to be necessary to buy proprietary articles. Owing to the suspected waste of nitric acid for dipping, pickling, &c., in the brass trade the Ministry of Munitions were investigating as to what should be the effective strengths of acids for such work.

Mr. E. W. SMITH (Birmingham Gas Department) said while it was desirable that works managers and foremen should have more chemical knowledge it was important that they, as chemists, should put their own house in order with regard to the junior chemists. It was quite out of the question to expect comparatively simple research work from them-the unfortunate tendency had been to make appointments on the basis of what appeared to be cheapness -and it was of the first importance that chemists and manufacturers should do all they could for the better training of junior chemists by allowing them time off for definite systematic study.

Mr. FRED C. A. H. LANTSBERRY (Birmingham Small Arms Co.) said if too much commercial knowledge were required from the works chemist the effect might be to prejudice the value of his effort in his proper sphere. Many men, in works laboratories, were not really chemists, and were unable to carry out rapid and reliable tests in relation to all sorts of works processes, &c. Further training was necessary. No difficulty should be experienced by the tactful chemist in working harmoniously with the works foremen; the latter's antagonism was not altogether surprising in view of the fact that the arrival of the works chemist often meant the beginning of a new régime. Mr. F. R. O'SHAUGHNESSY (Birmingham Tame and Rea Drainage Board) said rapid analysis by the chemist was often very necessary to meet the requirements of the commercial departments in relation to buying. The Midland industrial community did not sufficiently value the chemist, and the result was that there was much acid waste, in the sewers, from factories. A few years ago in the Birmingham district nitric acid was present in relatively large quantities, and there were hundreds of tons of sewage deposit containing 2 per cent of copper. The position has since improved.

Mr. T. F. E. RHEAD (Birmingham Gas Department) suggested that with the question of costs, in relation to materials used and to the working of plant, the chemist should be familiar.

Mr. F. H. ALCOCK (Birmingham) urged that a chemist was entitled to a portion of the profits his brains created; but frequently the chemist was not remunerated by his firm for big financial gains he had introduced.

In reply, Mr. CANNING said it was clear that if competition were successfully to be met after the war there must be a closer co-operation of science and industry. Many firms would spend money wisely by occasionally consulting chemists who specialised.

SOCIETY OF GLASS TECHNOLOGY.
Annual General Meeting, April 17, 1918.

Mr. FRANK WOOD, President, in the Chair.
AFTER the presentation of the Annual Report of the
Society and the balance sheet, the election of Officers for
the forthcoming Session took place.

Mr. WOOD then gave his Presidential Address. He began by reviewing the state of the glass industry at present as compared with its pre-war condition. The industry could be divided into eight important manufacturing sections, namely:-(1) Table and decorative ware, (2) plate and window glass, (3) optical glass, (4) chemical and scientific ware, (5) electric bulbs, &c., (6) pressed ware, (7) common glass bottles and jars, (8) flint glass bottles and jars. In a brief review of the outlook in each particular section, the following remarks were outstanding-In the table and decorative glass trade the British were supreme in pre-war days in quality of produc tion, but owing to unfair competition and cheap labour

abroad the output was almost negligible. The present shortage of labour was a severe handicap to this trade, but given three years of freedom of action and protected by a strong tariff, the table and decorative glass ware manufacturer would be in a strong unassailable position.

The plate and window glass trade has been well maintained during the war, and is developing. The position as to optical glass is hopeful, and care should be taken that the country is never again dependent upon supplies from abroad. The highly important branch of chemical and scientific glass ware was non-existent in this country before the war. The country was too indolent to realise its importance, and as Germany and Austria produced cheaply and well they ruled the markets. Now this type of glass ware can be produced in this country in bulk, and equal in standard to the best German, and protection is necessary to preserve this trade. The production of electric bulbs has developed enormously during the war, and the same may be said of pressed glass ware. Both branches need protection.

By far the largest section of the glass industry is the production of common glass bottles and jars. Manufacturers have risen to the occasion, and the help of improved machinery has supplemented output. The signs in this branch of the glass trade are very healthy. The same may be said for the flint glass and jar section.

The President then went on to appeal for united action in each section, both amongst masters and men. Each trade section should organise itself, and then federate with the other sections, so that the weaker sections would have the help of the larger. It would be a great disaster if small sections were neglected. The industry as a whole appreciated the assistance of the department of optical and glass ware munitions, and also of the Board of Trade, and this assistance would be of even greater value and more certain support would be given if all the sections were united.

After pointing out the valuable assistance rendered by the Glass Technology Department of the University of Sheffield to the glass trade, and after voicing a warm eulogy of Dr. W. E. S. Turner, the President stated that he had every confidence in the future of the glass industry. After a sleep of fifty years, broken at times by many bad dreams, it had at last awakened.

