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René Gasnier Travel Journal, 1907
(1907) Gasnier, René
This manuscript is titled “Villes Americaines: notes d’un accounte de la
Coupe Gordon Benett aux Etats-Unis (Octobre, Novembre, Decembre 1907)”.
The manuscript is written in French by René Gasnier. The translated title is
“American Cities: notes from an account of the Gordon Bennett Cup in the
United States”. Gasnier was an aviator who represented France in the
prestigious Gordon Bennett Cup (the world’s oldest gas balloon race) in 1907.
The notes in this manuscript would lead to the publication of “American
Cities” in 1909, in which he recounts his experiences and observations while
travelling to New York, and then to St. Louis, to participate in the Bennett
Cup. He finished 7th in the race after a 38-hour flight. He then continues on a
sightseeing tour, visiting Albany, Schenectady, Niagara Falls, Buffalo,
Chicago, Pittsburgh, Boston, Quebec, Montreal, Philadelphia, and
Washington. The manuscript is 100 pages, plus a one-page table of contents
at the end of the manuscript.
He begins his journey by crossing the Atlantic, noting that the trip between
Paris and New York was simple and quick. The large ocean liners are more
comfortable year after year, and the passenger easily forgets that they are at
sea. He comments on the different living conditions for passengers on the
ship. On one side, occupying the majority of the liner, are the lounges,
cabins, apartments and vast promenade deck. All this for a certain number of
passengers with numerous servants. Then there are 800 unfortunates in the
other part of the ship, who are piled into dormitories with three floors of beds.
It involuntarily brings to mind the slave ships of the past, where the Negroes,
despite being penned in, traveled at least without paying. The misery of the
emigrants on the ship appears more terrible than it really is because of the
contrast offered by the immediate vicinity of the wealthy passengers. He
continues that emigration is well-regulated, and only those who are in good
health and in possession of a certain sum are admitted. The price of passage
is minimal in comparison with what wages are in the United States.
On arriving in New York, Gasnier describes the infrastructure, electric
lighting, and transport. He then continues with a visit to Broadway, the New
York Herald, and an immersion in the financial markets in the midst of the
1907 crisis. (pages 5-20)
Gasnier then heads to St. Louis for the Gordon Bennett Cup in ballooning.
He describes in detail the journey, the stations, and the trains. After the
departure of his balloon, the Anjou, he flies over Missouri and Ohio, crossing
varied landscapes. He lands in Virginia after 38 hours of flight, finishing 7th
in the race. (pages 21-31)
After the race he continues on a sightseeing tour, visiting Albany and
Schenectady (p. 32-39); Niagara Falls (p. 40-47); Buffalo (p. 47-50); Chicago
(p. 51-60); Pittsburg (p. 61-65); Boston (p. 66-83); Quebec (p.84-89);
Montreal (p. 90-92); Philadelphia (p. 93-95); and Washington (p. 96-99).
On his trip to Niagara Falls he writes at length about the Falls. He has
difficulty finding words to describe it, noting the prodigious volume and force
of the water. He comments on how the sun strikes the mist from the Falls and
forms rainbows on all sides. He visits the island that separates the American
and Canadian Falls [Goat Island]. It is noted that the hotel service is provided
by Black People. Gasnier finds them amiable and the best servants to be
found here. He comments at length on their situation noting that what is
needed is an evolution, not a revolution, to solve the problem.
Gasnier also makes observations about industry and the development of
hydro-electric power in Niagara at the time. He writes about how he “saw the
power of the machines and the transformation of the colossal liquid force into
hydraulic fluid which carries formidable energies far away”. It is noted the
governments of the United States and Canada are strictly enforcing industrial
construction regulations and recently signed decrees requiring industrial
buildings to be as inconspicuous as possible. He also mentions a power plant
with 12 turbines that generate 14,000 horsepower.
One of his most memorable moments in Niagara was a nightfall walk on the
Canadian side. As he walked further from the Falls, he came across a dimly
lit building. He saw columns stand out and a vast palace take shape, its wide
staircases leading down to the road. As he climbed a few steps, the glow of
the electric lamps, gently filtered by frosted glass, revealed a French garden
whose well-ordered flower beds extended to the right and left. This building
is the Toronto Power Generating Station. He continues his description of this
other-worldly scene, remarking that he feels like he has lost his way in the
forest and has arrived in front of a fairy’s palace. The enormous, almost
deserted dwelling, lit by strange gleams, appeared more unknown and more
legendary than the fantastic residences in Perrault’s tales. He continues that
this magical and tranquil palace conceals an active and colossal force, with
the power of 200,000 horses. The new laws requiring respect for the
landscape give this brilliant and mysterious appearance to what would
otherwise have been nothing more than a simple iron and brick factory.
