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Society of Arts-Chemical Society.

ing" followed in order. On the subject of "thickeners," Dr. Calvert referred his audience for details to the paper "On Starches" (CHEMICAL NEWs, Vol I. p. 41). read by him before the Society on December 21, 1852. This is to be regretted, inasmuch as there have been a good many experiments made, and some improvements effected since the above date. The starch and gluten from maize had not, we believe, then been tried to any extent, while as a matter of course the paper in question gave no particulars of glue (as now used for thickening in Germany and elsewhere), albumen, caseine, lactarine, &c.

The lecturer's general observations on the "madder styles" were scarcely of sufficient importance to claim a place in these pages, and to his remarks on "dyeing" also we must take exception, as being imperfect and somewhat obscure; no mention whatever was made of the influence of atmospheric electricity and ozone upon the dyeing process; nor was the well known retarding and injurious effect of easterly winds in any way referred to; while the recent suggestions and experiments for artificial dyeing by chemical means likewise escaped all notice.

April 12, 1862.

of the same produced with "dianthine." He considered that more than one substance resulted from the process just mentioned, and thought he had detected in the dianthine, by means of the microscope, crystals of true alizarine. Dianthine, when treated by certain oxydising agents, and afterwards with alkalies, such as ammonia, in the presence of alcohol, afforded another colour of a scarlet tint, a weak solution of which he begged to hand round for inspection. These colours, he remarked in conclusion, would be practically tested in the course of the present year.

Mr. THOMAS WINKWORTH expressed a hope that Dr. Calvert would, at a later period, favour the Society with another paper on the subject he had only been able to treat of partly that night for want of a sufficiency of time. MR. GEORGE WALLIS would mention an interesting fact in connection with the question. Mr. Rummey, of Manchester, had, at his suggestion, undertaken to illustrate the chemistry of calico-printing at the forthcoming Exhibition by a complete series of specimens of the substances used. He remarked that there With regard to " drug substitutes," the various double were many ingenious labour-saving machines for calicophosphates and arsenites of soda and lime, the silicates, printing he had seen in operation in America, a descripborates, and arsenites of potassa and soda, have all been em- tion of which might well be laid before the people of this ployed of late years with various results. In the way of country. He had not seen any in use in England, but the processes of “ washing,” “cleaning," and "finishing," | might at some future time bring the subject under the the improvements effected during the last decade being notice of the Society. chiefly confined to the minor details, call for no special notice here, and the same observation applies to the various processes of the indigo style.

In "spirit colours," the chief advances have been made (in 1855) by Mr. Robert King and Mr. G. Burch. Pigment printing has also received an increased impetus since 1851, chiefly from the introduction of the aniline colours, and the consequent employment of animal and coagulated mordants. Mr. Lightfoot's tannate of gelatine process has many merits in this way, for the coal tar colours. Dr. Calvert concluded his paper by remarking upon the wonderful commercial progress made by the art of calico printing. In 1830 about 2,000, coo pieces were printed. The number of pieces exported, according to Mr. Potter, amounted in 1851 to 6,465,000, and in 1857 to no less than 27,000,000.

The CHAIRMAN having invited discussion upon the very important and striking paper which Dr. Crace Calvert had just read,

MR. JONES gave the old story about Lo kao and the Roman Catholic Missionary, and mentioned the value of the article as being about 5s. per ounce.

MR. QUIN announced himself superintendent of the chemical department of the International Exhibition, and could bear his testimony as to what might be expected from Mr. Rummey's series of specimens.

The CHAIRMAN said he was sure they were all indebted to Dr. Calvert for having brought the subject before them, and also to Mr. Wentworth Scott for his practical remarks. He hoped that gentleman would be led to continue his researches. He (Mr. Scott) had gone to the extent of obtaining what he proposed to call" Dianthine," and had got results which led him to think he had also formed alizarine. If this substance could be obtained at all, it could be had in any quantity when once the right method of preparing it was known. He hoped Mr. Wallis would be induced to give them, from his large experiences, some insight into the American machinery he had referred to, on a future occasion; and that Mr. Winkworth's suggestion would not be lost sight of. He, in conclusion, begged to propose a vote of thanks to Dr. Calvert for his able and interesting paper.

