CORRESPONDENCE. CAPTURING GERMAN TRADE. To the Editor of the Chemical News. SIR,-At a time when the eyes of the British manufacturer are eagerly turned towards the possibility of the capture of at least a large proportion of Germany's trade, which to an extent may now be said to be going a begging, it is permissible to turn to an aspect of the situation which holds boundless opportunities for the British agriculturist chiefly, but is also a matter of very great moment to manufacturers and workers as well. I refer to an industry which has been very frequently mentioned in the Press of the country and which now appears to provide a solution for many of the difficulties which confront the British agriculturist, whether as a farmer engaged in the cultiva tion of his own or another's land, or as a landed proprietor whose farming land has deteriorated in value, where it has not actually gone out of cultivation. Some very remarkable, and in the main successful, experiments have been of late years made by the farmers and landowners in the production of beet for sugar producing purposes, and the results already achieved in the face of difficulties, which must confront every new departure, are in the highest degree encouraging. These experiments have given every promise of ultimate, and it might be said enormous success, even under the conditions which prevailed previous to the present war, when the growers of beet in England had to face the keen competition of an already established industry on the Continent, chiefly in Germany and Austria; but now that this competition has been effectually "closed down" as the result of the great European war, there is every reason to look for a huge success which should put the English industry on its feet, if the present advantageous situation be utilised to the extent which is demanded not only by the opportunity offered but also by the absolute needs of this country. How great these needs are will be indicated by the following figures, which show what are the demands made by sugar consumers of this country upon our Continental neighbours. During 1912, the last year available for an actual statement of the industry, the quantity of beet sugar imported into the British Isles from six Continental centres has been as under : Refined Sugar. Average price Tons. per ton f.o.b., foreign port. £12 .. 453,500 175,700 £12 189,400 £12 Raw sugar 64,900 £12 9,200 £12 Total. From these figures it will be easily seen what a preponderating share of the trade was held by Germany and Austria, in fact their share of the total of £17,607,000 was £13,149,000. Now the bulk of this business can be secured by the British farmer and manufacturer, for, apart from the fact that Germany and Austria as competitors will be crippled for years to come as a result of the war, the sugar supply of the British Isles must be had from somewhere, and who is in a better position to step into the breach than the British farmer. One result of the experiments in the growing of beet in these islands, is to prove that not only is our soil well suited for beet production, but the yield per acre is equal in most cases to that of Continental centres, and in many instances much better. This, coupled with the fact that the land is enriched by beet cultivation, so that other crops grown in rotation yield very much better results, should prove an incentive to the farmer and increase the area he has under beet, or if he has none, to make an early start. This is sufficiently borne out by the results obtained where the experiment has been tried, and the larger the scale the greater the satisfaction with the result. In a report issued by the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries, on "Experiments in the Cultivation of Sugar Beet in 1912," the Board says: "There is no question that beet with a high sugar content can be grown in this country and give yields equalling, if not exceeding, those obtained on the Continent, and the information given in this report shows that farmers who wish to form their own opinion on the comparative merits of beet and other root crops may, without difficulty and at little cost, grow the crops for themselves." Reports both from Germany and the United States show the wheat yield on land previously used for beet increased by 77 per cent, and rye as much as 96 per cent, while at Hayle in England, similar results have been obtained, although the increase has not been quite so great as the figures given above indicate in the case of Germany. It is sufficiently great, however, to demand the serious consideration of those who are living on the land. Of late years a very considerable portion of the farming land of the country has gone out of cultivation from various causes, and if a serious effort were made to put this land and much more under beet, the result would not only be profitable to the growers, but would mean the establishment of an industry in the Kingdom which would have a very material effect in checking the growing tendency to unemployment which is so marked a feature of industry during the present time. Factories to deal with the beet would require to be provided. An important feature of the sugar beet industry is that a number of exceedingly valuable by-products are associated with the production of beet sugar. The pulp finds a very ready market, for it is often less