He then proceeds to describe the interior of the building and the technology
that it contains. Inside, an elevator goes 50 metres below ground. This is
where the turbines are found, and the noise is intense. The pressure causes
water droplets to spurt out of the joints of the giant pipes, which cannot be
completely sealed. The first time water was allowed to enter these pipes,
which were calculated too lightly, they burst under the pressure of the liquid
and killed several workers. The principle that governs these turbines is
completely different from what we saw in the other factory this morning. We
discover that our old Europe still has some good in it, because the first of the
machines we admire was built in Zurich. What is truly prodigious and exists
nowhere else is the enormous amount of force accumulated in one place,
directed and set in motion by a tiny number of workers. The electric currents
are so powerful that it would be impossible to operate the switches on the
various lines by hand. They are electrically controlled by means of small
levers located on a single panel. The currents travel up to 200 kilometres
away, illuminating cities, distributing power to factories, and providing
movement to trams.
Gasnier continues to describe his observations at Niagara. He walked into the
gorge to view the rapids, noting that the current is so violent in places that the
water pushed back from the banks rises to form a sort of dome between the
two banks. He briefly mentions some of the stunts performed at Niagara,
writing that everyone knows about the various attempts made to descend
Niagara Falls by boat and how some daredevils fell victim to this stupid
exploit, while others succeeded by going over the Falls in barrels.
In Buffalo, he visited a park and cemetery and comments on how the
cemetery differs from European ones. He notes that the cemeteries in Buffalo
are simple and tranquil. While visiting the city he witnessed a fire and
remarked on how these fires are so common that there was little disruption to
everyday life on the street, other than a line of policemen holding back
curious onlookers. He concludes by noting that there are no cafés as in
France, but there are many bars where people can drink and watch passers-by.
While in Chicago he visits slaughterhouses, noting that Chicago’s
slaughterhouses are known throughout the world. As with other things in
America, the eternal principle triumphs: do everything on a grand scale. He
writes that following the rumours about poisoned canned food, the stories of
human remains found in tin cans, and the numerous articles written on the
subject, efforts are being made to make it easier for foreigners to visit
slaughterhouses to prove to them that everything is done properly.
In Pittsburgh he visits the Carnegie factories and admires the great
architectural and industrial achievements, while noting the social and
environmental contrasts.
His next stop is Boston. He remarks on the revolutionary history of the city.
Gasnier notes that Boston is an intellectual city par excellence and is often
called the American Athens. He finds that Boston resembles European cities.
Tall buildings are rare and found only in the business districts. And, despite
the growth of business and industry, he finds many people preoccupied with
art or science. He also visits Harvard University and describes it in detail.
From Boston he travels to Quebec and then Montreal. He remarks on the
contrast from the United States, noting that the same familiar accents resonate
although no one here is French. The Canadians have retained only their
language, and if English cannot prevail among them it is thanks above all to
the influence of the Catholic religion in opposition to Protestantism, whose
faithful all speak English. He remarks that Montreal is more English than
Quebec, and that the French live in a part of the city known as the French
Quarter. He concludes his trip by noting that after having spent time in both
Canada and the United States, he can see the differences between the two
neighbouring countries. Canada, an English colony, resembles Europe much
more than the United States, where a brand-new people reign, untethered
from the past.
The last two stops on his trip are Philadelphia and Washington. He remarks
that Philadelphia is a lot like New York, and admires the buildings in
Washington.
He concludes by making comparisons between the United States and Europe.
Gasnier remarks that they have a lot to learn from the Americans from an
industrial point of view, and it would be desirable for their young engineers to
go and do internships in factories overseas. They are paid more in the United
States and they find a certain material comfort unknown to us. He also notes
that the habit of using all sorts of machines and mechanical means for every
need of existence makes American life both simpler and more complicated.
He remarks that they are becoming more and more Americanized. There will
be fewer and fewer notable differences between the two sides of the Atlantic
because the Americans are managing to build a past for themselves. Some
families, even without the money they possess, already form a kind of
aristocracy. In a few years the two worlds will look very similar.
