92 New Electric Current Regulator. Acid-Finely divided platinum did not reduce the acid, but the metal charged with hydrogen immediately gave the odour of sulphurous acid when the sulphuric acid was poured on it. Platinum charged with hydrogen also reduces sulphuric acid. In conclusion, the authors give the results of some experiments made by plunging a small piece of sheet magnesium into an excess of strong nitric acid diluted with an equal bulk of water. The metal dissolved in one or two seconds, gas being given off which was combustible and explosive and contained hydrogen. The authors claim to have demonstrated the possibility of the replacement of hydrogen in nitric acid by a metal, and to have established the close likeness of character, and therefore of condition, between the so-called nascent hydrogen and the hydrogen occluded by metals. Dr. ARMSTRONG said that he had not stated in the paper referred to by Dr. Gladstone that occluded hydrogen had no action on nitric acid, but had asked the question has occluded hydrogen, &c.? He had dissolved some pure nickel, given to him by Dr. Russell, in nitric acid and obtained hydrogen, whereas crude nickel gave none. He therefore concluded that the pure nickel might contain some occluded hydrogen. Though admitting the extreme value of the authors experiments, he did not quite agree with all their conclusions. Dr. RUSSELL said that he had heated and pumped the nickel referred to repeatedly, but had never succeeded in obtaining any hydrogen. Dr. WRIGHT suggested that the metal might contain a trace of oxide, and when heated the hydrogen would be converted into steam. Dr. GLADSTONE briefly replied and then took the chair. Mr. J. T. BROWN then read a short paper "On some Methods of Vapour-Density Determinations." The author criticises the methods and especially the formulæ of Hofmann, Wertheim, W. M. Watts, Goldschmidt, Frerichs, and Meyer. As the actual tensions of the vapour of mercury under various conditions are not known the author suggests that they might be determined by estimating the vapour-tension of a substance over Wood's metal and mercury at different temperatures. He offers the suggestion in the hope that some one will take up the subject. Wood's metal is à fusible alloy, composed of Bi15, Pb8 Sn4 Cd3. Drs. WITT and ARMSTRONG pointed out that the new method suggested by Meyer was almost perfect, as exact results could be obtained by it with facility. The SECRETARY then read a paper " On the Decomposition-Products of Quinine and the Allied Alkaloids," by J. J. DOBBIE and W. RAMSAY. In a previous paper the authors gave the results of their experiments on the oxidation of quinine by permanganate. In the present paper the authors have extended their investigation to the oxidation-products of quinidin, cinchonin, and cinchonidin. All these bodies yield, by oxidation with permanganate, acids which are physically and chemically identical. This acid, the authors prove by analysis, &c., to be tricarbo-pyridenic acid. They give in detail the method employed. More than 10 per cent of the acid was obtained from each base. The paper contains an account of the properties and form of crystallisation of the acid, with many analyses. The acid is tribasic. Potash, soda, ammonia, silver, calcium, barium, strontium, zinc, and copper salts were prepared, and are described. The formula deduced from the analysis of the acid and its salt is C8H5NO6+1H2O. The result of the present investigations confirms the conclusions previously arrived at by the authors, viz., that there is a close relation between the cinchona bark alkaloids and the bases of the pyridin series, and proves that the four principal alkaloids derived from the cinchona bark all yield on oxidation the same acid. In conclusion the authors draw attention to the fact that their first paper was published March, 1878, and that in the Ber. der Deut. Chem. Gesell., Feb. 11, 1879, is a paper by Hoogeweiff and Von Dorp, which confirms the authors researches as regards quinine. CHEMICAL NEWS, {February 28, 1879. The Society then adjourned to March 6, when the fol lowing papers will be read :-"The Quantitative Blowpipe Assay of Mercury," by G. Attwood; "On Gas Analysis and Gas Apparatus," by J. W. Thomas; "The Isomeric Dinaphthyls," by Watson Smith; "On the Action of Isomorphous Salts in Exciting the Crystallisation of Supersaturated Solutions of each other," by J. M. Thomson. PHYSICAL SOCIETY. Ordinary Meeting, February 22, 1879. Prof. W. G. ADAMS, President, in