Reception for Lord Kelvin

THE SCIENTIST THE GUEST OF COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY AND SEVERAL SCIENTIFIC BODIES.

Columbia University and the American Institute of Electrical Engineers and other scientific bodies last night paid tribute to the achievements in the cause of science of Lord Kelvin, in a reception for him and Lady Kelvin at Columbia University. The reception took place in the large hall adjoining the gymnasium, which was tastefully decorated with the white and blue colors of Columbia.

The hall was crowded with men and women. Conspicuous among them were Thomas A. Edison and Nikola Tesla. Dr. Francis Bacon Crocker, past president of the American Institute of Electrical Engineers, who presided, in some opening remarks said that the institute'had taken occasion on this, the fourth visit of Lord Kelvin, to invite him to give one night so that the institute and kindred bodies might show their appreciation of his great achievements. He then introduced President Butler of Columbia University. Dr. Butler said that Columbia was proud to share in welcoming to this city and to Columbia that master of science, Lord Kelvin.

Professor Elihu Thomson, of the American Institute of Electrical Engineers, and Dr. Arthur Gordon Webster, vice-president of the American Physical Society, also made addresses of welcome, and Dr. Robert Simpson Woodward, past president of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, then introduced Lord Kelvin, who received an enthusiastic welcome.

Lord Kelvin paid a tribute to Marconi, and declared that one might hope to see messages delivered across the Atlantic without the aid of an intervening wire. The debt, however, that was due to Cyrus W. Field should not be forgotten. His zeal, despite failures, in making a success of submarine telegraphy never diminished until his efforts were crowned with success. Lord Kelvin did not think the name of Cyrus W. Field would ever be forgotten in regard to the foundation of submarine telegraphy.

Lord Kelvin was glad to say that each of his visits to the American continent had been marked by something stimulating in pure science and the application of science. It was always a pleasure for him to return to American soil. He then turned to Thomas A. Edison, who was on the platform, and amid cordial applause, paid him a "hearty" "tribute for his work in illuminating the city of New-York. He praised the utilization of Niagara Falls in the transmission of power, and acknowledged that Europe profited by American science, especially in mechanical engineering. In closing, Lord Kelvin, on behalf of himself and Lady Kelvin, expressed his thanks "for their hearty and splendid welcome this evening." At the close of his address Lord Kelvin received the compliment of three cheers. An informal reception followed his remarks.

The cards of invitation to the Kelvin reception were so artistic in design and execution that they will undoubtedly be preserved by the recipients as souvenirs of an interesting affair, and also because they contain an exceptionally fine portrait of Lord Kelvin. The decorative border also includes the symbolic thistle and laurel and vignettes of the University of Glasgow, Columbia University and the Kelvin arms, while the participating organizations are represented by the initial letters of their names. The drawing is by F. T. Curley, of the art department of "The Engineering World and Engineer," and it was printed in blue and gold.