The vote of thanks having been cordially given, Dr. Crace Calvert made a suitable reply, and the meeting then adjourned.

CHEMICAL SOCIETY.

Thursday, April 3, 1862

Mr. WENTWORTH SCOTT said, in relation to aniline-red, it was, he believed, the general impression that it could only be produced by the action of oxydising agents upon uniline, its formation by other means having scarcely been ever hinted at. He begged, however, to exhibit a specimen of the colour produced by heating aniline (without the intervention of any oxydising agent at all), mixed with pure sand and pieces of pumice-stone, in a sealed tube, for several days, and under a slight pressure. The temperature employed was about 220° F., but the process, although curious in a scientific point of view, was of no practical value, being very uncertain. On the subject of naphthaline colours he felt himself more at home, having devoted his attention to them for a lengthened period. Dr. A. W. HOFMANN, F.R.S., President, in the Chair. About six years ago-viz., in 1856-he attempted to form DR. H. DEBUS gave a discourse "On the Influence of the alizarine artificially from binitro-naphthaline, and obtained Quantitative Method in the Development of Scientific a brilliant red-colouring matter, which, early in 1857, he Chemistry." He stated that Lavoisier was the first to showed to his friends, Dr. B. W. Richardson and Dr. J. introduce this method of investigation, and that the great Forbes Watson. This red colour (which he provisionally effect produced by it would be apparent on examining the named "dianthine," from the carnation tint of its alcoholic state of the science before his time. Very different notions solution) was obtained by a process differing in many then prevailed as to the chemical constitution of sub. respects from the more recent one of M. Roussin. He stances; metals were considered to be compound bodies, considered that some hydrocarbon, like sulphhonaphthalic composed of their oxides and a substance called phlogiston, acid, or naphthaline itself, should be added to the acid the oxide being considered as an elementary body; sulsolution of binitro-naphth.aline, as well as a reddening phuric acid was considered an element, and sulphur a agent, and that M. Roussin employed too high a tempera- compound of sulphuric acid and phlogiston. The word element at that time had nearly the same meaning as it has at present, namely, a body obtained by chemical

ture.

Mr. Scott further showed several specimens of wool dyed at Huddersfield with madder, and his own imitations

NEWS

1862.

decomposition, the real elements of Nature being a matter of speculation only, and not to be discovered by chemistry; so that sulphuric acid was not considered a real element or substance that could not be further decomposed. Combustion was considered as an analysis; and it was worthy of remark that the history of the views entertained as to the nature of combustion might be considered as the history of the science. A combustible substance such as wood was supposed to consist of volatile matter and ash, the volatile matter and ash being together equal in weight to the wood; the fire observed during the combustion being some escaping matter. The oxides of metals were called ashes, from their supposed analogy to the ashes of wood. It was noticed that some substances burnt better than others, which was attributed to their containing some substance which escaped during combustion, and to this substance various names were given, such as sulphur, oil, fat, &c. It was afterwards suggested that in all combustible bodies it was one and the same principle that escaped, and to this the name of phlogiston was given. Charcoal was supposed to be very rich in phlogiston, so that when heated with an oxide it gave up some of its phlogiston, which combined with the oxide and produced a metal. There were two great facts which did not agree with this theory, one of which was that air was necessary for combustion; to explain this it was supposed that air acted merely as a receiver of the matter set free, or as a solvent. The other objection was that metals become heavier when burnt, which was believed to be due to the loss of the heavenly fire; very little attention was paid to the increase of weight, for weight was considered not an essential property of matter. The discovery of the decomposition of oxide of mercury into mercury and oxygen by heat was another blow to the theory, for there was no substance present to impart phlogiston to the oxide. At the same time it was discovered that phosphorus and sulphur increased in weight when burnt, and that air was absorbed. The quantitative method of research being now adopted, the progress of the science was rapid. Lavoisier and others determined the composition of air, of various acids, and of water. Other questions then arose as to the quantitative composition of bodies; some supposing that substances might combine in any proportion unless physical causes interfered, while others, on the contrary, imagined that they combined indefinite proportions. Dalton's atomic theory was supposed to bear out this latter view. As soon as it was discovered that substances combined in definite proportions, the energies of chemists were directed towards determining these proportions. The next question was as to the manner in which the elements were arranged in compound bodies, and this was still a matter of dispute, various views being entertained on the subject according to the various ways in which substances could be decomposed, the composition of the body being expressed by a rational formula; but it was doubtful what these rational formulæ were considered to express, as they merely showed the manner in which the body behaved under the action of certain reagents, these rational formulæ being almost indefinite in number, and it was impossible to unite them into one. On the whole, it would appear from a comparison of the present mode of research with the ancient, that the difference consisted in the quantitative nature of the present method; the ancients merely noticing the qualitative appearance of substances under different circumstances. It had been remarked that in every branch of science there is only as much true science as there is mathematics; and this had proved to be the case with chemistry, for since the introduction of quantitative research the advance had been much more rapid than before.

