Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1920 [PAGE 577]

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UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS

573

conclusion. However, we shall doubtless have difficulty in finding competent men to perform the experiments and to assist us in the interpretation of the results. I do not anticipate that we can find such men who will be willing to come into the organization under this temporary arrangement at salaries which will be comparable with those paid to the members of our teaching and scientific staffs, who have had about the same period of experience since graduation. If we enter into this contract, it should: be with the understanding that we must make it a success, even though we may need to deviate somewhat from academic conditions and traditions. I have investigated your suggestion for the use of the space on the second floor of the old Boiler House for this investigation. I find that this space possesses some advantages and a number of disadvantages over the space in the Engine Annex, to the Old Armory, which was tentatively allotted by the Board of Trustees for this work. I have asked Professor Moore to prepare a report for Professor White, indicating the changes in the old Boiler House, which will be necessary to render this location habitable and desirable. Among the chief conditions to be considered, I may mention those of convenience and comfort for the research staff and the general appearance of the laboratory, which should be such as to impress favorable the large number of visitors who will probably come to the University to watch the progress of the investigation. Since the funds to be provided are so generous, I should dislike to have the other parties to the contract feel we have considered the investigation of too little consequence to justify the assignment of decent quarters for the work. I think, however, that the space over the old Boiler House may be made very satisfactory, provided that it is reconstructed to meet our requirements* Very cordially yours,

C. R. RICHARDS

October 2, 1919 President David Kinley, University of Illinois

M Y DEAR PRESIDENT KINLEY:

In response to your suggestion concerning the possible use of the space above the old Boiler flouse as laboratory for the Investigation of the Fatigue Phenomena of Metals, I beg to say that I have inspected this space with Professor J. M. White and Professor H. F. Moore, and^ as I have indicated in another letter to you, I find that the space has possibilities, provided that it can be put in a satisfactory condition. At my request Professor Moore has prepared a report outlining the changes which which would need to be made to. make this space habitable. I am enclosing a copy of this report for your information, and I am also sending a copy to Professor White. 1 wich to emphasize the fact that this investigation will doubtless attract a large number of visitors, and consequently we should make every effort to make attractive whatever laboratory space is assigned for the work. I think that it will be distinctly unfortunate if the University fails to provide suitable accommodations for this investigation. The chief objection to the old Boiler House is in the fact that the steam header which runs through the room is likely to make it intolerably hot during a portion of the year. Perhaps the cutting of more windows and, if necessary, the installation of a^ ventilating fan, as suggested by Professor White, will remedy this condition sufficiently to make the room habitable. Very cordially yours,

G. R. RICHARDS

SUGGESTED ALTERATIONS IN THE UPPER ROOM OF THE NORTH PART OF THE OLD BOILER HOUSE TO MAKE IT SUITABLE FOR A LABORATORY FOR FATIGUE TESTS OF METALS 1. General Appearance. As the proposed investigation of the fatigue resistance of metals may be expected to attract visitors to the laboratory the general appearance, both of the room used, and of the approach to the building is of some moment, the outside door and the walls of the stairway leading up to the room