The Iron and Steel Institute

Abstract

THE annual meeting of the Iron and Steel Institute, held in London on May 6-7, was rendered noteworthy by the fact that the incoming president was Dr. J. E. Stead. It is somewhat remarkable that Dr. Stead has not been elected to this office before. He has been engaged in metallurgical work for fifty years, has reached the age of seventy, and no metallurgist in this country holds a higher international reputation. He has carried out a considerable number o researches of first-rate importance which are remarkable for their suggestiveness and technique, and he possesses in a striking degre the confidence and respect of those engaged in the industry. The explanation, however, is forthcoming in the opening sentences of his address, from which it is clear that he was invited to fill this office some years ago, but refused as he did not consider he was qualified, to use his own words, “to accept such an exalted position.” It is quite safe to say that this misgiving has never been shared by anyone else. Dr. Stead finally yielded to the strong representations of his fellow-members on the council, and his acceptance of the office of president has been received with widespread gratification by the institute.