The next portion of the Address dealt with the needs of the glass industry as regards raw materials. Data had been gathered and was placed before the meeting by means of lantern-slides, showing the amount of each raw material used per annum in the industry. At the same time the purity of materials was discussed. The concluding portion of the Address was a valuable contribution to the study of devitrification in glass. As is well known, tank furnaces are subject to devitrification on a large scale, this devitrification being known as "dogging." The formation of "dog" in reason is good, as it serves to protect the tank bottom. "Dog" in excess is very bad, as it gives rise to many difficulties and causes losses in output. The two best methods of preventing the formation of "dog," which is chiefly calcium silicate, are-(1) to increase the proportion of alkali in the batch, (2) to increase the proportion of alumina. The second method is to be preferred, as an increase of alkali means an increased attack on the sides and roof of the tank and also the formation of a less durable glass. The addition of alumina not only helps to prevent "dogging," but it means less attack on the tank walls and the production of a more durable tougher glass. For dark bottle glass sufficient alumina may be added by mixing with every 100 parts of batch from 5 to 6 parts of ground red brick. For light green bottle glass ground felspar should be substituted for the brick. Specimens of glass, melted by Miss A. M. Jackson, B.Sc., were shown to indicate the beneficial effect of felspar on bottle glass.

The President closed with an expression of thanks to the authorities of the University of Sheffield for their kindness and courtesy to the Society.

NEWS

The paper was one of the most important ever read before the Society, and many of the results when applied in works practice will be of vital importance. By means of a large number of slides the author showed the formation of various types of crystals in glass. He then went on to deal with questions of the effect of heat upon glass, pots, and furnace blocks, and showed by a wonderful collection of slides and diagrams the varied effect of the different constituents of fire-clays upon the life and durability of a glass pot or tank.

A full discussion of the various changes which take place was given, and parallels with natural processes were drawn. A set of microscopic slides and a numerous collection of specimens enhanced the value of the lecture, which was followed by an animated discussion.

The next meeting of the Society will be held on May 15 in London.

CORRESPONDENCE.

SILICA BRICKS.

To the Editor of the Chemical News. SIR, -In reply to your correspondent, E. L. B., in the CHEMICAL NEWS (vol. xvii., p. 157), I beg to say that I know of no authoritative work such as that for which he enquires, but if he should care to communicate with me personally I should be glad to supply him with such information as lay in my power.

In the event of his doing this, would he be explicit as to the kind of tests required?—I am, &c.,

JOHN JACKSON Grover,

Works Chemist, Fire-brick Works (M.G.).

24, South Road, Stourbridge, April 25, 1918.

SOURCES.

Comptes Rendus Hebdomadaires des Séances de l'Académie des Sciences. Vol. clxvi., No. 2, January 14, 1918. Action of Hydrobromic Acid upon Cinchonine and its Isomers, Cinchoniline, Cinchonigine, and Apocinchonine.-E. Léger.-Shraup has shown that C19H23 BrN20.2HBr is obtained. The author has further investigated this reaction, and also the action of HBr upon the isomers of cinchonine, and finds that two phenomena usually occur:-(i.) Addition of HBr. If, however, the four bases examined give the same compound with cinchonigine and apocinchonine another base, differing from hydrobromocinchonine is simultaneously produced; he suggests for it the name hydrobromoapocinchonine. (ii) HBr also produces phenomena of

when HBr acts on cinchonine the substance

somerisation.

No. 3, January 21, 1918.

New Preparation of the Fatty Nitriles by Catalysis. -Alphonse Mailhe.-The author has recently shown that very good yields of aromatic nitriles can be obtained by the direct action of gaseous ammonia upon the ether salts of acrylic acids in presence of a catalyst, such as thoria heated to a temperature of 470-480°. Precipitated alumina gives the same result, and it has now been found that the method can be applied to the preparation of the aliphatic nitriles. The author gives the details of the preparation and yields of isovaleronitrile, butyronitrile, and propionitrile.

No. 4, January 28, 1918.

Action of Methylene Iodide upon 1.4-Dimethylaminopentene.-Amand Valeur and Emile Luce.When a slight excess of methylene iodide acts at the temperature of the laboratory upon 1.4-dimethylaminopentene the product has empirical formula C8H17NI2. It behaves like an iodide of quaternary ammonium, and its structural formula appears to be CH2=CH.(CH2)3. N(CH3)2. CH2I.I. Thus a closed ring is not formed as is the case with iodine, but the methylene

the

iodids.

MISCELLANEOUS.

Royal Institution.-The Friday Discourse on May 17 will be delivered by Dr. A. B. Rendle, M.A., D.Sc., F.R.S., at 5.30 o'clock; the subject will be "The Story of a Grass."

The Lord Roberts Memorial Fund for Disabled Soldiers and Sailors.-(Patrons: H.M. the King and H.M. the Queen. President: Her Royal Highness the Princess Christian. Hon. Treasurer: Rt. Hon. Sir Frederick Milner, Bart., P.C. Organising Secretary, Extension Fund: J. G. Ketchen).-The Lord Roberts Memorial Workshops, situated in London and the provinces, are giving permanent employment to nearly 1200 men, disabled in the war by loss of limbs or wounds. The demand for greater provision for the increasing number of wounded, able and willing to undertake work, becomes more and more urgent; hence the inauguration of the Extension Fund for providing new buildings and plant. To help this fund a special appeal will be made in London and the suburbs during the week May 20 to 28, at hotels, shops, works, &c. No flags will be sold, nor will the collection be made in the streets, but the public will have the chance of filling model "Tanks" (made by the men in the workshops) with coins of the realm to aid this pressing, indeed imperative, work. Realising what these men have given up and suffered for us, should we not do all in ou power to alleviate their sufferings and show our gratitude for their heroism?

