McGill University Thèses et mémoires publiés en 1949

Relief giving is a major function of most family Weifare Agencies. Even where governments provide social security measures through Public Welfare, relief from such sources is seldom adequate, if we define adequate relief as “That which Covers the deficit existing between the budget and the family earnings and what relatives give.” Where relief is given through private agencies it is rarely adequate to meet the full needs of a family or individual. This inadequacy is associated with a large problem which clients bring to the attention of the agency, that of indebtedness. They only ask for help with indebtedness when …  Read more

[...] A search through the literature has revealed that except for the proposals and claims contained in the patents of Bullington and Edwards, no investigations of either a theoretical or experimental nature have been undertaken to show how negative resistance elements might be employed to improve the transmission characteristics of wire lines. The writer has therefore decided to undertake a theoretical investigation of this new “Negative Resistance Loading Process” with the objectives listed below: Synopsis of Research to be Undertaken (1) To review the causes of distortion in transmission lines with the object of showing the extent to which they …  Read more

In 1947 M.M. Yan carried out an investigation in this laboratory on the solvent effects of liquid ammonia on woody materials, chiefly concerning himself with sugar maple wood. He found that liquid ammonia at 25° extracted nearly 6% by weight of maple wood, and the extract was separated into three fractions, acetamide 4%, “liquid ammonia lignin” 0.7%, and a polyuronide material 0.8%. The “liquid ammonia lignin” was investigated by Yan, and a possible formula was suggested. The nearly quantitative production of acetamide from the acetyl groups of the wood showed that the liquid ammonia cleaved any ester links that were …  Read more

Considerable investigation has been carried out in an effort to develop a satisfactory procedure to augment the blood supply to the heart. The stimulus in this work has been great due to the high mortality and morbidity resulting from diseases of the coronary arteries. [...] Since medical therapy does not alter or diminish the progress of the underlying changes in the vessels, there is a need for surgical therapeutic measures. In eighty percent of cases coronary artery disease is not immediately fatal when first diagnosed; thus, surgical therapy may be employed to modify or prevent further progression of the disease …  Read more

[...]The investigation described in the present thesis represents an attempt to develop a satisfactory, simple method of estimating aldehydes in fats and oils. Attention has been largely concentrated on the Schiff reaction, and the objective has been the development of a modification of the Schiff test which will be at once more effective and more adaptable to routine use than existing modifications of the Schiff test.  Read more

It has long been known that infection by pneumococci resulted in the development of a type specific immunity to the organism. Until recently, specific serum therapy has been the only means of effectively combatting pneumococcal infections. The advent of antibiotics, however, has now given us another potent therapeutic weapon, and has thus greatly modified the therapy of diseases of pneumococcic etiology. It has thus become of considerable interest and importance to determine whether the presence of various antibiotic drugs in the body modified or influenced the natural immunity response on the part of the host. It was in an attempt …  Read more

Bernard Shaw discovered early in his life that a private prophet from the other side of the Irish Sea had little chance of winning the public ear in the Capital of Victoria's Empire until he took his trumpet and blew hard and long. The Victorians at this time had had their share of prophets, and one cannot blame them if they were unimpressed when this redbearded messenger mounted his cart and announced again: Lo I am he. G»B«S. the journalist set himself to invent a reputation for Bernard Shaw. He advertised himself so sedulously that, on his own confession, he …  Read more

Bernard Shaw discovered early in his life that· a private prophet from the other side of the Irish Sea had little chance of winning the public ear in the Capital of Victoria's Empire until he took his trumpet and blew hard and long. The Victorians at this time had had their share of prophets, and one cannot blame them if they were unimpressed when this redbearded messenger mounted his cart and announced again: Lo I am hel G.B.S. the journalist set himself to invent a reputation for Bernard Shaw. He advertised himself so sedulously that, on his own confession, he …  Read more

