British Kinematography (1952)

1 ti-J HklTlSJI KiNEMATOGfcAPHY Vol. 20, No. 5 ment, Ministry of Supply. February, 1948. 4. CummingSj J. W., Hutton, A. C, Silfin, II " Spontaneous Ignition of Decomposing Cellulose Nitrate Film." J. Soo. Mot. Pic. Eng., 54. March, 1950. 5. Sharpe, ( |.. Milne, J. " Tests on an Experimental Vault for the Storage of Nitrate Motion Picture Film." Kodak Research Laboratory Report. July, 1949. 6. Report ot the Committee on Preservation of Film. /. Soc. Mot. Pic. Eng., 35, 58, December. 1940. 7 Smith, C. II . " Testing Procedure for Assess ment of Deterioration of Record Films." Kodak Research Laboratory Report, October, 1942. 8. Alink, R. J. H., Dittel, C. J., Keuning, K. S. Metal Diazonium System for Photographic Reproduction." J. Soc. Mot. Pic. Eng., 54 269, March, 1950. 9. Scribner, B. \V. Nat. Bureau Stds. Miscellaneous Publications, M.162, 13, May, 1939. Calhoun, J. M. " The Physical Properties and Dimensional Behaviour of Motion Picture Film." /. Soc. Mot. Pic. Eng., 43, 227, October, 1944. BOOK REVIEW Books reviewed may be seen in the Society's Library JOHN BAIRD. Sydney Moselcy. Odhams Press Ltd., pp. 264 -pi. 8, 16s. This biography is based on the original notes made by Baird for his own autobiography, and the documents collected by the author over his long association with Baird. The result is an authentic account of the inventor's life and work written in a graphic style which will appeal to all who are interested in the beginning of television. The development of the science has been so rapid in the last few years that it will probably surprise many readers to learn that the Derby was televised by the Baird low-definition system in 1931 and broadcast on the 261 m. wavelength. A full account of this and many other pioneer demonstrations is given in Mr. Moseley's vivacious book. If the first personal pronoun occurs with slightly irritating frequency, Mr. Moseley was after all the constant companion of Baird from the formation of his first commercial company until it was taken over by Gaumont-British. Technical people know that J. L. Baird did not invent television, but he did give it the start in this country and he was the first to demonstrate that television was possible and practicable. Mr. Moseley's book has done his memory a service in giving a picture of this single-minded experimenter, who was often frustrated and misunderstood but who was nevertheless sincere and liked by all who knew him. G. PARR. THE COUNCIL Summary of the meeting held on Wednesday, April 2, 1952, at 164, Shaftesbury Avenue, W.C.2. Present : Mr. L. Knopp {President) in the Chair, and Messrs. B. Honri {Vice-President), H. S. Hind (Deputy Vice-President), R. J. T. Brown (Hon. Secretary), N. Leevers {Hon. Treasurer), D. F. Cantlay, F. S. Hawkins, R. E. Pulman and S. A. Stevens. In Attendance : Miss J. Poynton [Secretary). Apologies for Absence. — Apologies for absence received from the Past President and Mr. T. w. Howard. /, evision. — The successful activities of the Kine Group and the growing demand from members have resulted in the inauguration of a Television Division of the Society. Applications for enrolment should be made on the appropriate form, obtainable from the Secretary. 1952 Honours. — The Hon. Fellowship is conferred on : The Rt. Hon. Viscount Swinton, P.G., G.B.E., C.H., M.C., and Sir Philip Warter. The Fellowship is conferred on : Messrs. R. J. T. Brown, J. H. R. Coote, G. J. Craig, D. Forrester and S. A. Stevens.