Consolation, June 5, 1946
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Contents
Atomic Energy
Structure of the Atom
* Realm of the Infinitesimal
Atomic Weight and Atomic Number
Isotopes
Transmutation
Nuclear Fission and Atomic Energy
Matter Is Indestructible
Fuels of the Future
Atomic Energy as Fuel
Italian Love of Liberty
“Thy Word Is Truth”
Love’s Gift
Cubans Rejoice in Theocratic Assemblies
Assembly Begins on Note of Gladness
The Camaguey Assembly
Houses and Homes
Roman Catholicism
Difficult Lineage
Scriptural Authority Lacking
Divine Appointment in Scriptures
Basic Doctrines Clarified
Argentinian Activities
La Prensa, the Wealthiest Paper
Flight Above the Clouds
Instruction in Flying
Long Journeys and Many of Them
Excitement in Chile
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In Brief
Discrimination Against Jehovah’s witness
♦ When a man has sold ■his time to an earthly employer, that time belongs to the employer and should 'be conscientiously used to do the work for which he is hired. On the other hand, it is none of an employer’s business what a man believes, so long as he discharges honestly, faithfully and industriously • the duties of the job he was hired to fill.
These reflections are suggested by a letter from one of Jehovah’s witnesses residing in the; state of Washington. He had a job as night watchman in a mining plant, but because he was known to be one of Jehovah’s witnesses he was fired at three o’clock in the morning by the chief night watchman, with some unpleasant reflections upon the fact that le was one of Jehovah’s witnesses. In a brief time the chief night watchman lost lis eyesight and had to give up his work.
The witness got another job with the same company, this time in the arsenic plant. The employment agent knew that he had been with the concern sixteen years, and had done good work, and also knew that he is one of Jehovah’s witnesses and hated him for it, but the plant : needed men, and as this was the most dangerous and disagreeable job in the plant, and nobody wanted it, he put him to work at it. After a little, the employment agent died in his sleep.
The witness stuck it out in the arsenic department eighteen months and then took sick. The company doctor knew that he is one of Jehovah’s witnesses, and so, though the sick man’s temperature was 101 and his blood pressure was 200, he told him to get up and go back to work, and that without any examination, and without regard to the fact that for almost eighteen years the witness had been paying $1 .'25 monthly into the sick benefit fund. In a few weeks the doctor took sick and suicided by jumping out of a window.
CONSOLATION
“And in His name shall the nations hope.”—Matthew 12:21, A. 5. V.
Volume XXVII Brooklyn, N.Y., Wednesday, June 5, 1946 Number 697
Atomic
A TOMIC energy,” what arresting A words these have become during the eventful year of 1945! This subject has captivated the minds of millions of people the world over. Scarcely a day passes by without some newspaper article or some radio commentator bringing the subject prominently to the fore. Diplomats, statesmen, and legislators in all countries plainly are no little perturbed at the consequences that might result should some aggressor nation unleash the fury of this Gargantuan monster upon an erstwhile allied nation. Why this sudden awakening of interest in a subject that admittedly is of a highly technical nature and that formerly was evaded as of no particular interest save to a few specialists who were solely devoted to the study of atomic physics ? Is it due only to the innate fear of sudden annihilation by some enemy having advance information on the control of atomic energy, or are there other reasons less foreboding? An examination of this subject from the technical aspect should be of interest to all people who desire to understand the modus operands of some of the natural forces with which the Creator has endowed this earth.
Responsible men who are well versed in atomic physics freely predict that the world is entering the so-called “atomic age”. This they say began with the discovery of nuclear fission and its concomitant release of the energy which is confined to the interior structure, of atoms. The day whereinthe primary sources of power such as coal,, gas, and petroleum, together with their various by-products,
Energy
is certain to pass away from before the oncoming of this highly efficient giant. This will require time, true, but come it will, say they. What is the basis for such predictions being made so confidently? Is it a mere fantasy, or an idle dream of some long-haired fanatic? If atomic energy possesses such potent possibilities, wherein lies the source of this energy, and why should the use thereof be so very much more efficient than that of the common combustion of coal, for instance? That the predictions of these men cannot be passed by as being fanciful speculation is amply attested to by the development of the atomic bomb and its resultant devastating power.
feeing that a knowledge of how atomic energy can be released may be of fundamental importance in human affairs, let us proceed to investigate some of the hypotheses upon which . this aweinspiring discovery is based. While these hypotheses are largely theoretical, yet countless demonstrations and experiments have caused some of them to emerge from the domain of the mystical into the realm of realities. How these theories have been proved to be true rivals the thrills of a detective story of the first magnitude. , -
Structure of the Atom
The early Greek philosophers gave to the minutest conceivable particle of matter the name "atom”. This name was chosen because, as they then believed, the atom represented a particle so small that it was indivisible. According to their
conception, all matter, liquid, solid, and gaseous, was constructed of a single type of building-block, an atom, a billiard-ball-like entity which never changed in size and in all the known elements the atoms were identically equal, the many elements of matter differing from each t other only because of a varying combination of these atoms. No one ever saw an atom, yet they were measured, they were weighed, and their actions were predicted with an uncanny degree of accuracy. That hypothesis was accepted through centuries of time until the advent of modern research. Today it is definitely known that the fundamental building-blocks of all matter consist of, not atoms, but minute particles thousands of times smaller than atoms, and so arranged in a complex hut orderly manner that the atom as a whole is virtually a miniature and most interesting though complex solar system. It is this Lilliputian type of solar system within the atom that holds the key to what is known in popular parlance as “atomic energy", but which more precisely should be termed “nuclear energy”.