Methods of evaluating the relative phase of energy samples taken in a microwave field are considered. It is shown that all such methods in present use involve comparison with some standard of phase shift, using a null method. Two circuits considered in detail are the conventional wave interference method and the Robertson “Homodyne” method. In the Robertson method signal energy is split into two paths. In the carrier path the original signal frequency traverses a calibrated phase shifter. In the sideband path the signal is converted into double sideband suppressed carrier energy and traverses a path into which are introduced …  Read more

Gerard Manley Hopkins has long been accorded an honorable place among the English Poets of the last century. But until recently his value as a critic went unrecognized. With the full publication of his writings, however, there has been an increasing respect for his pungently expressed comments on his contemporaries. One critic has advisedly pointed out that from his letters “one could extract a handbook of critical aphorisms worth more to those who are now writing, than imitative study of what was peculiar in Hopkin’s verse,”. W. H. Gardner, perhaps the most balanced and thorough of Hopkins’s critics, after a …  Read more

The distribution of raindrops and snow particles with size have been measured at the ground and a general relation has been evolved covering both cases. The vertical structure of continuous precipitation has been investigated by means of ten centimetre radar and a special study of the height and thickness of the bright band at the freezing level has been made using an anti-aircraft radar. These radar measurements indicate that the snow particles aggregate and form large snowflakes in the vicinity of the freezing level. The snowflakes probably fall a distance of about 500 to 1,000 feet below the freezing level …  Read more

Ever since the middle ages, when the miasmatic theory gave a convenient explanation of plaques, people suspected the air of being a medium in which particles invisible to the naked eye are suspended and dispersed. In the 19th century the controversy over the question of spontaneous generation and the establishement of the science of bacteriology caused a great interest in the micro-flora of the air and thus originates a branch of science known now as aerobiology. Aerobiology as defined by the late F. C. Meier in 1938, is the study of aerial carriage of microscopic particles. Durham (1941) when quoting …  Read more

The technical importance of cellulose oxidations, which play an undesirable part in such processes as bleaching and dyeing, and in the slow degradation that occurs during use, has served to promote research on the nature of the basic reactions involved. Many oxidations have been investigated[...] Most oxidations appear to be greatly dependent on the physical state of the cellulose and yield complex materials having varying proportions of carboxyl and carbonyl groups. With a few notable exceptions, methods available for estimating these groups are not entirely trustworthy and there is need for dependable methods of a general nature which could be …  Read more

The past twenty years have witnessed remarkable advances in the problems associated with the assay of accessory food substances by means other than biological assays. Chemical, spectrographic and microbiological methods have been applied with varying degrees of success; and the problems involved have exerted an appreciable influence over the entire field of biochemical analysis. More strictly physiological work has made it possible to assign specific biochemical functions to certain of the substances involved. A classic instance is the role of thiamine as a constituent of co-carboxylase. Research on the possible parts played by these substances in cell metabolism has, in …  Read more

Hall, O. (Supervisor)  Read more

So unterstreicht Kafka die Wichtigkeit seines lebenslanglichen Ringens mit seinem Vater.Es war ein Kampf um Anerkennung,voller Irrtum, Angst, Verachtung,und Schmerz, den der Dichter mit Willen und beinahe mit lust hinnahm. Franz Kafka wurde am 3«Juli 1883 in Prag geboren. Die eigentumliche Atmosphere Prags.besonders die der alten Stadt,machte einen tiefen Eindruck auf den empfindsamen Knaben.[...]  Read more

Files, H. (Supervisor)  Read more

Some fifty years ago, Thorndike, (11), Small, (10), KLine, (5), and others, began systematically to study psychological aspects of animal behaviour. These early investigators used various kinds of mazes and problem boxes to describe the variables under examination. Since these pioneer attempts, new mazes and problem boxes have been designed, and a great deal of the research carried on in the field of comparative psychology has involved mazes of one type or another. A different “type of maze, designed by Hebb and Williams, (3), to evaluate rat intelligence, has provided the most recent improvement in animal testing apparatus. This thesis …  Read more