the Chair. NEW Members-Rev. Coutts Trotter, Prof. G. D. Liveing, Dr. C. SIEMENS described his New Electric Current Dr. COFFIN said that he had thought of a regulator in which the heating of a wire spiral in a gaseous chamber would cause the gas to expand and drive up a mercury column past a series of contacts, which would throw resistances in circuit. Dr. GUTHRIE Suspected from some experiments of his NEWS 28, 1879 that the conductivity of metals was not strictly propor- | tional to their sectional area. Dr. SCHUSTER then gave the results of some observations of his on the Spectrum of Lightning. These were made by a spectroscope with two prisms, one for the red and the other for the blue end of the spectrum, which were shifted into the line of sight by a chamber arrangement. Three observations were made, one at Las Ammas, one at Maniton, and one at Salt Lake City, last year. These showed the three nitrogen lines, with three well-defined bands, and one doubtful band. The nitrogen lines correspond to the spectrum of air, and the bands appear to Dr. Schuster to agree with the spectrum of the light round the negative pole of the spark in a tube containing oxygen with adulteration of carbonic oxide. Inventions in the Exhibition of 1851, and was also named Treasurer for payment of all executive expenses in the original Commission. During his term of office the Society of Arts has flourished as it never previously did, and owing in no small degree to his exertions it has quadrupled its number of members and increased its resources in a still greater proportion. Much of its work was originated by the late Secretary, and all of it was carried out by him. From his boyhood upwards Mr. Foster took a keen and enlightened interest in many branches of science. He was one of the first to take up and practice, as a scientific amateur, the art of photography, and on this subject he has written a good deal in the pages of the Photographic and other periodicals. He was one of the Founders of the Photographic Society, and was on its Council for many years. He was President of the Quekett Microscopical Club for a year, and also served for some time on the Council of the British Association, the meetings of which he has attended regularly for the past twenty years. For many years he acted as Secretary of the Mechanical Section of the Association. He read several papers before the Society of Arts, and was, of course, a constant contributor to its Journal, the whole series of which, from the middle of the first volume, was published under his direction. Prof. AYRTON then exhibited an Exisothermal Model of a Cooling Globe. If we imagine a globe initially heated throughout to a uniform temperature (as was probably the earth), and then kept in a space having a constant temperature but much lower than that to which the globe was heated, then the temperature at every point of the ball will fall, but at very different rates, the parts for example near the surface cooling comparatively rapidly, while those near the centre will cool very slowly. A surface could, therefore, be constructed, such that the x of any point on this surface represented its distance from the centre of the globe, the y the time t from the commencement of the cooling, and the the temperature of that point at that moment. The nature of this surface would depend on the size of the globe, on the specific heat, conductivity, and surface emissivity of the material. Now the Experiments on the Heat Conductivity in Stone" of Profs. Ayrton and Perry, described in the Philosophical Magazine for April, 1878, enables them to determine these constants accurately for a trachyte sphere, and by using these data they have been enabled subsequently to construct such a surface called by them an "exisothermal" one for a trachyte globe of 8000 miles in diameter, and which gives graphically the temperature of every single point of the earth from the moment when it was at the CHEMICAL NOTICES FROM FOREIGN temperature of molten trachyte down to eight hundred thousand million years afterwards, that is, until long after the present era. OBITUARY. PETER LE NEVE FOSTER, M.A. THE Society of Arts has just sustained a severe and sudden loss by the death of its well-known Secretary, Mr. Peter Le Neve Foster. On Thursday, February 20, immediately on his return to his own house at Wandsworth, Mr. Foster was seized with a sudden attack of heart disease, and some of his family coming into the room, where he had been sitting