Notes

Abstract

THE scientific lessons of the war are crowding upon us. We have already referred to the blunder made by our military authorities, in not sending Marconi apparatus to South Africa among the first equipments. We now learn indeed, after the investment of Ladysmith is drawing to a close, that Marconi apparatus is being sent out. The silence of Ladysmith during the last eventful weeks will point the moral, which is not likely to be forgotten in the future; and it may well be that in the movements about to take place, in which the Ladysmith and the relieving force should be able to work in concert, the absence of a sure and rapid method of signalling, the absence of the Marconi apparatus, may render this difficult if not impossible. We have been informed on good authority that some time ago the importance of a locomotive search-light in operations of war was strongly represented to the military authorities; but they would have none of it. Fortunately, however, the naval force in Natal has now provided the army with one. It is certain to do good service.