Realm of the Infinitesimal
Let us enter this realm of the infinitesimally small and explore the universe within the atom. The minuteness of this atomic wo.rld is something to be wondered at. The atom itself as a whole is so small that 270 septillion atoms of hydrogen are required to weigh one pound. If 250 million atoms were placed side by sj^le they would extend over a distance of but one inch. One atom alone is two million times smaller than the period at the end of this sentence. If an atom were magnified to the size of a tennis ball, and if the height of a man six feet tall were - magnified in the same proportion, he would be more than 500,000 miles tall! Though an atom is small, yet the particles. inside the atom which compose the nucleus and the planetary electrons revolving around it are at least 50,000 tiines smaller. It is these smaller particles within the atom, and not the atom itself, that constitute the building-blocks of all the elements of which man has any knowledge.
The minuteness of the atomic world need not be the cause of any misapprehensions concerning the theories of atomic structure. The infinitesimally small is‘no less fathomable-than the infinitely large. We gaze into the starry vault of heaven on some cloudless night in winter and marvel at the immensity of the expanse occupied by the celestial bodies. We look upward into the clear blue sky on some sunny day in October and ask, What is space ? where does- it end? what is eternity? The great Creator is spoken of as “without beginning and without end; from everlasting to everlasting”. Can finite mind comprehend the meaning of infinity? Obviously, the answer is no. But, finite mind can approach thereto. That we cannot comprehend the magnitude of the great expanse of heaven does not argue that other physical bodies beyond the power of sight do not exist there. Likewise in the opposite direction toward the infinitesimally small, that these infinitesimally small atomic particles are beyond the power of sight does not necessarily argue that such- do not exist. Man's mental perception of physical entities spans the space between two limitations, the infinitely great and the infinitesimally small. Atomic particles lie within these limitations and are just as real and tangible as are the stars which lie beyond the power of sight in the great expanse of the physical heavens.
Seeing that the atomic world is something real and not mystical, therein, then, should be found some reasonable explanation of all the physical phenomena of matter known to man. The structure of the atom should in some manner explain why gold is not wood, or why iron is not gold. It is even so. All the 92 natural elements known to man, from hydrogen to uranium, have their individual characteristics readily explained by
a knowledge of their atomic structure.
Beginning with the simplest of all the known elements, hydrogen. Its structure consists of a very simple sun and planet-like solar system. The sun constitutes the nucleus at the center of the atom, and around it in a circular orbit a single planetary electron revolves in much the same manner as the earth re' volves around the sun. This sun-like nucleus at the center of the atom is stationary and is named a “proton”. The earth-like planet which revolves around the nucleus at a tremendous velocity is named an “electron”. These , two particles together constitute one atom, "and wherever hydrogen is found in any compound of whatever kind this atom in its natural state is always the same; there is just one proton and only one electron in it, never less and never more. The atoms of all the other elements similarly always maintain their individual characteristics in * whatever compound they may be found. The proton has a mass equal to 1,845 times that of the electron; hence, for all intents and purposes the total mass of an atom may be considered as being confined to the nucleus; the nucleus is the mass-center of the atom around which the electron revolves. This mass
TR ANS MUTATION
Fission
Structure of various atoms, including Uranium,‘and clarifying what occurs at the time of fission and the release of atomic energy
centered nucleus has a diameter 50,000 times, smaller than the diameter of the atom as a whole. Since the electron revolves in an orbit at a distance of 50,000 times greater than the size of the nucleus, it becomes evident that the atom as an entity is largely empty space, having the nucleus as a mere speck of matter at its center. This “emptiness” of the space: occupied by an atom is of fundamental importance to an understanding of why the release of atomic energy is a formidable problem. Each proton carries a positive electrical charge, whereas each electron carries a negative electrical charge,
one that is exactly equal and opposite to that on the proton. These two electrical charges being equal and opposite to .each other, the atom per se is electrically neutral because the opposing charges exactly balance each other.
1 Inasmuch as within an atom there are i two electrical charges that are equal and opposite to each other, the natural law, “unlike charges attract, like charges repel,” must be in operation. That being true, a force of attraction must exist between the proton and the electron. The question may then be asked, Why doesn’t the electron move directly in a straight line toward the nucleus instead of revolving around it! The answer to this question may be found in the solar system. Why do the planets revolve around the sun instead of moving straight toward it! Evidently another kind of force is in operation which prevents a straight-line motion. When a body is given an initial circular motion, a mechanical force is created which acts in a direction opposite to that of attraction. The interaction between these two forces, one mechanical, the other electrical, compels the smaller body to revolve in a circular orbit around the larger.