Tornhave, H. (Supervisor)  Read more

Numerous studies of the degradation of spruce lignin, both isolated and in the wood, using the techniques of fusion, hydrolysis, mild oxidation and hydrogenation, have shown that the greater part of this complex material is composed of guaiacyl radicals joined to a substituted propyl side chain. Quantitative studies of these degradations have, however, failed to account for more than approximately 70% of the lignin complex. [...] Since phenolic compounds are thought to yield no benzenepolycarboxylic acids when similarly oxidized, the production of the latter from lignin suggests that not all of the lignin molecule is based on guaiacyl or similar …  Read more

Launay, J. (Supervisor)  Read more

In a study of the measurement of rainfall by radar Marshall, Xangille and Palmer ( l ) have derived formulae relating the intensity of the power received at the radar from rain to the size of the drops, and so to the intensity of the rainfall. [...] It is the purpose of the present paper to analyse some films similar to those used by Langille and Gunn with a view to studying particularly the vertical motion of the showers, and to compare the film observations and the experimental drop-size distributions with the results arrived at through various theoretical considerations.  Read more

The purpose of this thesis is to investigate the design of discriminators suitable for use in portable frequency modulated transceivers.  Read more

Since the introduction of electroconvulsive shock therapy into Psychiatric practice, extensive research has been carried out to discover any deleterious effects of the shock. Learning and retention have received particular attention. Although the majority of the studies report no decrement in learning and retention in the rat after a series of electroconvulsive shocks, a few studies do indicate some impairment of these functions. In view of the conflicting results reported, it was feit that a more sensitive instrument was needed; the ‘closed-field’ test (10) appeared to be such an instrument. Accordingly, the basic studies on the effects of electroconvulsive shock—that …  Read more

This thesis treats of a problem that is the Joint concem of both power and communication engineers, namely, the problem of inductive coordination, Large sums of money are spent annually by the large power and communication companies on this problem in an endeavor so to locate and operate their respective plants that satisfactory service is rendered to the customers of both.[...]  Read more

Penfield, W. (Supervisor)  Read more

The primary object of the investigation was the determination of the specific external surface of pulp fibres. Of the methods available for this purpose, the permeability method based on the Kozeny equation was selected as the most suitable. It has been found to provide reproducible results. The effective specific volume of the investigated material is an important factor in the Kozeny relationship and had to be determined. A procedure was employed which permitted the simultaneous evaluation of the specific surface and the apparent specific volume. Both of the quantities determined are of great practical and theoretical value in the investigation …  Read more

In the light of recent interest in the diagnosis of malignancy by the microscopic examination of exfoliated cells, it was felt that the practical value of this method, in one particular field, could usefully be compared with standard histological practices. Cancer of the lung was selected, specifically for this investigation for the following reasons: 1. Bronchogenic carcinoma is an extremely important disease, constituting approximately 10% of all adult male cancers (Jones 1947). 2. In the early stages of the disease practical therapy is available in the form of pneumonectomy. 3. However, because of late diagnosis, the five year survival rate …  Read more

The commercial electro-winning of cadmium from sulphate solutions is limited to low current densities and requires frequent stripping of the cathode because of the high tendency to “tree formation”. Zinc, similar in many respects to cadmium, can be deposited from sulphate solutions (with suitable addition agents) at current densities ten times those used in cadmium production. While the problem of eleminating tree-formation with cadmium might be solved by an empirical search for a suitable addition agent, a fundamental study to determine the mechanism of cadmium deposition, such as that made by Hutcheon (1) seems a preferable approach to the problem.[...]  Read more

Many attempts have been made to lighten the obscurity which surrounds the physio-pathology of bronchial asthma, but the varying degrees of success encountered have been greatly decreased by the limitations of the methods of study available. A great deal of information has been compiled from reports on clinical observations and on studies of blood pressure, blood chemistry, x-ray, spirometric and electrocardiographic findings. Animal experiments and the results obtained from a variety of therapeutic procedures have provided indirect evidence which has set off many trains of thought and activity along a confusing number of tracks. A few valiant efforts have been …  Read more

