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Mathematical and Physical Society

Unobtrusively but insidiously the Mathematical and Physical Society delves its way into problems which concern the fundamentals of human existence. In the language of double integrals and cosines are dissected the philosophies of Aristotle and Jeans, the mechanics of Maxwell and Schrodinger. In its 17th session of unbroken activity, the society retains all the interest of early days, and continues to hold well-attended lectures of interest to engineers, scientists and mathematicians.

In the region of Pure Mathematics, Professor Miles introduced the awesome-sounding subject, The Historical Difficulties of the Idea of an Irrational Number," which soon lost its fearsome note and was keenly listened to by students. One of our members, Mr. Hutchings, tried to convert us to a new school of Mathematical thought and provoked much discussion but, we suspect, left most of us unbelieving.

Mr. Carey, B.Sc., told us how we get our electricity and Mr. I. O. Stevenson, M.Sc., proved to us that the Railways give Safety, Economy, and Comfort, and that some day, when the electrical equipment arrives, will give cleanliness.

Three radio lectures were very popular and added considerably to the education of members. Mr. Taylor gave his presidential lecture on the Cathode Ray Tube and apart from some mathematics was listened to very eagerly. Mr. Macedo spoke on Modern Radio Receiver Design, and Mr. Searle on Directive Antennae and as both are specialists and competent speakers, both lectures were very valuable.

Visits were arranged and attended by large numbers of members to Wellington Railway Signal Station, Neon Signs Ltd., Radio Corporation of N.Z. Ltd., and the Evans Bay Power House.

Suppers have been very kindly provided by Mesdames Florance and Miles, and the Committee, and the Society has been favoured to have for the first time in seven years a feminine hand on the committee in the person of Miss Earnestine Winstone.