Atomic Weight and Atomic Number
Proceeding to more complex atoms, the next to hydrogen is helium. Helium has two electrons revolving in a single orbit around the nucleus ana two protons within the nucleus. The nucleus of the helium atom, as well as the nuclei of all the remaining elements, differs from the simple proton nucleus of, the hydrogen atom in that an additional and different kind of particle enters into its structure. This particle is named a “neutron". The neutron has the same mass as the proton, but it carries no electrical charge; hence its name “neutron”. Some physicists believe that this particle is in reality a proton enclosing an electron, the two opposing electrical fields canceling each other resulting in a particle having no electrical charge. In the helium atom
nucleus, two protons and two neutrons are tightly bound together in one compact mass, four particles in all. Since the helium atom has four particles within its nucleus, each having a mass of unity, helium is said to have an “atomic weight” of four. The “atomic number” ' of an element, however, is another quantity, and is determined, not by the number of particles entering into the structure of the nucleus, but by the number of protons within the nucleus. Since every atom contains the same number of electrons as there are protons, the atomic number of an element also indicates the number of electrons it contains. Specifically, the “atomic weight” of an element indicates the total number of particles within the nucleus, whereas “atomic number” applies only to those particles having an electrical charge, primarily to the protons, and secondarily to the electrons. Thus hydrogen has an atomic weight of one and an atomic number of one; uranium, the heaviest, has an atomic weight of 238 and an atomic number of 92; likewise all the other elements have each their own individual numbers. These numbers serve to identify each one of ‘ the elements, no two in their normal state having identically the same combination. •
In considering the structure of the nucleus of an atom, an interesting fact is noted regarding the forces residing therein. The structure of the nuclei of all the atoms having an atomic number higher than one always has one or more neutrons in combination with the protons; never does it consist of all protons or of all neutrons only. Since all the protons carry electrical charges of positive sign, they should repel each other with an explosive force, according to the natural law; but such is not the case. Instead, it is found by experimentation that the protons are bound to each other and to the neutrons with such tenacity that the magnitude of this force is many times greater than that due to gravitation. This “nuclear cement”, as it were, is so powerful that it is expressed mathematically as being equal to “ten to the seventh” times as great as gravitation. To appreciate the immensity of this force, suppose, as an analogy, that a man weighing 150 pounds is subjected to this nuclear force. He would then weigh, not 150 pounds, but, instead, 750,000 tons! Here, then, is had the first glimpse of this giant—atomic energy—residing within the nucleus of an atom. The true nature of this “nuclear cement” is not understood; it is known only that it does exist and that it must be coped with when trying to harness the atom to obtain energy for practical purposes. It is known that this force exists only when the distances between the nuclear particles are of an infinitesimal order; separate the particles beyond the critical distance, and this force then vanishes.
The remaining natural elements, from helium up to uranium, are arranged in consecutive order in harmony with their atomic numbers. Thus, for instance, lithium is number 3 because of having three protons within its nucleus; for the same reason carbon has an atomic number of 6; oxygen, 8; iron, 26; copper, 29; gold, 79; lead, 82; radium, 88; and, lastly, uranium, 92. The atomic weights of the elements increase in like manner as their atomic numbers; the weight numbers, though, are always greater than the atomic numbers because of the added neutrons in the nuclei.
It was seen in previous paragraphs that the atomic number of an element indicates not only the number of protons existing within the nucleus, but also the number of planetary electrons revolving around the nucleus. These electrons, there are reasons for believing, revolve in definite layers about the nucleus, each layer or shell containing a certain portion of all the electrons according to a natural law. These layers are spaced from each other, ring-like, each separate and distinct as are the elevator floors of a skyscraper; there are no electronic orbits lying in between these various
JUNE B, 1s46
layers. A striking similarity, that, to the orderly arrangement known to exist in the heavenly planets of the solar system.
Peering within the atom, one is filled with awe and wonderment at the handiwork displayed by the great Creator. Just as in the majestic heavens above, so in the realm within the atom: order, harmony, and constancy are prevalent; the same natural laws are in evidence. Not only do the minute particles within the atom have dimensions relative to each other similar to the planetary bodies in the heavens, but their relative rates of motion also are comparable. Since those planets nearer the sun have rates of revolution around the sun greater than those farther away, it is believed that for a similar reason the electrons in an atom revolve at a tremendous rate around the nucleus. This is a reasonable deduction and experimental evidences support such a conclusion. Within the atom, then, can plainly be seen the handiwork of the same intelligent Creator that designed the infinite space in the heaven above. In addition to the many experimental proofs confirming the existence of these minute particles, the evidence of the Creator's handiwork within the atom stamps these theories with approval. In the heavens above we behold the infinitely great, and in the atom we behold the infinitesimally small, the two limits of man’s perception of the physical works of creation, all designed by the same great Architect, Jehovah God.
Isotopes
. When examining the structure of the nucleus of atoms more critically, scientists in research laboratories using an electronic instrument called a mass spectroscope have learned that the masses of all the atoms composing some particular element are not all equal. ‘While the average mass of an element is fixed, some of the atoms may weigh more and a few less than the fixed amount. Such atoms whose masses are different from the average value are named “isotopes”.
Isotopes and all the other atoms of an .element are chemically identical; they differ only in mass. Chemical action af-.fects only the order and arrangement of electrons within an atom; hence the nucleus is not disturbed by chemical action, regardless of whatever kind it may i be. Since the characteristics of an element are determined by the protons in the nucleus, and the chemical properties by the electrons, isotopes must differ in mass only because of a varying number of neutrons. Isotopes play an important , part in the production of atomic energy; the isotope of uranium, No. 235, in particular,'is so used.
Since the structure of the nucleus is of'fundamental importance in determin' ing the characteristics of an element, it becomes evident at once that it should be possible to convert one element into another by operating upon the nucleus. Chemical action has been tried, but without success; the binding forces within the nucleus are far too powerful to be affected by any chemical action known today. However, there is a method of overcoming these nuclear forces that has been successful. This method has made, it possible to transmute one element into another, to induce artificial radio-activity, and it is the key to the solution of how to release atomic energy.
Transmutation
To understand the formidable nature of the problem, it should be remembered that the force binding the particles of the nucleus together is 10,000,000 times greater than that of gravitation; also, the nucleus is so small that 3,000,000,000,000 of them laid side by side would equal only one inch; also, the electrical field around the nucleus due to the positively charged protons will repel any other positively charged particle, such as a proton, with a force that is inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them. This repelling force increases greatly when the distance is one of an infinitesimal order. However, by means of powerful electronic instru- : ments, such as cyclotrons and betatrons, these obstacles have been conquered.
As an example of how the nucleus of an atom may be changed in structure and thereby the element transmuted into one of another kind, consider the element sodium. Now, sodium nuclei contain 11 protons ' and 12 neutrons, the atomic weight being 23 (11+12=23). In order to transmute sodium into some other element, the number of protons (11) must be changed somehow; either by adding, or by subtracting, one' or more protons. Obviously, to do this, projectiles must be hurled at the atoms with sufficient force to penetrate the atomic world to the nucleus; and when one happens to strike the nuclear target the impact will result in dislodging one or more of the particles, or the projectile itself will be bound fast, captured, as it were by the nucleus. .