than the demand for it, while the leaves are an excellent cattle food, and the saturation lime is a splendid fertiliser. The experience of the United States should provide a valuable object lesson to this country. The number of acres of beet under cultivation has trebled in ten years 927,900 at £12 = £11,134,800 | despite the fact that in the same period the yield per acre Raw Sugar. Average price foreign ports. £ s. d. 440,600 9 10 0 27,700 9 10 28,400 9 IO Total. has nearly doubled, while the price per ton of beet has gone up nearly 40 per cent. Last year the total quantity of beets grown yielded 5,834,000 tons (of 2000 lbs. each) a figure which exceeds by 34 per cent the average of the five previous years. The value was £6,800,000 at the factory, which is 48 per cent higher than the preceding five years average. One feature of beet sugar cultivation which ought specially to attract the farmer is that it grows his roots on the contract basis. He agrees with the factory to plant a certain acreage in beet for a given number of years. He sows his seed in April and draws payment in November, and during the delivery of the roots payments are made on account if desired. Experience has shown that a dividend of from 10 to 15 per cent may be looked for with every confidence. On the Continent dividends =17,607,473 | have ranged from 10 to 53 per cent. 681,334 at 9 10 o= 6,472,673 1,609,234 The value of such an industry as that of the production of beet sugar has been quickly recognised by responsible public men, both within and without the Government. Mr. Bonar Law is equally emphatic with Mr. Balfour that the growing of beets would prove a valuable help to the agriculture of the country, and Mr. Bonar Law adds that if our business had been conducted as a business man would conduct his own affairs, the sugar beet industry would have been introduced into this country long ago. It is even more interesting to note the encouragement given by Mr. Asquith when he stated in the House of Commons, "That no objection could be seen by the Government to help being given to the industry in its early days from the Development Fund." This is a sufficiently plain indication that the Government are wisely prepared to do their share of the pioneer work-a work which has already shown every prospect of abundant success. phosphorus has been successful by any other method except that above. Finally, some conjectural explanations of the relations of the various modifications have been given." In a previous paper, Bridgman (Phys. Review, Feb. and March, 1914) describes the black variety of phosphorus as greyish-black, like graphite, which breaks with a similar greasy-looking fracture, and will mark on paper. It will be seen that carbon and phosphorus have some peculiarities more or less in common. Doubtless relationship can be traced in other ways. For example, bydrogen phosphide (P2H4) calls to mind acetylene (C2H2), or rather ethylene (C2H4), which has a somewhat pleasant etherial smell, the resemblance suggesting a sort of bromine-chlorine parallel.-I am, &c., F. H. LORING. SOURCES. The association of which I have the honour to be chairman has, for nearly five years, carried on a vigorous CHEMICAL NOTICES FROM FOREIGN educational work throughout the country, and those who are interested in the subject may obtain copies of pamphlets and reports issued by the association upon application to the Secretaries, 24, North John Street, Liverpool. I am, &c., E. RUSSELL TAYLOR, Chairman of the Council of the Incorporated 41, Castle Street, Liverpool, PHOSPHORUS AND CARBON. To the Editor of the Chemical News. SIR, I should like to call attention to the fact that carbon and phosphorus resemble each other in certain respects, especially since this connection was implied by the tabular scheme shown in the CHEMICAL NEWS, cix., 133. Prof. H. C. Jones ("A New Era in Chemistry," 1913, p. 183) says:-"Phosphorus exists in at least four forms; ordinary red phosphorus, ordinary white phosphorus, really white phosphorus, and black phosphorus. Carbon exists in a great many forms. We have the diamond, graphite, and Moissan has found a large variety of forms of amorphous carbon." Newth's "Inorganic Chemistry," p. 456 and p. 459, says:-"Phosphorus is volatile at ordinary temperatures; if a small quantity of phosphorus be sealed in a vacuous tube, and the tube be placed in the dark, the phosphorus will slowly vaporise; and if one end of the tube be kept slightly cooler than the rest, the phosphorus will sublime upon that part in the form of brilliant, colourless, and highly refracting rhombic crystals, which retain their beauty as long as they are kept in the dark. The density of the vapour of phosphorus is 620, giving a molecular weight of 1240, which is four times the atomic weight, showing that the molecule of phosphorus contains four atoms. Even at temperatures as high as 1040° these tetraatomic molecules are stable, but it has been shown that at high temperatures dissociation begins to take place . . Red phosphorus may be obtained in the form of rhombohedral crystals by heating the substance under pressure to a temperature of 580°." P. W. Bridgman (Journ. Am. Chem. Soc., 1914, xxxvi., 1344) has discovered two new modifications of phosphorus which he summarises in his paper as follows:-"The first is a new modification of ordinary white phosphorus, possibly hexagonal with reversible transition point at atmospheric pressure at about 76'9°. The second modification, black phosphorus, is obtained irreversibly from white phosphorus at 12,000 kg./cm2., and 200°. A number of its physical constants have been determined. Particularly striking are its high density, 2.691, and fair electrical conductivity." "No attempt to transform either white or red to black NOTE. All degrees of temperature are Centigrade unless otherwisǝ expressed. Comptes Rendus Hebdomadaires des Séances de l'Académie des Sciences. Vol. clix., No. 6, August 10, 1914. This number contains no chemical matter. b No. 7, August 17, 1914. Action of Radium Emanation upon Detonating Gas.