Scientific American Magazine Vol 205 Issue 5

Scientific American Magazine

Volume 205, Issue 5

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Features

The Two-Mile Electron Accelerator

Congress has provided funds for a machine that will use radio waves to accelerate electrons down a 10,000-foot pipe to energies of more than 20 billion electron volts

Edward L. Ginzton, William Kirk

Tektites

These glassy stones are found in several parts of the world. There is much evidence that they are solidified droplets of molten rock that were splashed into the air by the impact of giant meteorites

Virgil E. Barnes

Chromosomes and Disease

Advances in the visualization of human chromosomes have made it possible to link chromosomal abnormalities with certain diseases and have opened up a new frontier in the study of human heredity

A. G. Bearn, James L. German III

Teaching Machines

These devices introduce a basically new element into pedagogy. The essence of their operation is that they enable the student to learn in small but rigorous steps, each of which is rewarding

B. F. Skinner

Desert Ground Squirrels

Two little animals of the Mohave Desert have evolved remarkable adaptations to heat and aridity. Each has adapted in its own way, which apparently enables them to live together without competing

George A. Bartholomew, Jack W. Hudson

Maxwell's Color Photograph

A hundred years ago the great physicist projected a photograph in full color. How this was done has been something of a puzzle. The mystery has now been cleared up by repeating his experiment

Ralph M. Evans

The Electrocardiogram

For 60 years physicians have used this record of the electrical activity of the heart for diagnosis. New investigations show how it is related to the electrical events that co-ordinate the heart

Allen M. Scher

Architectural Vaulting

Once vaulting was essential for the construction of large buildings. With the advent of steel it gave wax to rectangular structures. New problems of architecture, however, have again focused attention on it

J. H. Acland

Departments

Letters to the Editors, November 1961

50 and 100 Years Ago: November 1961

The Authors

Science and the Citizen: November 1961

Mathematical Games

The Amateur Scientist

Books

Bibliography