It is a tribal gathering. The chieftains all come. They come to the same place at the same time in the fall of every year. They come for renewal, to rejoice together in what they do. And they come to honor one of their own. Ritual, protocol, dress, and regalia are precise and unchanging. It is one of those events that seem vital to the structure and continuity of a community. The event is the Chemical Industry Medal dinner of the American Section of the Society of Chemical Industry. It was held earlier this month, as always, at the Plaza Hotel in New York City. As always, it was a splendid occasion. This year the gathering was extra special. It marked the 100th anniversary of the founding of the section. This is being celebrated by the Chemical Heritage Foundation's publication of a beautifully illustrated book. The book tells the story of the growth of the ...