The difficulty encountered in this procedure may be appreciated by remembering the size of the target. For instance, should the atom as a whole be magnified to a diameter, say of one mile, and the nuclear target be magnified in the same proportion, it would then be approximately the size of a tennis ball; a very small target indeed. However, by providing not just one projectile, but myriads of them and each of a size comparable with that of the target itself, the possibilities are finite that some of the projectiles will strike some of the targets (there are myriads of targets also), and, so doing, some kind of nuclear transformation must result.
* The cyclotron is one kind of electronic instrument that can do just that. Essentially, it consists of a large evacuated chamber located in the field of a powerful electromagnet. The projectiles are generated within the evacuated chamber by ionizing the atoms of a minute amount of a suitable gas admitted to the evacuated space. These projectiles may be either protons, or deutrons, or neutrons, or alpha particles (helium nuclei), de
pending upon the kind of gas used. Once generated, the projectiles are whirled around hundreds of times in an expanding spiral-shaped orbit until their energies have been increased by acceleration to the equivalent of millions of electron volts. These high-energy high-velocity projectiles are shot directly at the target. Even though the atoms of the target consist of mostly empty space, yet some of the projectiles will hit some of the nuclei, and in consequence thereof bombardment results. Should the gas within the evacuated space be helium, then the projectiles will be alpha particles. An alpha particle consists of two protons and two neutrons tightly bound together in a compact mass. Should this alpha particle projectile be shot at the sodium target, the impact will result in a recombination of particles; instead of the original 23 particles in the sodium nuclei there will result 27 particles (23-J-4—27). Such a nucleus containing 27 particles, 13 of which are protons, is unstable; it therefore adjusts itself in some manner until stability is established. Experimental evidence indicates that such an atom will eject one of the protons from its nucleus, leaving an atom containing 12 protons and 14 neutrons. The particle ejected constitutes one form of radioactivity; the atom remaining is an isotope of magnesium. Hence the target is no longer sodium, but, instead, is radioactive magnesium. Thus, in brief, is the process of transmutation. In the vernacular it is called “atom smashing”. While as yet no one has succeeded in transmuting iron into gold, yet it is quite obvious that such an accomplishment is entirely within the realm of possibility.
Using similar technique, recently two new man-made elements have been created artificially; these resulting from the bombardment of uranium. They have been given the transuranic names of “neptunium” and “plutonium”; they occupy the spaces Nos. 93*and 94 respectively in the atomic scale. The latter came into prominence during the “A
JUNES, 1946
bomb” project, it being one of the ingredients for the production of atomic energy.
Nuclear Fission and Atomic Energy
It may be observed from the study of transmutation in the foregoing atomsmashing technique that a huge amount of electrical energy is required in the process. The energy liberated in the form of radioactivity is far less than that applied. In order to understand how the release of phenomenal amounts of atomic energy is obtained, another natural phenomenon must be investigated; namely, that of “nuclear fission”. So important is this phenomenon that its discovery, early in the year 1939, may be said to be the "sine qua non' for the production of atomic energy. Its discovery is a brilliant triumph for the nuclear theory of the structure of atoms. It alone heralds forth the beginning of the so-called “atomic age”. What is nuclear fission ?
To date, nuclear fission is a phenomenon known to be applicable only to the heavier elements; such as radium, thorium, and uranium, etc. These elements being high in the atomic scale, their nuclei are very complex structures containing as many as 238 particles; and the entire atom complete, as many as 330 particles (electrons included). Atoms having such great weight and complexity are unstable, that is, they are top-heavy, so much so that the addition of a single proton or neutron to their nuclei can cause an atomic cataclysm, as it were; the entire atom splitting up into two or more separate and distinct parts. Such is nuclear fission. An analogy wall serve to illustrate the phenomenon. Suppose a drop of water be gradually increased in size by the addition of minute quantities. So doing, eventually a point will be reached, the critical point, wherein no further increase is possible—any feeble vibration causing the whole mass to divide itself into two or more smaller parts. It is believed that for a similar
. ■ 9
reason the atoms of the heavier elements are fissionable.
As an example, consider the fissionable element uranium. An active isotope of uranium has an atomic weight of 235 mass units. Uranium being No. 92 in the \ atomic scale, its nucleus, therefore, must * contain 143 neutrons (235—92=143). An element having so high a ratio of neutrons to protons (143 to 92 in this case) . is unstable; the addition of but a single neutron will cause the atom to explode into two or more smaller fragments. The fragments resulting from the explosion (fission) are always lighten elements from near the middle of the atomic scale; such as barium and krypton when uranium is bombarded.
It is seen that there- is a marked distinction between nuclear fission and transmutation. In transmutation, one element is transformed into one element of another kind adjacent thereto in the atomic scale; in nuclear fission, on the other hand, one element is divided into two or more elements remotely located in the atomic scale. In other words, nuclear fission is a multiplying process resulting from division, whereas transmutation is a simple transformation of one element into another.
In every case of nuclear fission radioactivity is always an accompanying phenomenon. The atomic explosion causes the ejection of neutrons, also powerful radiations in the form of X rays. The neutrons ejected serve a very useful purpose; without them “chain reaction” would be impossible. Since it is required that the atomic explosion be initiated by a neutron penetrating the uranium atom nucleus, then, after the reaction has once begun, the ejected neutrons may bombard other atoms in the immediate vicinity; these bombarded atoms thus eject still other neutrons, and so on and on, ad infinitum. Hence it is! seen that after nuclear fission has once begun it is entirely possible to cause the reaction to continue on indefinitely, from one atom to another, chain-like, until all the ma,-terial has been consumed. Should the rate at which such an atomic conflagration proceeds through some fissionable material from one atom to another not be under control, obviously there could be but one result: a terrific explosion. Fortunately there are ways of accurately controlling such an atomic chain reaction so that the energy may be liberated at any desired rate.