by himself for a few minutes reading the newspaper, found that he had fallen back from his chair, dead. So little expected was the illness that he had finished his ordinary day's work at his office, and had even walked up from the railway station to his own house. Mr. Foster was born August 17, 1809, and was the son of Mr. Peter Le Neve Foster, of Lenwade, Norfolk. He was educated under Dr. Valpy, at the Norwich Grammar School, from whence he went up to Trinity Hall, Cambridge. After having taken his degree as Thirty-eighth Wrangler in the Mathematical Tripos of 1830 he was elected Fellow of his College. He was called to the Bar at the Middle Temple in 1836, and practised as a Conveyancer till he became Secretary to the Society of Arts in 1853. Mr. Foster was intimately associated with all the earlier great exhibitions. He was appointed to carry into effect the provisions of the Act for the Protection of Mr. Foster leaves behind him a very numerous body of friends, to all of whom his genial and kindly character had endeared him. On the occasion of his completion of twenty-five years' service as Secretary, a strong committee was formed to present Mr. Foster with a testimonial. The list for this was just about to be closed, the amount subscribed being over £1200. Under present circumstances it is probable that a fresh effort will be made to increase this amount, so that a fitting memorial may be presented to Mrs. Foster. SOURCES. Biedermann's Central-blatt. Comparative Observations of Rain-fall According to Fautrat's Method.-A. Johnen.-The author found the quantity of rain in a beech-wood 13 per cent greater than in the open country. In a pine-wood the excess was only 2 per cent. Cohesive Power of Various Kinds of Soil.-Prof. F Haberlandt.-The author moistened different kinds of earth with water, moulded them into cylinders of equa size, and ascertained their "breaking weight" in the usual manner. The cohesive power is affected chiefly by its mechanical structure, not by its degree of fineness. 94 Chemical Notices from Foreign Sources. Heat-capacity of the Constituents of Soils.-Dr. C Lang. The specific heat of the several constituents of soils differs much less if referred to volume than to weight. Manure Experiments on the Agricultural Trialfield of the University of Giessen.-Prof. A. Thaer.— The quantity of nitrogen given to a selected "morgen" of land in the form of manures during seven years amounted to 89.5 lbs. The crops reaped during the same years contained together 198 69 lbs. of nitrogen. Consequently the soil had given 109:19 lbs. nitrogen more than it had received. Hence, whilst the manures furnished 45 per cent of the nitrogen in the crops, the atmosphere had yielded 55 per cent. CHEMICAL NEWS, {February 28, 1879? Every soil has at some degree of moisture a minimum | regarded as a very valuable contribution, containing as Moisture Albuminoids.. 11'75 13.21 4:28 4'24 67.24 Trade Cattle Foods.-Dr. E. Wein, Prof. J. Nessler, Prof. A. Mayer, and Prof. R. Heinrichs.-According to the above chemists the composition of an English cattle food isWein. Nessler. Mayer. 13'72 12'9 9'4 3.6 66'9 3.6 3.6 Wein and Mayer, from chemical and microscopical evidence, conclude that the food is composed of equal parts of bruised maize and locust-beans, and that the essential oil of a plant of the umbelliferous order has been added. Another English cattle food in the form of cake contained also a large proportion of locust-beans. Non-azotised extractive Justus Liebig's Annalen der Chemie, Synthesis of Tin-phenyl-compounds.-Dr. B Aron heim. This paper contains an account of tin-phenylchloride and of its derivatives tin-diphenyl-hydroxylchloride, tin-phenyl-oxide, tin-phenyl-dichloride, tinphenyl-chloro-bromide, tin-phenyl-chloro-iodide, tinphenyl-dibromide, and of the action of sodium ethylylate upon tin-diphenyl-dichloride and the formation of tintriphenyl-chloride by the action of sodium amalgam or of ammoniacal gas upon tin-phenyl-chloride. Studies on Phosphates.-E. Erlenmeyer.-A very detailed account of mono-ferro-phosphate, including its behaviour with water and alcohol; of mono-ferri-phosphate, of mono-diferri-phosphate, ditri-ferri-phosphate, tri-ferri-phosphate, mono-aluminium-phosphate, and trialuminium-phosphate. Contributions to the History of the Naphthalin Series.-J. Stenhouse and C. E. Groves.