1947

I've just put down the February issue of the Dartmouth Alumni Magazine. I like to browse the issue when it arrives, glance at the '47 column to see that it wasn't omitted, and look for familiar names, 1943-52.1 also enjoy reading about the sports, people of the College, and happenings on campus.

"The Rise of Research" is a landmark article: the beautiful colors used; the reports on little known aspects of study going on in Hanover; and the underlying question as to whether Dartmouth is a college or a university.

I admit to a bias on that question, as I feel there is more to it than a dictionary definition. For the past three months, and probably the next six, I have an involvement that gives insight into much of the workings of the inner college, and I would like to share that here.

When we were students—and I'm sure it is still true—one might have wondered, "What's it all about?" From our present vantage point, we might point to era-shaping events or thoughts the car, electronics, the United Nations, the airplane—as steps by a society to gain quality of life.

In this age of computers and microprocessors, one of the important horizons is the area of superconductors of electricity. Communication, and the internal speed of computers, is an all important capability for our future, for generations to come. This speed is related to the speed of light (first calculated by a Princeton scientist), but that ultimate speed is approached by moving electrons only at 460° F below zero, cold even for Hanover.

Research studies now give promise that superconductivity can be achieved in special materials at more normal temperatures. The nation advancing fastest in this field will lead the world of tomorrow.

If you will stroll down Tuck Drive now, you will see a crane protruding from a fourstory addition to Thayer School. There are many science and engineering labs planned within these walls, but the centerpeice is one called the Solid State Lab. In this new lab of about 600 square feet professors and graduate students will be doing research at the pioneer edge of superconductivity. This is exciting to me as I am involved in the design, building, and equipping of this clean room. I can report to you on the dedication and the fine capabilities of the Dartmouth people at all levels of this program. And I can testify to the excellence of the Lab and the equipment within, and to the substantial cost to the College and its dedication to this and other research.

"What's it all about?" Preeminence, quality of life, jobs locally and nationally. Thayer School is positioned on the wave of the future, and so is Dartmouth in so many areas, not just technical.

"College or university?" I don't know, but I can tell you it is real, it is vital, and this is progress deserving of our support. See you soon.

63 Maple Avenue, Keene, NH 03431