Inasmuch as nuclear fission causes an atom to shatter and thus break up into a number of smaller fragments, each of these fragments must have less mass than the original atom. Moreover, the sum of the masses of all the fragments, also, is always less than that of the parent atom. In the case of fissionable uranium, the fragmentary elements resulting from the shattering, namely, barium and krypton, have a total mass of 16 units less than that of the original uranium atom. There has been a loss of mass. We have arrived at the basic principle of atomic energy. Herein lies the secret. Let us see.
Matter Is Indestructible
It is a cardinal fact well known by all observers that matter cannot be destroyed ; it can only be transformed from one state to another. In the case of nuclear fission, it is transformed into heat, X rays, and particle radiation. The sum total of all the products resulting from the fission is exactly equivalent to the mass that was lost; that is, it can be proved that mass and energy are equivalent to each other; when mass is lost, its equivalent must appear somewhere as energy, and vice versa. Mass and energy are but different forms of one and the same thing. That being true, then, wherein lies the colossal magnitude of this energy? The answer to that question discloses an interesting mathematical relationship which exists between mass and energy, one which only recently has been proved to4)e true. That relationship is stated as. an equation: “Energy is equal to mass times the velocity'of light squared.” Strange as it may appear, yet it is a fact, light and matter are directly related to each other. This need not be surprising when it is remembered that light is a form of energy, and, in the ultimate, all matter existing in this earth is the product of radiant energy, be it light, heat, cosmic rays, or any other kind, known or unknown.
The reason for the prodigious amount of atomic energy locked up within the atom at once becomes evident; for, since energy is proportional to the velocity of light squared, and light travels at the rate of 30,000,000,000 centimeters per second, it is readily seen that the result is one of colossal magnitude. One cannot appreciate the immensity of this energy value unless some qualitative units of measurement are employed, units that are adjusted to our common, everyday sense of values. Thus, for instance, a pound of coal when burned by ordinary chemical action produces a certain amount of heat. When coal is so burned no change whatsoever takes place in the internal structure of the atoms; the burning merely results in the combining ' of the carbon atoms with those of oxygen, liberating a relatively small amount of heat in the process. When the mass of an atom, however, is transformed into energy such as occurs during nuclear fission, the heat liberated becomes phenomenally greater because of the direct transformation of mass. Should all the mass of a pound of uranium be converted into energy, the equivalent would be equal to an amount more than that from 2,000,000 pounds of coal when burned by ordinary chemical action I Similarly, one pound of any substance whatsoever, if converted into electrical power, is equivalent to 11,000,000,000 kilowatt hours. And, from another standpoint, should the value of a human erea-ture be estimated in like manner from ' the energy content represented in the material of which his body is composed, a man weighing 150 pounds, at the average power rates, would have a value that
JUNE 6, 1#4S
is the equivalent of a hugh pile of gold weighing 100,000 tons. These imposing results are not fictitious; they are real. That they are so is due solely to the fact that the law of the square of the velocity of light enters into the computation. No wonder, then, that men everywhere, statesmen, scientists, philosophers, are so avidly pursuing the developments of this monster.
When atomic energy is once liberated from within the atom it manifests itself outwardly in the form of heat and radioactivity. The heat liberated can be used in exactly the same manner as that produced in the ordinary way by chemical action. For the most’part, radioactivity represents a loss. It does have some' value in biological research. Its presence, though, is a serious obstacle for the practical use of atomic energy, because of its penetrating X-ray-like qualities, and therefore is extremely dangerous. Apparatus designed for the production of atomic energy on a large scale must be thoroughly "shielded by thick walls of water and concrete so as to protect the operating personnel. When means are once discovered to render these radiations harmless, then mankind will be in position to begin to realize the full possibilities of atomic energy. It is highly probable that such a. discovery will be made in due time. -
In the present-day stage of development, the practical generation of atomic power requires huge generating plants. For that reason it is believed that the first application for useful purposes will be confined to large central stations serving whole communities. Or, it is entirely feasible to use atomic-energy power plants on large steamships. For such usage the decided advantage is the thick wall of water surrounding the ship and which provides a natural shield from the harmful radiations. But as for atomic energy to drive the family car or to heat and light the house, that must wait for future research and discoveries. There is a reasonable foundation, though, for be
ll lieving that such an accomplishment will be achieved in due time, yes, and many more will be achieved when Jehovah’s kingdom holds full sway. The day is near when the natural forces with which Jehovah has endowed this earth will be used, not by wicked men for destructive purposes, but righteously and to the praise of the great Creator, the one and only source of all atomic energy.
i , Fuels of the Future
THOUGH atomic energy is envisioned as a future source of fuel, men of the present have endeavored to increase the efficiency of existing fuels. Chemical research has brought forth synthetic fuels as substitutes for older types. New inventions, such as the rocket, have demanded more efficient fuels for their propulsion. And shortages of basic fuels have led men to blend various energyproducing substances in an effort to circumnavigate the lean supply of certain orthodox types. All of this has not been without its effects upon that humble carbon element used by the ancients, and by us called “coal”. Even coal has not been without its “improvements” in recent times.
Synthetic fuels were developed to a high degree of efficiency in Germany during the war, due to the fact that that country was largely cut off from sources of natural fuels. At the peak of production in 1944, Germany was turning out 350,000 metric tons of synthetic fuel per month.
