Scientific American Magazine Vol 186 Issue 2

Scientific American Magazine

Volume 186, Issue 2

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Features

Oil from Shale

U. S. formations of the rock contain far more fuel and chemicals than our entire known reserve of petroleum. Some recent studies show that one such formation could be economically mined now

H. M. Thorne

Flight at the Borders of Space

As aircraft and missiles attain higher and higher altitudes the question arises: Where, for practical purposes, does the atmosphere of the Earth end and interplanetary space begin?

Heinz Haber

Radiocarbon Dating

The exciting new method of measuring the age of organic materials is not entirely without difficulties, but the process of investigating them is enriching the whole study of human and geological history

Edward S. Deevey Jr.

The Universe from Palomar

For more than two years the dome of the 200-inch telescope has been open every clear night. An account of how the astronomers on the mountain have used the instrument in their explorations

George W. Gray

Frostbite

Some recent studies show that the scourge of winter soldiers and high-altitude fliers may best be treated by rapid thawing, and that some time-honored "remedies" may actually be harmful

Emlen T. Littell

Soap Micrographs

Structure of cleansing substances is revealed by electron microscope

Mongolism

Although it is unlikely that this unhappy condition can ever be cured, some new experiments with animals suggest that it and many other congenital defects may someday be prevented

Theodore H. Ingalls

Man's Genetic Future

Is the hereditary endowment of the human species improving or deteriorating? As our knowledge and control of the situation increase, we will face unprecedented and momentous decisions

Curt Stern

Departments

Letters to the Editors, February 1952

50 and 100 Years Ago: February 1952

Science and the Citizen: February 1952

Books

The Amateur Astronomer

Bibliography