The PRESIDENT remarked that the ancient phlogistic theory conveyed both a lesson and a caution; a lesson because it showed the value of a theory, and a caution not

to rely too much on any theory, however it may appear to suit the wants of the time.

Dr. FRANKLAND considered that we might learn from it the great value of a theory even if false, for it served as a spur to investigation; with regard to the types to which the constitution of bodies should be referred, he would urge the necessity of chemists coming to some definite understanding.

NOTICES OF BOOKS.

Albemarle Street.

Metallurgy. By JOHN PERCY, M.D., F.R.S. John Murray, [THIRD NOTICE.]

IN the chapter entitled "Historical Notices on Coppersmelting in Great Britain," the author remarks, that "it would be difficult to select in this country a more eligible site for copper-smelting works than Swansea, and this for two reasons. The first is, that it is a good seaport, which is only at a short distance from Cornwall and Devonshire, the two counties in which the greatest amount of copper-ore is raised, and it is also easily accessible to vessels conveying ore, or products containing copper, from South America, Australia, and other parts of the world. The second is, that extensive collieries exist in the immediate vicinity, from which an abundant supply of coal can be obtained at a low price."

Dr. Percy gives a very faithful pictorial representation of Swansea, with its dense cloud of copper-smoke overhanging the town and stretching far out to sea,—a feature in the landscape which enables the site to be recognized from the opposite coast of Devonshire at a distance of nearly thirty miles. In reference to this practical difficulty, the author quaintly remarks, that "the inhabitants of Swansea generally seem to be habituated to the inhalation of the smoke, and to submit to the evil, if evil it be regarded, with unmurmuring resignation." Renewed efforts have of late been directed to the suppression of these noxious vapours, and to the recovery of the sulphur, arsenic, and even copper itself, which escape from the chimney-stacks in the ordinary method of roasting the ore. We are not informed whether any of these suggestions have as yet been practically carried out; if not, the subject is one well worthy of earnest investigation.

It will be impossible in this place to follow the author through all the intricate details of copper-smelting as practised in Liverpool, South Wales, Sweden, Saxony, Chili, and even in India and Japan. These processes are very fully described, and illustrated by numerous sketches of furnaces, implements, &c., drawn to scale, and accompanied by particulars of actual dimensions. The chemical changes which occur in this series of operations are explained by frequent reference to tables of analyses of the crude and refined copper, and the several varieties of regulus and slag. From these statements it appears that the amount of copper retained by the slag when thrown upon the refuse heap should never exceed 5 per cent. ; that the "coarse metal" 1 ses gradually both sulphur and iron in all the stages of purification, giving rise to products distinguished according to their colour and other physical characters by the names of "red-metal"" "bluemetal," "sparkle-metal," "white metal," &c., and in which the proportion of copper is therefore progressively increasing. From the richer kinds of regulus the pure metal is eventually separated in the form of "pimple blister copper," with simultaneous production of a darkred slag containing often as much as thirty per cent. of copper, chiefly in the state of suboxide.

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Great interest must be felt in the efforts made from time to time with the object of curtailing the old and somewhat tedious method of copper-smelting. Some few pages are occupied with the description of the "wet processes" of

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Notices of Books-Notices of Patents.

