History Society

Theories of the Solar System. The first one was quite amusing, but in part not quite scientifically accurate; on the other hand, Cooper had some good material, but his talk perhaps lacked confidence.

This term the Society's outing was an evening visit to Charrington's Brewery at Tadcaster, where those fortunate enough to go saw how Britain's most popular beverage is made. EASTER TERM

Four meetings were arranged for this term, and at the end of term a day trip to the I.C.I. Heavy Chemical Works at Wilton.

The first meeting of term was a lecture on Advances in Medicine by Sir Ronald Tonbridge of Leeds Infirmary. Sir Ronald talked mainly about advances in the field of transplantation, beginning with the first blood transfusion, progressing to organ transplantation and ending with the latest development, heart transplantation. "Colour Television" was the subject for the second lecture of the term, given by Prof. Patchett. He started off by talking about and demonstrating how various combinations of colours could be obtained, and then applied this to a television tube. He also explained the principles behind the main systems behind colour transmission and reception, and their advantages and disadvantages.

The third meeting of the term consisted of a film on "Protective Coloration" preceded by a talk by Prof. Williamson of York University, on Evolution.

The Professor showed, by means of charts and slides, how a species had evolved over a lengthy period of time, from one animal, and how it had adapted itself to its new environment. He then explained the various forms of protective coloration and showed the film.

Dr. Goodwin gave the last talk, on Holography. This is a relatively new field of research, so the Doctor gave a brief description of its history and then explained exactly what Holography is. He closed by giving some examples of the uses of a hologram in modern industry.

The final event on the calendar was a day trip to the I.C.I. Works at Wilton, on Tees-side. After being given a brief history of the plant, which is only 20 years old, we were taken round the laboratories in the Nylon department. After lunch we were shown round the computer; its various components and their uses were explained. This was followed by a trip to the Terylene works. Here, amidst the noise and vibrations, the complete cycle of the production of Terylene fibre from its raw materials was shown.

We are much indebted to I.C.I. for their generouS hospitality and interest. M.C.G.

The term opened with an open meeting on January 23rd in the form of a Balloon Debate in which D. 0. Jenkins defended Frederick the Great of Prussia, P. M. Wright, Gustavus Adolphus, T. P. Kane, George Washington and J. R. Lund, Alexander the Great. This was a well attended 32