Many substances were tried out as rocket fuels, since these had to meet special requirements. The most important of the various chemicals that was developed on a large scale for use as rocket fuel, according to the Department of Commerce, w’as concentrated hydrogen peroxide (82 to 85 percent strength). In the V-2 rocket, that deadly missile devised by the “supermen” militarists, permanganate reacted with hydrogen peroxide to generate superheated steam that was used to drive a turbine, which in turn functioned as a means of preheating the combustion chamber. Once the combustion chamber w^s hot enough the permanganate and peroxide were automatically shut off and a mixture of liquid oxygen and alcohol caused the rocket to streak through space. ,
During the war many people learned for the first time that an auto will run on something besides what is commonly called gasoline. Necessity oftentimes forced people to - pour into their gas tanks other materials, such as kerosene . and cleaning naphtha. Even fuel oil and alcohol were used, and some even added a portion of ether to give it a start.
Such blends from “private stock”, of course,, were inferior substitutes, yet the principle of blending is scientific and when properly made has its advantages. As a matter of fact, gasoline itself is a “blend”. Special mixtures of alcohol and gasoline were used in racing cars as long ago as 1930, but during the war improvements in engine design made it possible to use larger quantities of a gasoline-alcohol mixture. This fuel proved so efficient that its use is expected to continue during this peacetime, especially on farms where an economical fuel is desired. A 90-to-10 mixture of gasoline and alcohol is usually used, and it is thought by some to have a coolant effect upon the engine, which is an advantage. This principle is similar to that noticed when running a car on regular gasoline on a cool, damp evening; its performance is much smoother than during the heat of the day.
_ These advances in fuel research have not left our faithful old friend, coal, altogether neglected. “Puffed” coal has now made its debut, and is so called because the methods employed to pulverize and dry it simulate those used in making
“puffed”' cereals. This type of coal is especially adapted to use in the opencycle gas-turbine where the operation is on a continuous basis. The coal is simply passed through a nozzle with steam or air, where it is pulverized to a high degree and trapped air or steam expands the powdered coal, thus drying it at the same time.
Atomic Energy as Fuel
The full significance of these present developments in fuels must be measured by the yardstick of time to determine whether they are more than small ripples on the ever-changing s'ea of human endeavor. The future will temper these discoveries and then their real values will be apparent. Also, in that future lies the possibility of utilizing atomic radiation as a source of energy. While it has been estimated by some that within three years power plants could be producing electricity from this source, others have estimated that it will take twenty-five years, and still others have said that it will not be possible during this generation. There are some good reasons to expect that this last guess is more nearly the truth.
No method has been devised so far for utilizing this source of power in automobiles and airplanes, since it takes fifty tons of protective material to insulate a ,1.00-horsepower atomic engine against destructive radiation. There might be a possibility of using; it on a locomotive, but conservative scientists have expressed the thought that large ocean-going ships will be the smallest transportation unit handling an atomic power plant. There seem, however, to be no insurmountable mechanical and technical problems to prevent the building of stationary industrial atomic power plants capable of heating and lighting whole cities at practically no cost.
But there are greater obstacles than mechanical and technical problems that stand in the way of developing atomic energy for the benefit of mankind in general. Even though uranium is costly, so
JUNE 6, IMS
is coal. At $6 a ton it would take well over $6,000 worth of coal to equal in energy one pound of Uranium 235. Now the mining of millions of tons of coal nets mine owners a neat sum in profits. Does anyone think that these gentlemen will welcome the change-over to atomic power plants and will gladly close their mines and give up their handsome fortunes derived therefrom? Or does anyone think that the thousands of coal miners will be contented to see the mines closed If they are not given some assurance that they will be properly fed and clothed through some other means? There is no question that it would be possible to bring in plenty for all, and want for none, if atomic energy were harnessed and made to work for man. But in this selfish world there is no man or organization that is willing.or able to underwrite a guarantee of freedom from fear and want, for no man has the power to carry it out. -
Moreover, the idea that atomic energy will bring in great benefits to mankind is blighted in its germ by the Power Trust smut of Big Business. The fact that atomic energy costs only an infinitesimal amount compared with present power is no barometer to measure its final cost to John and Tom, the taxpayers. Gasoline costs only a fraction of a cent per gallon to produce, and electricity from coal costs only a fraction of a cent per kilowatt to generate, but what doe;? the poor consumer pay for these commodities ?
Yes, even the deserts and waste places of the earth, the torrid deserts of Africa and Asia and the vast expanses of the arctic wastelands, could be supplied with water, heat and electricity that would transform them into productive areas for man’s prosperity and benefit, if it were not for other problems too great for midget men and scientists to solve; problems so great that if they were solved the whole life of human society, as we know it, would be changed to such a degree that this old world would no
linger exist, but would be replaced by a new world founded on different basic principles, principles that selfish men will not tolerate. In fact, it would be necessary to do away with greed and selfishness and replace them with the unselfish principles of love and generosity. That would mean a Theocratic (God-ruled) government of righteousness, and no group of scientists can produce such a glorious thing as that in a test tube, nor can the sages of parliament legislate such a holy rule.
Dr. Max Drob, a former president of the New York Board of Jewish Ministers, in speaking on the subject “The Atomic Age and Peace”, said, as quoted by the New York Times:
The advance of science has only taught us how to destroy the world; it has not inspired us to preserve the world by living together in harmony and peace. When the world will bejcome convinced that science cannot bring salvation, perhaps it will turn to God and again “draw water from the fountains of salvation”. Only then will real, true peace come to mankind.
But instead of turning to God and His righteous kingdom men of affairs turn to religion, which is devil-worship. They advocate “some form of world government” for the control of atomic energy, but all such proposals are only so much talk, wind, vanity, because their plans call for the continuance of man-rule and devil-rule of the earth instead of Theocratic rule. It is therefore apparent that atomic energy must be left out of any discussion of fuels for the immediate future.