-Otto Scheuer.-When detonating gas is exposed to the action of a-rays a very violent reaction occurs. In one case the flask was shattered by an explosion. The ratio is constant, as in the case of the decomposition of water (a = number of pairs of ions formed per curie-second, b = number of molecules of gas re-combined per curiesecond). The analyses of the gas showed that the H2O and H2O2 are formed. The water is probably formed chiefly by the decomposition of the peroxide. No ozone a is formed. Optical Activity of Compounds without Carbon.A. Werner. By the investigation of dodecaminehexoltetracobaltic salts the author has shown that rotatory power is a property that belongs to compounds not containing carbon. The active bromide is brownish grey in colour and very soluble in water. In solution the rotatory power diminishes very rapidly, and the solution is inactive after two hours. MISCELLANEOUS. Battersea Polytechnic.-The following course of eight advanced lectures has been arranged :-" Structure of Crystals," by T. Martin Lowry, D.Sc., F.R.S., on Fridays, October 23, 30, November 6, 13, 20, 27, December 4 and 11, 1914, at 7 p.m. Syllabus.-The fundamental properties of crystals; real and ideal crystals; the external form of crystals; crystal symmetry; symmetry of the cube and octahedron; the cubic system; fundamental and derived forms; systems of lower symmetry; hemihedrism and hemimorphism; optical activity and pyroelectricity. The physical properties of crystals; liquid crystals; the crystallisation of metals; influence of hard-working and annealing on the properties and structure of metals. Isomorphism and polymorphism; vicarious replacement in minerals; isopolymorphism. The internal structure of crystals; space lattices; topic axial ratios; theories of Barlow and Pope: valency volumes and equivalence parameters. Application of Röntgen rays to the determination of crystal structure; work of Laue and Bragg. Oct. 23, 1914 THE WAR ON GERMAN TRADE A DICTIONARY OF APPLIED CHEMISTRY By Sir EDWARD THORPE, C.B., LL.D., F.R.S. Assisted by Eminent Contributors. NEW and REVISED EDITION. In Five Volumes, containing upwards of 6000 Articles. PRICE £11 5s. Od. net, or 45s. net each Volume. "The five volumes present a remarkable wealth of material In the war against German Trade there can be few more useful weapons than a copy of Sir Edward Thorpe's Dictionary of Applied Chemistry. In no department of Industry have the Germans made greater strides at the expense of British Manufacturers than in those branches of technology that depend upon the application of well ascertained chemical principles, or which originate from the immediate application of the results of chemical research. In some cases English Chemists have been the original discoverers, yet owing to the great enterprise displayed by German manufacturers, and the readiness with which they avail themselves of expert assistance, the scientific discoveries of Englishmen have been adapted to commercial purposes by Germans, and consequently the trade has largely been captured by Germany. No case of this kind is more notorious than that of the so-called Coal Tar Dyes. The first Coal Tar Dye was made by the late Sir William Perkin, F.R.S., and other important dyes in the same class were made very shortly afterwards by E. C. Nicholson, Medlock, and other English Chemists, but the development of the manufacture is largely due to German chemists, and the trade is mainly in German hands. So lamentable is our deficiency in the matter of the supply of dyes that at the present moment it is difficult to obtain the dye necessary for the khaki uniforms of our troops. The synthetic indigo used in the dyeing of our sailors' clothes is also almost exclusively a German product. We are also largely dependent on Germany for what are known as fine chemicals, and many synthetic drugs and photographic products have hitherto been almost exclusively made in Germany. Many other substances of great importance in the arts, e.g., optical glass and the glass employed in chemical utensils and apparatus might also be mentioned. In the case of many of these articles there is no reason except the want of technical knowledge, why they should not be made equally well here. In the 6000 articles comprised in Sir Edward Thorpe's monumental Dictionary the necessary information is given, by the proper use of which many branches of chemical industries (the value of which is enormous) might pass from German into British hands. If the opportunity given by the paralysis of German trade by the war is not taken by our manufacturers, it is certain that it will be seized by the Americans and Japanese. It is therefore in the interests of all British manufacturers to possess a copy of Thorpe's Dictionary of Applied Chemistry, and it is hoped that all Public and other Libraries will see that a copy is on their shelves available for those who wish to consult it. Detailed Prospectus with List of Subjects and Specimen Pages sent on application. LONGMANS, GREEN, and CO., 39, Paternoster Row, London, E.C. NEW YORK, BOMBAY, CALCUTTA, and MADRAS. Oct. 23. 