-The authors describe B-naphtho-quinon, nitro-ß-naphtho-quinon, dinaphthyl-diquinhydron, dinaphthyl-diquinon, dinaphthyldiquinol, and dinaphthyl-diquinhydron. The authors have observed that benzo-quinon and a-naphtho-quinon yield diquinons and diquinols on condensation. Action of Potassic Bibromate with Sulphuric Acid upon Cholic Acid.-Dr. H. Tappeiner. The products obtained are cholesteric acid, stearic acid, lauric acid, and cholanic acid, which are here successively described together with certain of their derivatives. On Triphenyl-methan and Rosanilin.-E. and O. Fischer. This valuable treatise is unfortunately not susceptible of useful abstraction. MISCELLANEOUS. Gossip in the Provinces.-(From a Correspondent). -The subject of the greatest interest for chemists just now is the new phase of the water-analysis question. Dr. Tidy's paper, read before the Chemical Society, is generally Dr. Tidy did good work by protesting against the attemp We fear that Mr. Wanklyn has done extensive harm by Respecting the determination of the organic nitrogen of carbon of drinking-water, it is interesting to note that distinct advance has been made towards ready means of obtaining these data. Thus Dittmar has shown that accurate determinations of the nitrogen could be obtained by igniting the residue with soda and baryta-not with soda-lime, as stated by Mr. Hartley-and Dupré has quite recently described an easy method of estimating minute quantities of carbon. If these methods bear rigid examination there is a future for the disciples of Dr. Frankland that is very hopeful. What have chemists been about all these years that they leave it for a metal-broker to utilise the Bessemer process for treating sulphides? Mr. Hollway's paper at the Society of Arts fairly takes our breath away. Fancy blowing a stream of air through molten sulphide of iron for ten consecutive hours, and keeping up the temperature merely by the addition of lumps of raw pyrites. Mr. Hollway appears to have no difficulty in keeping up the temperature, but whether he will succeed in obtaining a fairly rich regulus without material loss of copper in the slag and by volatilisation is another question. One of the most curious points about the process is that more than half the sulphur appears to be liberated in a free state. As pyrites has always hitherto been treated in close vessels at comparatively low temperatures it may very possibly be that a different reaction occurs at a white heat. At any rate the analyses made seem to show that in the regulus H obtained there is often much less sulphur than corresponds to the formula FeS-a fact that points to the existence of a lower sulphide of iron than any hitherto recognised. The arguments which Mr. Lockyer has laid before chemists in support of his ideas respecting the dissociation of the elements, though ingenious and dealing with highly interesting and suggestive facts, have produced some feeling of disappointment. The definite and somewhat sensational reports which appeared in some of the daily papers had prepared chemists for facts more tangible than those ultimately adduced in support of the theory. Still Mr. Lockyer has got hold of a good idea, and one which will be certain to repay further investigation. Chemists will look forward to future accounts of his progress. Does Mr. Lockyer know that the identity of many of the chemical elements can be demonstrated mathematically? The following instance, proving the identity of chlorine and hydrogen is, we believe, due to Prof. Clifford, and affords a good illustration of the way in which chemists misapply algebraic symbols : HH+CICI = 2HC1 Royal Institution, 5. General Monthly Meeting. Royal Institution, 3. TUESDAY, 4th.-Civil Engineers, 8. Prof. Schäfer. Zoological, 8.30. "Animal Development," WEDNESDAY, 5th.-Society of Arts, 8. "The Social Necessity for THURSDAY, 6th.-Royal, 8.30. Royal Institution, 3. "Sound," Prof. Tyndall. and Gas Apparatus," by J. W. Thomas. The Isomeric Dinaphthyls," by Watson Smith. "On Society of Arts, 8. "The Plants of India Adapted for Commercial Purposes," by John R. Jackson. SATURDAY, 8th.-Royal Institution, 3. "Colbert and Richelieu," by by Mr. Walter H. Pollock. Physical, 3. "On a New Theory of Terrestrial TO CORRESPONDENTS. ERRATUM.-P. 67, col. 2, line 12 from top. The words "I am told the substance was not quite pure" applies only to the chrysene. The dinaphthyl was beautifully white and absolutely pure. W. E. Robinson and Co.-You had better advertise for a market in our columns. There are plenty of uses for the salt. J. G. H.