Messrs. Bankhart and others, which are especially worthy of consideration from the circumstance that they aimed at employing an entirely new principle in the reduction of copper. According to the terms of Mr. Frederick Bankhart's patent (dated August 7, 1845), the finely-ground copper pyrites, or other sulphuretted ore, was spread out upon the bed of a roasting-furnace so constructed that the smoke and products of combustion from the fuel were not allowed access to the charge of ore, which was, on the contrary, subjected throughout the process of roasting to the full oxidising influence of a current of air. Under these circumstances the sulphide of copper was converted into sulphate, which could afterwards be extracted by washing with water. The solution obtained in this manner was reduced to metallic copper by the action of scrap iron, and the precipitated metal collected, fused, and cast into ingots. This process was, however, ultimately abandoned by the inventors, who are understood to be working on the old plan at the present time.

1861.

CHEMICAL NEWS,
April 12, 1862.

NOTICES OF PATENTS.

1328. Candles. M. D'ALBYTRE, Paris. Dated May 27, In carrying out this invention the patentee melts a quantity of tailow by a steam heat over a water bath, or, by preference, over an open fire. When melted he adds essence of spikenard, and at the same time a small proportion of precipitated alumina, which latter ingredient is intended to aid in the separation of colouring and suspended impurities. He next adds a concentrated solution of chloride of zinc, and continues the application of heat with frequent stirring. A small quantity of chloride of lead and dry chloride of zinc are finally added, and the mass kept fused for at least an hour. When the materials have become very dark coloured, and the action is judged to be complete, the melted fat is poured into water and the product em. ployed in the manufacture of candles, which are said to be very superior in quality, having the consistence and transparency of white wax.

By the action of chloride of zinc upon tallow, products are obtained which have a much higher fusing point than the original fat, and are for this reason better adapted for candle-making. In employing the volatile chloride of lead, there is, however, a possibility of noxious metallic fumes making their escape during the combustion of the candle, 1273. Obtaining Electric Currents for Telegraphic Purposes. D. G. FITZGERALD, Cambridge Street, London. Dated May 18, 1861. (Not proceeded with.)

In the case of a high-priced metal like copper, it is of the greatest importance that an accurate method should be adopted in the analytical examination of its ores and products. Great care is bestowed upon the grinding and mixing of the ore, so as to produce a uniform heap, from which samples are taken and assayed before the lot is offered for sale. The interests of the miner and smelter are here somewhat opposed, and it has become the practice not only to allow a margin to cover loss during the transportation of the ore, but for the smelters to require that the assay shall be performed and the valuation based upon the result obtained by following a conventional process of analysis, viz., the Cornish method of dry assay. Dr. Percy In arranging a voltaic series for the purpose of producing communicates some very interesting particulars relative an electric current for telegraphic signals, the inventor to the mode of conducting the sales by ticketings," a uses the earth as one of the battery cells in the combination. system of purchase by auction, according to which the He, therefore, imbeds in the earth, at suitable distances, the smelters hand in a sealed packet, or tender-sheet, naming positive and negative plates, forming a voltaic couple, the terms of their offer, when the lot is passed to the which may consist of the same metals, and be excited in highest bidder. The associated copper-smelters employ a similar manner with each battery cell of the series. assayers who act in concert, compare their analytical Porous diaphragms may be used in the construction of results, and agree upon a uniform list of products, which the earth battery; and, with regard to the mode of making in most cases is kept secret, and is supposed to guide their connection, one of the poles is placed in contact with the employers in bidding for the ores. The author manages line wire, the other pole being united with the appropriate to give the kind of information contained in the copper-terminal of an ordinary galvanic battery, and the circuit ore circulars of Swansea and Redruth; and (at page 490) is otherwise completed in the usual manner. The patentee inserts a table of comparative results by the Cornish and occasionally employs an earth couple in combination with wet modes of assay, revealing the error from loss to which galvanic batteries at both stations, instead of one terminus the old system in common use is liable. only.

A few instances of these discrepancies, extracted from the table, are appended:

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Dry assay.
Cornish method.
Associated
Smelters Per-centage of
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26.30

14 15
13'97
10'97

Sellers'

produces.

Copper pyrites, quartz, &c.

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1274. Batteries for Producing Voltaic Electricity, together with certain Metallic Products. D. G. FITZGERALD, Cambridge Street, London. Dated May 18, 1861. (Not proceeded with.)