1914 STEREO-PYROMETER (English Patent 10617/1905). For ascertaining any temperature from 550° C. to 2000°. No Delicate Mechanism to get out of Order. This is undoubtedly the simplest and most reliable form of Pyrometer for practical use in works. It can be used for ascertaining the temperuture of : Price complete 48s. net. Write for Descriptive Circular from the Sole Makers F. E. BECKER & CO., 17-27, HATTON WALL, E.C. GENERAL INDEX TO THE CHEMICAL NEWS. accurate as possible. "A great service has been now performed for the active chemist in making this mass of material easily accessible through a general index. It is evident that no pains have been spared to make this work as complete and All those interested, particularly in chemistry and chemical industry, will be grateful to the management of the Chemical News for bringing to completion this great work.”—American Journal of Science, July, "The Index seems very complete, and forms an interesting survey of the period covered by it. It should be of great value to chemists who possess files of the Chemical News "Journal of the Franklin Institute, July, 1913. 1913. "It is not merely a compilation of all the volume indexes, but is much more elaborate. Every possessor of a set of the Chemical News, whether complete or partial, will do well to add this most valuable volume to his librar,."Journal of the American Chemical Society, August, 1913. "Although the Index contains two thousand one hundred and thirty-six columns, the book is of a convenient size and is only an inch and five-eighths thick. All chemists should show their appreciation of the enterprise of the Chemical News by adding this valuable Index to their library."-Knowledge, November, 1913. "This Index covers all material in the issues of the Chemical News for the first fifty years, and should be of inestimable value to every working chemist, whether a subscriber to the Chemical News or not."-Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry, November, 1913. "The value of the Index is obvious. Considerable pains have been taken to render it a trustworthy source of reference, and the plan has been adopted of including in it both subjects and authors. This has rendered it a somewhat large volume, but the method facilitates reference, for it sometimes happens that the name of the author escapes memory, or the subject connected with his name may be forgotten. Since the references go back so far, the Index enables the reader to trace the development in many cases of industrial science, analytical processes, and so orth."-The Lancet, November 22, 1913. Orders should be sent to CHEMICAL NEWS, 16, NEWCASTLE STREet, Farringdon &TREET, LONDON, E.C Lordon: Printed and Published for the Proprietor by EDWIN JOHN DAVEY, at the Office 16, Newcastle Street, Farringdon Street, E.C. October 23, 1914. Edited by Sir Wm. Crookes, O.M., Pres.R.S.] (WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED THE "CHEMICAL GAZETTE"). Published Weekly. Annual Subscription free by post £ Entered at the New York Post Office as Second Class Mail Matter. Vol. 110.-No. 2866. [C Friday, October 30, 1914. ARTICLES: reserved. CONTENTS. Notes on Plant Chemistry, by P. Q. Keegan.. The Preparation and Properties of the Neutral Ammonium Salts of Organic Acids, by Le Roy McMaster ..... PAGE 211 ...... 212 Oil Hardening Plant in Norway Potash Salts-Summary for 1913, compiled by W. C. Phalen CORRESPONDENCE.-Was it Prophetic? ... .... 218 220 222 ... 222 222 CHEMICAL NOTICES FROM FOREIGN SOURCES....... 222 Temporary Chemist required for Electrical SAFEGUARD YOUR BUSINESS by con Wanted, a Chemist with a practical know- The Post of JUNIOR DEMONSTRATOR in the CHEMICAL DEPARTMENT is tem orarily vacant invited from candidates who have had some experience in Teaching and in superintending Laboratory Work.or full particulars apply ledge of Metallurgy.-Address, C. S., CHEMICAL NEWS Office, owing to the enlistment of a member of the Staff. Applications are 16, Newcastle Street, Farringdon Street, London, E.C. Wanted, Assistant for Analytical Research by letter to Professor MELDOLA at the above address. Laboratory in the North. State age, experience, and salary required.-Address, L. W., CHEMICAL NEWS Office, 16, Newcastle Street, Farringdon Street, London, E.C. Wanted, Chemist with practical and scientific CHEMICALS for Analysis, Research, and Technical purposes. knowledge of the Aniline Dye Trade.-Apply, GEM and Co., Solicitors, 2, Bennett's Hill, Birmingham, stating experience and qualifications. OZONE APPARATUS for the LABORATORY. 12 Page Illustrated Pamphlet, fully describing various forms of Apparatus and method of using them, Post Free to Readers of the "Chemical News." OZONAIR, Ltd. 96, VICTORIA STREET, WESTMINSTER, LONDON, S.W. TECHNICAL EXPERIMENTS carried out on a MANUfacturing SCALE. CHEMICAL APPARATUS Pure Chemicals for Research Work. JOHN J. CRIFFIN & SONS, LTD., KINGSWAY, LONDON, W.c |