To comply with Regulation 8 (b) of the Defence of the Realm Act, advertisements from firms whose business consists wholly or mainly in Engineering, Shipbuilding, or the production of Munitions of War, or of substances required for the production thereof. must include the words "No person resident more than ten miles away or already engaged on Government work will be engaged."

hemical Laboratory Assistants (Lady) are

required at a Gunpowder Factory. Applicants must have had a good education, including training in Elementary Science.-Address, "Superintendent," care of James Willing, Ltd., 125, Strand, London, W.C. 2.

Chemist, Male or Female, wanted to carry out

Will Test in Factory near Southampton.-Write, stating age, experience, and salary required, to Box 99, care of Judd's, 97, Gresham Street, E.C. 2.

Lady Assistant Chemist (wanted in Rugby

district) who has passed either Inter. B.Sc., full B Sc., or Inter. A.I C. Examination; Organic and Inorganic Analytical Work. Organic includes large variety of Insulating and Electrical Engineering materials. Opportunity for progressive experience. Several Lady Chemists employed No person already on Government work will be engaged.-Apply, glving training, copies of testimonials, to your nearest Employment Exchange, quoting No. A 5221.

Metallurgical Chemist for Controlled Works

on North East Coast, with sound knowledge of the Analysis of Copper Alloys. Must have had experience with quick Electrolytic Methods of Analysis. The vacancy offers excellent postwar prospects to a really live man who is not afraid of work. No applicant will be considered under twenty-four yerrs of age. -Write, giving full particulars of experience, stating age and salary required, to the nearest Employment Exchange, mentioning the CHEMICAL NEWS and No. A 5151. No one at present on Government work need apply.

M en or Women Chemists, with University

training or its equivalent, wanted as Assistant Laboratory Chemists at an Explosives Factory. Apply in writing.-Address, "Chief Chemist," CHEMICAL NEWS Office, 16, Newcastle Street, Farringdon Street, London, E.C. 4.

Wanted, Assistant Assayer and Analytical

Chemist for London Laboratory. State age and salary required.-Write, "Metal," care of Street's, 30, Cornhill, E.C. 3.

Wanted, two or three Junior Lady Assistant

Chemists for an Oil Laboratory. State qualifications and salary required to Box" Lady Chemist," care of Advertisement Department, Central News, Ltd., 5, New Bridge Street, E.C. 4.

Works Analytical Chemist required.

One

conversant with Soap Manufacture, Nicotine Extractions, and Agricultural and Horticultural Preparations. State full particulars and salary required.-Address, W. A, CHEMICAL NEWS Office, 16, Newcastle Street, Farringdon Street, London, E.C. 4.

WOMEN CHEMISTS, with University

training or its equivalent, required for ANALYTICAL WORK at salary of £175 per annum, in Government Department in South of England. Previous experience in Technical Analysis not necessary. Annual and sick leave allowed. Other women chemists

employed. Salary to be increased to £200 per annum at end of six months if services found to be satisfactory. - Address, C. W., CHEMICAL NEWS Office, 16, Newcastle Street, Farringdon Street, London, E.C.4.

No. 3 S.B. (Code word "Accent").
BEAM, 6 inches; CAPACITY, 500 grms. ;
SENSITIVENESS, 0.1 mgrm.

L. OERTLING, TURNMILL STREET,

LONDON E.C. 1.

MACMILLAN'S

NEW BOOKS ON CHEMISTRY.

THE MANUFACTURE OF

INTERMEDIATE PRODUCTS FOR DYES. By JOHN CANNELL CAIN, D.Sc. (Manchester), Editor of the Journal of the Chemical Society; Examiner in Coal-tar Colouring Matters to the City and Guilds of London Institute; sometime Member of the Technical Committee, British Dyes Ltd. With 25 Illustrations. 8vo. 10s. net.

A TEXT-BOOK of THERMO-CHEMISTRY and THERMO DYNAMICS. By Professor OTTO SACKUR, Ph.D. Translated and Revised by G. E. GIBSON, Ph.D. 8vo. 12s. net.

NATURE. "The book itself is an exceedingly lucid exposition of the principles of thermodynamics, specially adapted for the needs of the chemist. In addition to covering the ground which we now regard as classical, it introduces us to those newer ideas which mark some of the more recent advances in physical chemistry. The problem of chemical affinity, which is all-important for chemical operations, is particularly well done. remains to add that Dr. Gibson's translation is thoroughly satisfactory."

A CLASS-BOOK of ORGANIC CHEMISTRY.

It only

By

LABORATORY GLASSWARE ECONOMY.