Italian Love
AFTER a study of Protestantism in
Italy, the West Virginia edition of The Register reports that the total number is less than 90,000. It claims that 20,000 of these*are Waldenses, and that most of these live in the Pinerolo valley of Piedmont, northern Italy, where their ancestors suffered such terrible persecutions in 1560, 1655, and at other times during the reign of the Inquisition. It estimates that there are 20,000 Lutherans and Evangelicals in northeast Italy.
When the Italians get to America they soon imbibe the spirit of liberty that is everywhere. At Cleveland, Ohio, the Italian congregation of the Holy Redeemer Catholic Church made up their minds that they could' get along nicely without their new priest, the “Reverend Father” Vincent Caruso,. O.D.M., who had been assigned to look after the business in place of the former priest, who had died. The new priest arrived on a Sunday morning, accompanied by 20 police and 100 marching Knights of Columbus and Knights of St. John. They did not get to first base. It was in February; 20 or
of Liberty
25 husky Italian women massed themselves on the front porch and refused to move or be moved, and meantime the small boys of the congregation snowballed the silk hats. Then the police sent for 40 more men and the crowd yelled at them, “Go hack home.” They finally did. How the matter eventuated is not known, but the congregation probably had to do as the bishop said, in the end.
The Italian people know that the Vatican was involved in the vise of Fascism. They know that the “Church” blessed the war on Abyssinia from the outset; that Mussolini was sprinkled with holy water and designated “the man sent from God”; that the wah in Spain was largely provoked by the “Church”, Neither the invasion of Albania or Greece, nor the use of poison gas, nor the slaughters in Spain, received any condemnation from the Vatican; and this the Italian people know full well. It seems that the present is a good time for the peace-loving industrious Italian people to make use of their liberty and learn something about the true God.
1. seven vacation pioneers of Bethlehem, Pa,, last summer placed 125 books and 2,484 booklets.
2. Mary Ann Nicolai all by herself, 3. A Kansas City publisher. 4. Jerry Trice, El Paso, Texas.
Love’s Gift
IN HIS loving interest for honest men and women Jehovah God provided His written Record. His recorded Word is His will expressed. He has caused this record to be made for the instruction and learning of those who follow in the footsteps of His beloved Son. (Romans 15; 4) Since, by a study of His Word God’s will is ascertained,'then by giving heed to His Word and obeying His instructions one can walk in the right way. “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” The Lord’s Word is always a safe guide. “The words of the Lord are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.” (Psalms 119:105; 12:6) The man who has an honest desire to know and to do God’s will finds himself praying to God: “Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.” (Psalm 119:133) A religious man’s word, unsupported by God’s Word, is a delusion and a snare. It is worldly wisdom and is foolishness in the sight of God—1 Corinthians 1:18,25.
“God is love.” (1 John 4:16) And yet men continue to blaspheme His name Jehovah. God has not at all times kept His name before the people. At well-chosen intervals it has pleased Him to put His name before human creatures for the benefit of such creatures, lest’ they should entirely forget their Benefactor. His Word He has always magnified, and to this King David, who foreshadowed Christ Jesus, seems to refer, saying: “I will bow down towards thy holy temple and thank thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy faithfulness, for thou hast magnified above all thy name thy word!” (Psalm 138: 2, Rotherham) Repeatedly, and through many of His witnesses, Jehovah has expressed His purpose to bring believing men into harmony with Him, that men might have the opportunity for life everlasting. He has magnified His Word that mankind might have full assurance of God’s loving-kindness, But now the time has come when the name of this loving God shall be exalted in the minds of men, and to this end He is making plain the meaning of His Word. The name of Jehovah stands for everything that is righteous. To know Him means to know the way to full harmony with Him and to life. —John 17:3.
1 Jehovah God is the Giver of every good and perfect gift. “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” (James 1:17) His gift is a benefit bestowed by the Giver upon the creature who is the receiver, bestowed without any expectation of return or compensation for self-enrichment.
It is the poor that need gifts. It is the poor in spirit and the meek in heart and lowly of mind that gladly receive and appreciate gifts from above. The greater the poverty, the greater the need. Because of sin the human race was plunged into the greatest depths of poverty with no right or hope., of ever enjoying the riches of life. “The destruction of the poor is their poverty.” (Proverbs 10:15) The poverty of the human race leads to certain destruction. Divine love made provision to prevent man’s eternal destruction.
Jesus, the beloved Son of God, enjoyed all the riches ’of life in glory with His Father in heaven. He looked down upon the poverty of humankind, well knowing that the wicked rebellion of Lucifer had brought such poverty to man. He knew of God’s loving heart and of His purpose to reinstate mankind in His favor. Jesus was willing to become poor that mankind might be made rich in life and happiness and brought into full sonship with God. “For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.”-~2 Corinthians 8:9.
The first man; Adam, was made a little lower than the angels of heaven. His sin reduced him and all hi£ offspring to abject poverty. Jesus left His heavenly glory and was made a man that according to the will of His Father He might become the Redeemer of poverty-stricken and sinful men. He was made perfect as a man and clothed with the privilege of God’s Servant and Vindicator on earth. The earth and all its dominion might have been enjoyed by Him. He willingly gave up everything for the benefit of man, only in the end to be crowned with heavenly glory and honor. “We see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels'for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.”—Hebrews 2.9.
