary of State and the diplomatic representatives at Washington of the other American Governments, and they have the assistance of an ample staff of experts in various subjects, statisticians, translators, librarians, clerks, etc. The purpose of the union is to develop commerce and to promote friendly intercourse and good understanding between the several, States—an admirable object that might with advantage be extended when opportunity occurs at the close of this tragic war.