THE inventor constructs a voltaic arrangement of the plate of iron, and a metallic salt, the acid of which has a greater power of affinity for the iron than for the metal of the salt. The metallic salt is therefore reduced, the metal being precipitated and forming a product of commercial value. In order to confine the deposit to one of the elements only in each separate couple, the remaining plate or element is surrounded with a porous diaphragm, and this plate excited, if preferred, with a mineral acid. The negative plate in any arrangement is that on which the deposit of metal is formed; and a series of pairs may be placed in communication precisely as in the case of the ordinary forms of voltaic batteries.

The guiding principle in the construction and action of this battery is very similar to that employed in the arrangements of Professor Daniell and later experimenters. The use of iron as the positive element appears, at first sight, to have an advantage over zinc on the score of economy; but it must be remembered that this metal cannot be amalgamated, and that, whether the circuit is open or closed, the iron is constantly undergoing solution and evolving hydrogen, thus giving rise to local action on that

plate, which goes far to counterbalance the consideration | 1345 Refining and Purifying Iron, and Converting the same of a lower cost.

1278. Electric Telegraph Apparatus. W. CLARK, Chancery Lane, London. Dated May 18, 1861. By means of clock-work mechanism, governed and regulated by electricity, the inventor has succeeded in making the ordinary writing telegraph apparatus answer the double purpose of manipulator, or sending instrument, and that upon which the message is received.

1329. Electric Telegraph Cables or Ropes. C. S. DUNCAN, Kildare Terrace, Bayswater. Dated May 27, 1861. THE patentee claims the application of cane in strips, sections, or fibres, or the natural cane bored out in the manner described, to electric telegraph wires or conductors of every description. Secondly, the application of cane twisted together with hemp, coir, or other suitable fibre. Thirdly, the use of the same materials in conjunction with iron or steel wire. Further claims have reference to the manner of making joints, loading the cable, and other details of mechanical construction.

Cane is distinguished among the several vegetable structures of its class, by possessing many valuable qualities which render it particularly suitable for the application in question. Its comparatively low cost, rigidity and indestructibility, combined with the known insulating properties of its exterior silicious coating, may be enumerated as constituting some of its most prominent features and advantages. It might even be improved, we think, by treatment with tar or fatty matters, which filling the interstices, would render it impervious to moisture, and most effectually protect it from decay.

1336. Coke. P. A. MILLWARD. Wednesbury. Dated May 28, 1861. (Not proceeded with.) THIS invention refers to the production of coke from coal or slack of any description, but particularly from the nonbituminous kinds, such as the "Thick Coal" of South Staffordshire, the "New Mine," and similar varieties. The coal to be converted requires in some cases to be reduced to powder, it is then charged into retorts, which are closed as nearly air-tight as possible, and in this state exposed to heat in ovens of suitable construction, or they may be placed in the tunnel-heads or flues of any furnaces, so that they may be roasted for a period of time varying with the quality of the coal and the weight of the charge. Such an expedient must undoubtedly be attended with the dangerous consequences of generating gas and steam in closed vessels; there is no question, however, that in the event of the retort being strong enough to withstand the internal pressure, the conditions for securing the production of an adherent coke from these non-caking coals will have been in every way fulfilled.

1338. Matches. R. M. LETCHFORD, Old Montague Street, London. Dated May 29, 1861.

THIS invention has for its object the production of matches at a low cost, free from sulphur and from objectionable odour. It consists in dipping the ends of the wooden splints into melted paraffin, or in saturating them with paraffin oil, prior to their being tipped with either of the ordinary ighting compositions. The patentee prefers to use solid paraffin oil alone for this purpose, but he claims also the employment of stearin or Japan wax, in combination with paraffin.

It would not appear to be an easy task to prepare matches free from objectionable odour by the use of any ordinary sample of paraffin oil. Stearin has been long and extensively employed in match-making as a substitute for sulphur, and although solid paraffin may be equally efficient, it is more costly, and burns with a smoky flame.

into Steel. W. E. NEWTON, Chancery Lane, London. A Communication. Dated May 29, 1861. (Not proceeded with.)

THE iron at the moment of production in the blast furnace, or by a subsequent treatment in a smelting furnace, is purified in the following manner: A charge of fuel is thrown into the furnace, and, when sufficiently ignited, a quantity of zinc ore, or the metal itself, is placed upon it; then the iron ore is charged upon the zinc, these materials being alternately supplied to the furnace as the process of reduction is accomplished. In order to increase the temperature of the blast, it is recommended to admit jets of steam along with the air through the tuyères; and to the combined action of zinc and steam is attributed the efficacy of the process in removing the impurities from the iron. Cast iron may be refined by subsequently melting in, a reverberatory furnace and treating with zinc and steam. With slight modification a kind of puddled steel may be produced as the result of this treatment.