God’s loving Word tells us that the death of-Jesus upon the tree was for the benefit of believing and obedient men; and God, in His due time, will bring suchlike men to an accurate knowledge of the truth as contained in His Word, that they may have the opportunity to benefit from Jesus’ death. It was God’s will that His beloved Son should become a man that He might become the Redeemer of mankind. Jesus.was willing to take this, step. His Father did not compel Him or even require Him thus to do. And so, setting forth the co-operation between Jehovah God the Father and Jesus Christ the Son in providing the ransom sacrifice, the apostle Paul writes: “For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. For there is one Qod, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; who gave himself a ransom for all,, to be testified in due time.”—l Timothy 2: 3-6.
The love of God for His beloved Son Jesus could not be excelled. Jesus testifies to the sweet relationship between himself and His Father. When Jesus came to’earth and presented himself in consecration at the Jordan river, Jehovah announced: “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well, pleased.” The Father and the Son love each other. (John 3: 35; 5: 20) The Son is the dearest treasure of His Father’s heart. But without the exercise of love for a righteous world with man reinstated in God’s favor man could never be reconciled to God and live. The great God of the universe, the Creator of heaven and earth, freely gave His beloved Son that man might gain eternal life. He is God’s greatest gift. -
By the offense of Adam in Eden all men w’ere born, in sin and therefore brought under condemnation. Even so by the righteousness of Christ Jesus the free, gift of God comes unto all men, giving all believers an opportunity for justification, of life. (Romans 5:18) This great gift proceeds from God the Father. “The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 6: 23) Love made this provision: “For God so loved,the world, that he gave his only begotten Sori, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have ever’ lasting life.” That is a complete expression of unselfishness. It is love divine. “Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” (1 John 4:10) Such is the divine provision for the remission of human sin and for the restoring of humankind to divine favor. “And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.”:—1 John 4:16.
I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and joy in my people: and the voice of weeping shall be no more heard tn her, nor the voice of crying.—-Isaiah €5: 19. _
JUNE 5, 1946 ’
Cubans Rejoice in Theocratic Assemblies
IN THIS first postwar year, Jehovah, by the mouth of His witnesses, invites good-will people of all nations to rejoice and be. glad. Following closely on the heels of the joyful Northeastern Theocratic Assembly at Baltimore in February came the announcement that Cuba would have two like assemblies in March. The first of these was to be held at Havana the week-end of March 9 and 10; the other a few days later, March 12 and 13, at Camaguey, two-thirds of the way down the 760-mile-long island.
The announcement that both the president of the Watchtower Society, N. H. Knorr, and the vice-president, F. W. Franz, would attend these assemblies brought forth a spontaneous expression of joyful enthusiasm. But this first reaction was quickly followed by one of concern over the fact that there was so very little time to prepare for the event. A tremendous amount of work would have to be done before such assemblies could be held; so there was no time to Jose.
Before any advertising material could be printed a suitable hall would have to be located, and this was not an easy task. One of the regrettable things about former assemblies in Havana was that the halls were always too small to accommodate the many people that eame to learn of the Kingdom message. This year, after a diligent search on the part of the ‘ witnesses, it looked as though it would be the same as before in this respect. But when His witnesses are up against the impossible, that is when Jehovah shows His miraculous power by removing, obstacles for the honor of His name.
With the Assembly date only two weeks. away and no hall obtained, the situation looked pretty dark, when suddenly, by the Lord’s direction, a special publisher while making a back-call on a lady met the inspector of radio in Cuba. This man had learned of the truth in the
United States, had visited the Watchtower headquarters in New York on several occasions, personally knew the Spanish instructor at the Watchtower Bible College of Gilead, and had met the Society’s president.
When told of the forthcoming Assembly and the inability to obtain a hall for the public lecture, this man immediately suggested the new Palacio de Conven-ciones y Deportes, a beautiful place by the seashore. But, alas, the convention committee had already tried to' obtain this place and found that it would take at least a month to unravel all the red tape necessary to secure it. There was no time now to lose in that direction. To this the inspector replied, “Don’t you worry about that, the director of the Palacio is a very good friend of mine. We are like brothers.” So, in less than an hour an agreement was drawn up for the use of the “Palace of Conventions and Sports” for the March 10 lecture. Another hall, La Sociedad del Pilar, was secured for the other sessions.
The radio inspector, being one of goodwill, was not content with arranging for a hall, but also wanted others of goodwill to come to the lecture; so he arranged for short announcements to be given three times daily for two weeks prior to the lecture over all the leading radio stations. Furthermore, he wanted .people not only to'come, but also to hear the glad/message about the kingdom of God. Consequently he furnished all the sound equipment for public-address systems in both halls. The reigning King will not overlook such generosity on the part of “men of good will”.—-Matthew 25:31-46.
With'the securing of the Palacio one of the most concentrated advertising campaigns ever staged in Havana got under way by the effective use of 250,000 handbills and 3,000 placards. The year before only 100,000 handbills and 1,000 placards were used. Throughout Havana the leading stores and business establishments displayed these placards, and Kingdom publishers in Havana reached an all-time peak when hundreds of information walkers turned out on the streets wearing placards.
Assembly Begins on Note of Gladness
The chairman, at the opening session on Saturday afternoon, based his remarks on the yeartext, taken from Romans 15:10 (Rotherham): “Be glad, ye nations, with his people.” It was only a beginning, but a good beginning it was for this joyful assembly of Cuban Christians. Two local speakers then followed on the program with talks entitled “Immovable for the Right Worship” and
■.“Defense Through Knowledge”.
In the evening the assembly again came together and sang songs of praise to Jehovah, the Great Liberator, and then listened to a talk on the subject “The Joy of Liberation”, delivered by the Cuba Branch servant of the Watchtower Society. F.W. Franz then spoke on the subject “Fear Ye Not” and showed that those who stand fast for Jehovah’s worship und service have no need to fear the Devil and his agents. It was a stirring talk and prepared the audience for the climax of the day, a talk by the president of the Society, entitled “Jehovah’s witnesses in the Crucible”.
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