The Tricarboxylic Acid Cycle is now believed to represent the main pathway for the oxidative metabolism of carbohydrate, fat and protein. The compounds of the Cycle are dicarboxylic and tricarboxylic acids that arise in the course of the metabolism of these substances. The development of the Cycle began with the systematic search by Thunberg (1) (1906-1920) for substances that could be metabolized by animal tissues. Using the acceleration of the decolorization of methylene blue by the tissue as the criterion that an added substrate was oxidized, Thunberg listed lactate, succinate, fumarate, malater citrate and glutamate, among many other substances, as …  Read more

Soil contains many and varied microorganisms which are able to cope with and actively metabolize the materials, both organic and in some cases inorganic, that are presented to it under natural conditions. This must be expected for otherwise there would gradually accumulate those substances which could not be so transformed. Hence soil has proved to be of great use to the microbiologist and the bacteriologist in their search for new and specific microorganisms. However successful these studies have been their end has almost invariably been the isolation of a pure culture of such microorganisms and an investigation of their properties …  Read more

The Atlantic Cod, Gadus callarias Linnaeus 1758, in inshore Canadian waters is commonly infected with an ascarid which most frequently occurs in the musculature of the host. Although it is unlikely that the worm is harmful to man (Martin, 1920; Kahl, 1938), the aesthetic distraction confronting a human consumer is readily apparent. The widespread occurrence of this worm in an important commercial fish presents a grave problem not only to the fresh-fish industry but also to the canned-fish industry in the Atlantic Maritime provinces of Canada. Fish producers are frequently compelled to employ personnel whose sole function is the removal …  Read more

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the ability of a mass of living insects to function as a group of pseudomolecules, and so imitate some of the properties of gases, liquids and solids. In the past many inanimate systems have been shown to act like animate systems. Typical examples are the chemical gardens, based on sodium silicate reactions, and the ameboid action of oil droplets on granular materials. This paper is an attempt to reverse the above procedure and make animate entitles react in a manner similar to inanimate systems.  Read more

An infra red total absorption method for estimating the time courses of photosynthesis and transpiration was described in a recent paper by Scarth, Loewy and Shaw (1948). For the present investigation the use of an improved design of this apparatus has been combined with that of a resistance porometer to follow photosynthesis or transpiration and stomatal movement simultaneously in one and the same leaf. The aim of the research was not only to test the value of the infra red technique for a variety of purposes, but also in so doing to obtain a clearer picture of the entire relationship …  Read more

Disturbances in the function of the adrenal cortex in man are associated with several clinical syndromes. In some patients, however, the classical features known to be associated with abnormalities in adrenal function may not be apparent, in spite of the fact that such disturbances are present. In these cases, various methods of evaluation of adrenal cortical function must be used in order to demonstrate the abnormality. One of these methods is to estimate the quantity of hormones secreted by the adrenal cortex by measuring the level of these hormones, or their metabolites, in the urine. This has been done by …  Read more

The object of this investigation is to describe and to discuss the origin of some porphyroblastic and porphyritic rocks that outcrop on Salmon Arm, Shuswap Lake, B.C. The outcrop is a “sill-sediment” complex consisting of granite porphyry sills and associated porphyroblastic and aplite sills lying in a micaepidote schist parallel to its schistosity. The complex is also cut by a few aplite dikes. The structural and petrographical data obtained indicate that the porphyroblastic and porphyry sills and also at least one aplite sill were formed by replacement.  Read more

This report deals with an attempt to identify and measure individual differences in certain areas of ability dependent upon tactual sensitivity. After extensive preliminary work three areas of ability were defined and seven experimental tests developed. These tests were administered to small groups of subjects and three of the tests were selected for further investigation. A comprehensive analysis was made of the results obtained when the three tests were administered to a sample of fifty military tradesmen. This analysis indicates that a Tactual Test of Spatial Relations developed in the study is capable of reliable measurement* Two tests of tactual …  Read more