Incrustations due to the volatilisation of oxide of zinc have been noticed as occurring accidentally during the reduction of certain kinds of iron ore in the Dowlais District. Zinc has usually been considered to exert a pernicious influence upon the quality of the pig; and its ore, blende, contains so large a proportion of sulphur that it cannot be deemed a desirable substance to introduce freely into the blast furnace. By itself, steam is known to have a beneficial action upon the melted iron, and to assist in removing both sulphur and silicium.

Notices to Proceed.

445. James Paterson, Middle Temple, London, "Improvements in means or apparatus for re-burning animal charcoal."-A communication from George Alexander Drummond, Montreal, Canada East.

455. James Paterson, Middle Temple, London, "Improvements in the use of animal charcoal."-A communication from George Alexander Drummond, Montreal, Canada East.-Petition recorded 20th Febrmary, 1862. 587. Bridge Standen, Salford, near Manchester, "Improvements in the preparation or manufacture of portable manure or fertilising compound, and in the collection or extraction therefrom of a certain liquid applicable to various purposes, and also in machinery or apparatus to be employed therein.'

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To the Editor of the CHEMICAL NEWS. SIR,-In one of your late issues you refer in a leading article to the Committee about to sit on the "Sewage of Towns Question," and that now is the time for the best plan. We believe that it is the good fortune of this Company to possess it. Certain we are that we can keep our drains clear, and our streams and rivers pure, better than by any other method yet discovered, and perhaps I might add to be yet discovered by our great men, for our plan allows no human excreta, rubbish, or ashes to enter the drains, but converts them at once into a manure powder,

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Chemical Notices-Answers to Correspondents,

which is proving itself every day a better and safer fertiliser than guano.

We shall be happy to show you the system if you are ever in this neighbourhood. Most probably we shall give evidence before Dr. Brady's Committee.-I am, &c.

THOMAS A. HANSON, Chairman. Sanitary Manure Company, Manchester, March 26, 1862.

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Presence of Phosphoric Acid in Primitive Rocks.-Schiel has confirmed (Silliman's Journal, vol. xxxi. p. 353) the discovery of the lamented Professor Fownes, in proving the presence of phosphoric acid in the earliest formations. Schiel found the acid in some trachytic

rock on the banks of the Sacramento.

Manganese in the Scoria from Old Copper Workings.—M. Terreil has analysed several specimens of scoria from old copper workings in the Island of Cyprus, and bas found in them a large proportion (30 per cent.) of sesquioxide of manganese. (Comptes-Rendus, t. liii. p. 1275.) He calls the attention of metallurgists to this fact, thinking that perhaps the ancient smelters may have found manganese useful in smelting copper pyrites.

Action of Iodine on Tin.M Personne has proved (Comptes- Kendus, t. liv. p. 216,) that when equivalent weights of tin react on each other, only biniodide of tin is formed, half the metal remaining unacted on. The proto-iodi 'e, he says, is never formed when the two bodies act directly on each other. Proto-iodide of tin is only formed by dissolving the metal in a concentrated solution of hydriodic acid, or by double decomposition. The protoiodide combines with oxide of tin in various proportions to form oxido-iodides. The action of iodine on tin is, therefore, exactly similar to the action of bromine and chlorine on the same metal.

II. ORGANIC CHEMISTRY.

Action of Sodium Amalgam on Oxide of Ethylene.-M. Wurz (Comptes-Rendus, t. liv. p. 280) placed an aqueous solution of oxide of ethylene with sodium amalgam in a freezing mixture. The next day he distilled the a kaline liquid formed, and discovered the presence of alcohol produced by the direct addition of hydrogen to the oxide of ethylene. H9+H2 = €2H ̧→. The liquid from which the alcohol was distilled contained glycol and poly-ethylenic alcohols. The paper from which we extract this fact also contains an account of the action of bromine on oxide of ethylene. M. Wurz mentions another fact which illustrates the basic properties of the oxide. When equal volumes of hydrochloric acid gas and the oxide are mixed, the gases disappear, and a hydrochlorate of the oxide or chlorhydric glycol is formed. M. Wurz has tried to re-convert aldehyde into alcohol by the direct ddition of hydrogen, but has not succeeded. Acetate of Cyanogen.-Schutzenberger thinks he as produced (Comptes-Rendus, t. liv. p. 154) acetate of nogen by acting on cyanate of silver by chloride of le. In the reaction, which was very energetic, several appear to have been formed, and although the