-We regret we cannot give the desired information. Our correspondent had better advertise in the CHEMICAL NEWS. CULLEY'S PRACTICAL TELEGRAPHY. In One Volume, 8vo., with 132 Woodcuts and 18 Lithographic Plates of Machinery and Apparatus, Price 16s. WATTS'S DICTIONARY OF CHEMISTRY. A DICTIONARY of CHEMISTRY, and the Allied Branches of other Sciences; founded on that of the late Dr. Ure. By HENRY WATTS, B.A., F.R.S.; assisted by eminent Scientific and Practical Chemists. would point to this work as a model upon which others might be "The English language is not rich in lexicons of science. We framed. To the practical analyst this work must prove of the utmost value-to the philosophical investigator it must, as the record of all former labours, be a great gain-and to the student who is true to his studies, it will prove an ever-ready guide. Our manufacturers know the value of chemistry, and are many of them experts in the special branches of the science which bear on their particular industries. 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Edited by ROBERT HUNT, F.R.S., Keeper of Mining Records; assisted by numerous Contributors eminent in Science and familiar with Manufactures. Also VOL. IV. separately, completing the work to the present time, 8vo. with 440 Woodcuts, price 42s. London: LONGMANS and CO. A Technical Laboratory in London (speciality Coal-tar Products, Aniline Dyes, Anthracen, Artificial Alizarin) is open to receive two or three more Pupils for training in the technical and industrial pursuits.-Apply to M. 305, CHEMICAL NEWS Office, Boy Court, Ludgate Hill, London, E.C. A Chemist of Nine Years' standing, with ex tensive experience in all branches of the Science, and who has devoted special attention to oils and fats, will be open to an Engagement in April. Highest references.-Address, A., CHEMICAL NEWS Office, Boy Court, Ludgate Hill, London, E.C. Gentleman of business habits, with a good knowledge of practical chemistry, and well acquainted with several foreign countries, is desirous of an Engagement as Manager, with the view of becoming an active partner, in some well-established sound chemical works manufacturing acids, artificial manure, or aniline colours, and situated in or close to London. Highest references. Communications of principals or their solicitors only to be addressed to G. H., CHEMICAL NEWS Office, Boy Court, Ludgate Hill, London, E.C. Young Man, at present engaged in a Tar Work in Scotland, thoroughly experienced in manufacturing liquid ammonia, also sulphate of ammonia from gas liquor, and in refining of benzols and naphthas; with a knowledge of chemistry, German, and French, wishes to improve his position.-Address, S.H., Craigelea Chemical Works, Paisley. Wanted, an Engagement as Junior Labora tory Assistant with a firm of Analysts or an Analytical Chemist. Has studied synthesis and analysis for two years. Salary not so much an object as advancement. Highest references, &c.-Address, E. A., Reilly, 17, Bloomsbury Square, W.C. Wanted, a Laboratory Man. Apply person ally, between 2 and 4 p.m., or by letter, to A. V., 11, Salisbury Square, Fleet Street, E.C. Wanted, Hydrated Sesquioxide of Iron (native) in powder or soft lumps. Must be nearly free from manganese or other impurities. Samples, with price per ton in casks, to be addressed" Ferrum," CHEMICAL NEWS Office, Boy Court, Ludgate Hill, London, E.C. A HANDBOOK OF PRACTICAL TELE. Copper Extracting Works (Wet Process). GRAPHY. By R. S. CULLEY, Member Inst. C.E. (Adopted by the Post Office and by the Department of Telegraphs for India.) The Seventh Edition, thoroughly revised and enlarged. London: LONGMANS and CO. Wanted, to Sell Three Hundred Tons of Cinders; would lend use of Works to extract them. A Complete Phosphorous Works to Let at a Nominal Rent.-Address, in first instance, G. J. 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These Collections are supplied on the ollowing terms, in plain Mahogany Cabinets: 100 Specimens, in Cabinet, with 3 Trays.. .. £2 20 550 10 10 21 More extensive collections at 50 to 5000 Guineas each. SAMUEL HENSON, MINERALOGIST, &c., MR. EDWARD T. BARRETT, 277, STRAND (LATE OF No. 113 A), LONDON, W.c. ACCOUNTANT AND FINANCIAL AGENT, Gives information without charge to Investors in Stocks and Shares, and conducts the Sale of ALL CLASSES OF SECURITIES Mortgages are also effected for inventors and others at fair rates. Advice and nstruction given in all matters of Account. Methylated Spirits.-David Smith Kidd, Licensed Maker, Commercial Street, Shoreditch, N.E., Also FINISH, FUSEL OIL, and RECT. NAPHTHA. |