Professor Rybczynski of architecture at McGill University, investigated privacy and comfort. It was in the 17th century Netherlands where comfort is seen in the interiors of Vermeer.

It is strange to realize how many things that are taken for granted as natural and eternal were invented at a specific time and place. Not just objects like electrical appliances but attitudes and perceptions. Like privacy, for example. Or the need for physical comfort. What is comfort, anyway, and…

S. S. Rotterdam of the Holland-America line is “perhaps a little” faster, but the money has been invested on solid Dutch comfort.

The slowest de luxe liners on the trans-Atlantic run are big, broad boats sailed by big, broad Dutchmen. Into Manhattan last week hove the S. S. Rotterdam, fresh from a $1,000,000 overhaul.

“Is she any faster?” chorused reporters who think speed is news.

“Well, gentlemen, perhaps a little,” said Mynheer Adrian…