CHEMICAL NEWS, April 12, 1862.

author did not succeed in getting the acetate pure, he described its properties to be the following:-Colourless liquid, with a strong irritating odour, boiling about 80°C., decomposed by water, alcohol, and heat, and burning with a purple flame.

III. TECHNICAL CHEMISTRY.

Revivification of Animal Charcoal,- MM. Leblay and Cuisinier give (Comptes-Rendus, t. liv. p. 270) a new process for reviving exhausted animal charcoal. They find that the power of absorbing colouring matter is restored on treating the charcoal with weak boiling solution of caustic alkalies. They also say that the original absorbing power of the charcoal may be very much increased by pouring over it a weak solution of biphosphate of lime.

IV. ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY.

Estimation of Carbon in Iron.-E. Mulder has published a large work on the estimation of carbon in iron, in which, after reviewing all the other processes for esti mating carbon, and shoving them to be more or less defective, he gives the following as the best for the purpose. A long combustion tube of the hardest possible glass is drawn out at the end and plugged with asbestos. The tube is then filled two-thirds full of sand which has been ignited in oxygen. The iron filings, previously washed has been ignited in oxygen, are now placed in the tube, with sulphuric acid and then mixed with pumice which then a layer of oxide of copper, and lastly a plug of asbestos. A chloride of calcium tube is then connected, also a tube with peroxide of lead to retain sulphurous acid, then a drying tube with sulphuric acid and pumice, and lastly the potash apparatus. A stream of oxygen is then slowly passed, and the tube is heated first gently and then as strongly as possible. The success of the experiment seems tube was only half full, the author only obtained 4'42 per to depend a good deal on having enough sand. When his cent. of carbon. When two-thirds full, he obtained 5'02 per cent.-Chem. Centralblatt, 1862, s. 46.

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS.

All Editorial Communications are to be addressed to the EDITOR; and Advertisements and Business Communications to the PUBLISHER A the Office, 1, Wine Office Court, Fleet Street, London, E.C.

In publishing letters from our Correspondents we do not thereby adopt the views of the writers. Our intention to give both sides of a question will frequently oblige us to publish opinions with which we do not agree.

A Reader. We do not know the gentleman's address, but should think a letter addressed to him, care of the Secretary of the Chemical Society, Paris, would find him.

J. D.-The paper is prepared by mixing lard with lamp black into a stiff paste; rubbing it over writing paper with flannel, and wiping off the superfluous quantity with a soft rag.

Druggist Show Bottles.-A Constant Subscriber will find all the information he requires on this subject in our Second Volume, page 275. Bl aching Beesw x. - Enquirer. Pour the melted wax in a divided state on a revolving cylinder, partly immersed in water, so as to form it into fine ribbons; these are exposed to air and moisture till ble iched, and subsequently refined by melting in water containing sulphuric acid.

Soluble Glass.-C. Eades-Mix 10 parts of carbonate of potash, 15 parts of powdered quartz, and 1 part of charcoal. Fuse well together. The mass is soluble in 4 or 5 parts of boiling water, and the filtered solution, evaporated to dryness, yields a transparent glass permanent in

the air.

P. T.-We regret we cannot furnish the desired information. You had better apply to Mr. Condy, the patentee.

Strychnine-Can any correspondent inform H. C. W. of the best method of extracting strychnine from nux vomica? J. J.-Declined with thanks.

Mulder on the Assay of Silver.-The entire work, translated from the original Dutch, by Dr. A. Adriani, has been in our hands for a considerable time. It is of considerable value, and we regret that circumstances will oblige us to discontinue the publication for the present. also, page 195, line 6 from bottom, for "tartaric" read "carbonie." ERRATA.-Page 177, 2nd col., line 9, instead of "334," read " "634";

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