The manuscript finishes with the comment that “we may always vainly
conclude that France is a more pleasant place to live than the United States, if
we base this assertion on the ever-increasing number of Americans who come
to live among us. But to better appreciate one’s country, to more carefully
note its advantages, nothing is better than having left it.”
The Process of Photography, The US Combat Veteran, and Somaesthetics: A Multi-case Study
(Brock University) Trzecak, Terry; Jaipal Jamani, Kamini; Department of Sociology
War fundamentally transforms the essence of existence. Whether directly or indirectly, war irreversibly alters the historical, present, and prospective futures of all humans affecting every facet of human life. Individuals who have not served, the adage, ‘war is hell,’ provides minimal understanding of the realities encountered by combatants. ‘War is hell’ transforms into ‘life is hell,’ illustrating the challenges that combat veterans encounter after military service. American combat veterans who served in the Wars on Terror in Afghanistan and/or Iraq (2001-2021), regardless of the duration since their military service encounter significant challenges in reintegrating into civilian life, affecting their physical, mental, and economic well-being. The maxim, 'living in the present,' is frequently seen as an effective remedy for rumination in numerous veterans' programs. Still, how do you do it? Many endure solitude, limiting their ability to obtain varied therapeutic interventions, particularly those centered on mindfulness, embodiment, and self-regulation.
This multi-case study of six US combat veterans sought to examine the usefulness of engaging in mindfulness through a series of photographic activities involving the deliberate act of photographing. This inquiry asked: What are the lived experiences and sensory responses of American combat veterans who utilize the process of photography as a mindfulness-based somatic strategy to facilitate their journey towards well-being? Using an inductive cross-case analysis process, three themes emerged. First, the shift towards well-being in civilian life encompassed three factors, including (a) participants were challenged in reconciling their military and civilian identities; (b) military training/experiences affected self-identity and health both positively and negatively; and (c) an ill-informed public perception negatively impacted the transitioning veteran. Secondly, participants reported achieving present moment awareness through mindfulness by engaging in the process of photography which involved perceiving physical sensations while deliberately exploring new perspectives via the camera. Moreover, the process of photography enabled participants to be more attentive to novel elements of their surroundings by freeing the mind from rumination. Finally, the process of photography was viewed by these participants as a practical tool for enhancing self-reflection via mindfulness and creative engagement, thereby serving as an appropriate support for promoting well-being.
Exploring the Structural, Magnetic, Optical, and Catalytic Properties of High-Spin Materials
(Brock University) Bakhshi, Hamed; Pilkington, Melanie; Department of Chemistry
This thesis explores the design, synthesis, and characterization of lanthanide-based
coordination frameworks (MOFs) and heterometallic 3d/4f complexes, with a focus on tunable
magnetic behavior, photophysical properties, and catalytic performance. Four complementary
research directions were pursued, each addressing key challenges in molecular magnetism,
luminescence and sustainable catalysis. The first project examines a family of isomorphous Dy(III),
Gd(III), and Tb(III)-MOFs constructed from 2',5'-bis(methoxymethyl)-[1,1':4',1''-terphenyl]-4,4''
dicarboxylic acid (H2L2.1). Systematic post-synthetic solvent exchange led to tunable structural
perturbations that profoundly affected the magnetic relaxation dynamics and photophysical
behavior of the Dy-MOF. Alternating current (ac) magnetic studies of the Dy-MOF series revealed
distinct relaxation pathways linked to subtle crystallographic changes. A second ligand, 2',5'
bis(ethoxymethyl)-[1,1':4',1''-terphenyl]-4,4''-dicarboxylic acid (H2L2.2), demonstrated how minimal
chemical modifications to the linker can afford new MOFs with conserved coordination geometries
and consistent magnetic and luminescent properties across the lanthanide series. These results
underscore the sensitivity of magnetic relaxation and energy transfer processes to both the
framework structure and local symmetry. In the second project, three novel, isostructural Dy-, Gd-
and Tb-MOFs were synthesized from 4,4′-(1,2,4,5-tetrazine-3,6-diyl)dibenzoic acid (H₂TZDC). ac
magnetic studies revealed the MOFs exhibit complex temperature-dependent slow magnetic
relaxation, attributed to combined quantum tunneling (QTM), Orbach, and Raman mechanisms.