Factors influencing and effecting a decrease or an increase in function have been the subject of much inquiry. Experimental investigations into the functions of the nervous system brought early rewards along the lines of increase in function resulting from its excitation. However, as Ferrier stated in 1876: “There is no reason to suppose that one part of the brain is excitable and another not. The question is, how the stimulation manifests itself”.[...] This thesis will be presented in three parts, with a final general discussion and summary. Part I will deal mainly with the electrical characteristics of “suppression”; Part II …  Read more

This study is concerned with certain emotional needs as manifested by a group of men hospitalized at the Allan Memorial Institute of Psychiatry. These needs we have called “Dependency Needs” because their distinguishing characteristic is that their satisfaction must be supplied by someone other than the individual, thus placing him in a dependent situation. [...]In the process of the individual’s growth and development, [...]. Some demands will be discarded, while others will receive satisfaction or suffer disappointment from the environment. Each experience of satisfaction and disappointment will mold these demands so that they tend to form a characteristic pattern in …  Read more

This study of clothing on a minimum adequate standard was prompted by the writer’s observations during seven years’ experience as a social service worker with the Jewish Family Welfare Department in Montreal, During that period it became more and more apparent that the agency’s system of providing clothing to its clients was a weak link in its chain of services. Families in the above agency have consistently complained for several years of the system of clothing distribution. Many felt it degrading to be deprived of an opportunity to make a choice. Others were of the opinion that given the same …  Read more

C’est un roman plein d’émotion, de mouvement et de vie que “Les Misérables” de Victor Hugo. Nous y faisons la connaissance de plusieurs caractères qui excitent nos plus profondes sympathies et â qui nous nous intéressons de plus en plus jusqu’à la dernière page. Par conséquent nous resterons toujours reconnaissants à Victor Hugo narrateur. Il arrive assez souvent a l’auteur d’interrompre son récit pour faire une dissertation philosophique dont les idées ont été inspirées par l‘histoire elle-même» Dans “Les Misérables”, Victor Hugo cependant, n’est pas uniquement chroniqueur et philosophe. Il a non seulement créé des caractères et exposé ses idées …  Read more

Penicillin, an antibacterial principle produced by certain strains of the mold Penicillium notatum or Penicillium chrysogenum, has been found to be highly effective in inhibiting the growth of most Gram positive as well as some Gram negative organisms. As will be indicated in the historical review, the exact mechanism of the antimicrobial activity is still unknown[...] The purpose of the investigational studies presented is the experimental examination of the effect of Penicillin on this enzyme, and of the response in hyaluronidase production by Streptococcus pyogenes to subinhibitory levels of the antibiotic during its metabolism. As a result of this investigation, …  Read more

Part of the overall process of adjustment to external environmental conditions is the replacement of worn out material at the body surface. The protective coating of epidermis which encases the whole body does not remain unchanged from birth to death, but is continually being worn out and shed, while at the same time new material is supplied to make good the loss. In some of the lower vertebrate forms, such as the urodele amphibians, the worn out skin surface is lost in a single shedding or moulting, but only after the new skin surface that is to take its place …  Read more

Hare, F. (Supervisor)  Read more

Terroux, F. (Supervisor)  Read more

While a considerable number of scientists have investigated pollution problems in relation to sea water, oysters, mussels, and other shellfish, a review of the literature reveals a decided paucity of information regarding the bacterial flora of the soft shell clam, Mya arenaria. The importance of the soft shell clam fishing industry in the Atlantic Maritime Provinces of Canada is considerable, and a comprehensive assessment of the bacterial flora of Mya arenaria on the Canadian Atlantic seaboard was therefore deemed essential before possible public health hazards connected with the industry could be properly evaluated, and control measures and significant bacteriological Standards …  Read more

Air Transportation of goods is carried out on a contractural basis between the carrier and the shipper. This contract may beoral or written, depending upon the law of particular country. It is usual that the rights and liabilities of the parties are determined by the law of the individual country. [...]  Read more