Soil mechanics or, in other words, the science of soil action, is now receiving a considerable amount of publicity from civil engineering journals; in fact, scarcely a week passes without some reference being made to the subject in those of American and Continental origin. Judging from the accounts given, there can be little doubt that this subject has, certainly in some countries, become the leading topic of interest among all those concerned with, and responsible for the safety of foundations, and has evidently so far advanced as to be considered of practical utility. The widespread interest taken in the development and progress of the subject, was further manifested by the enthusiasm which marked the inauguration of the First International Conference of Soil Mechanics and Foundation Engineering at Harvard University last June. During the sessions Reports were presented from all over the world, these displaying remarkable activity in certain quarters to place the new science on a practical footing.
M.J.C. McCarthy