Notably, the Gd-based system displays rare frequency-dependent relaxation, rationalized by a small
axial anisotropy in the crystal field. Photoluminescence studies on this series of MOFs reveal
inefficient ligand-to-metal energy transfer, attributed to mismatched electronic energies. In the third
study a series of tetranuclear {Cu₄Ln₄} clusters assembled from the rac-mpzmH ligand are reported.
Magnetostructural studies reveal that weak Cu–Ln antiferromagnetic coupling, strong Cu–Cu
ferromagnetic interactions, and variations in the coordination geometries collectively govern the
magnetic behaviour. Field-induced slow relaxation was observed in the {Cu4Dy4} cluster, while the Tb
and Er analogues exhibited active QTM, effectively suppressing relaxation over the energy barrier
even in the presence of an external magnetic field. The photoluminescence was largely quenched by
the Cu(II) centers, although trace Ln-centered emission was observed in the {Cu4Tb4} cluster. These
results highlight the interplay between nuclearity, bridging geometry, and electronic structure in
determining the magnetic and optical properties. Project 4 focuses on heterometallic 3d/4f
complexes of the form [TM₂Ln(TX-TACN)]⁺ (TM(II) = Cu and Zn; Ln(III) = Gd, Dy, Tb, Eu and Ho); and TX
TACNH3 = N,N′,N″-tris(3,5-dimethyl-2-hydroxybenzyl)-1,4,7-triazacyclononane) as catalysts for the
cycloaddition of CO₂ with epoxides. X-ray diffraction studies revealed that all the complexes
comprise of a linear TM–Ln–TM motif with a subtle variation in the coordination geometry dependent
upon the 3d ion. Catalytic studies showed that the Zn(II)-based complexes significantly outperform
their Cu(II) counterparts, achieving high turnover numbers and frequencies for propylene oxide
conversion. Selectivity studies using cyclohexene oxide demonstrate stereochemical control and
unique reactivity pathways. The catalytic performance varies with the 4f metal and counterion,
demonstrating the modularity and adaptability of these systems for green chemistry applications.
Teaching Teachers to Teach Thinking
Lane Clark
The purpose of this study was to enhance educators' understanding and ability to teach critical and creative thinking skills effectively. Through a conceptual analysis of relevant theories and pedagogical practices, this study synthesized effective methods for teaching and assessing these skills and developed a research-based self-assessment tool to help educators evaluate and improve their approaches. While this tool offers valuable support, it remains unvalidated and should be applied with caution until further testing is conducted. This study contributes to the literature by clarifying ambiguous terms and deepening the understanding of these complex concepts, providing a synthesis of academic literature from diverse studies and making this information more accessible for teacher reference and application. Ultimately, the self-assessment tool serves as a preliminary framework for teachers to refine their pedagogy, ensuring students are better equipped with essential skills for success both in and beyond school.
Understanding the effects of isoDGR in neurodegeneration
(Brock University) Ridhi Patel; Newman Siu Kwan Sze; Applied Health Sciences Program
With the global population aging, the prevalence of chronic diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia is increasing, emphasizing the urgent need to understand the underlying molecular mechanisms. Degenerative protein modifications (DPMs), including isoAsp-Gly-Arg (isoDGR) motif which is formed via spontaneous deamidation of NGR sequence, are increasingly recognized as contributors to age-related tissue dysfunction. Traditionally considered untreatable molecular damage, isoDGR has been shown to mimic integrin-binding motifs and trigger inflammatory responses, yet its role in neurodegeneration remains poorly understood.
In this study, we investigated the effects of isoDGR-motif on key brain cell types, including brain endothelial cells (bEnd3) and neurons (N2A) using in vitro models. IsoDGR exposure induced cellular senescence, characterized by increased β-galactosidase activity, elevated p16 and p53 expression, nuclear translocation of p27, and reduced Lamin B1 levels. We also observed enhanced oxidative stress, particularly mitochondrial ROS, and impaired cell proliferation. Importantly, isoDGR disrupted endothelial monolayer permeability by altering tight junction (ZO-1) and adherens junction (VE-Cadherin) protein expression, increasing permeability and impairing cell migration. ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 expression was also increased in bEnd.3 cells. Together, these findings indicate that isoDGR promotes neuroinflammatory and neurovascular dysfunction, the hallmarks of neurodegenerative disease.
This thesis establishes isoDGR as a potential pathophysiological relevant driver of cellular dysfunction in the aging brain. Targeting DPMs such as isoDGR may represent a novel therapeutic approach to mitigate neurodegeneration and extend health-span.