closely allied to molybdenum and having an equivalent | A B C Five-figure Logarithms. By C. J. WOODWARD, weight about 16·7; while there are also indications that thorianite contains yet another new element, the oxide of which is radio-active. Water: its Origin and Use. By WILLIAM COLES-FINCH. B.Sc. London: E. and F. N. Spon, Ltd.; Simpkin, THIS little book of logarithms is wonderfully comprehen- THOSE teachers who think that a superficial knowledge of zoology and botany represents the best that is to be gained by "nature study" would do well to read this book written by an enthusiastic student of natural phenomena. As interesting as a novel and as instructive as a scientific treatise it may be said to rank as a romance dealing not with incidents or adventures, but with the development of character; it is a true character study of water. The water of the atmosphere, rain, snow, ice, springs, and wells are all discussed in a most interesting way, the chapters on the clouds and on glaciers being particularly delightful. Some account is given of different methods of obtaining water, the sinking of wells, the construction of water works, and the preparation of water for consumption CHEMICAL NOTICES FROM FOREIGN for domestic purposes. The uses of water for irrigation and for working hydraulic machines are shortly discussed in the final chapter. To add to the charm of the book, it is illustrated by really beautiful pictures, those of mountain and glacier scenery having been reproduced from the originals of Mrs. Aubrey Le Blond. The author's hope that many who are not attracted by scientific works may find pleasure in this book we can sincerely echo, and add that the awakening of their interest in the wonders of mature through its instrumentality will undoubtedly be attended by genuine profit to themselves. A Scientific View of Human Conduct. By GEORGE GORE, F.R.S., LL.D. Birmingham: Hudson and Woolston. 1908. THIS pamphlet endeavours to prove the existence of a scientific basis of human conduct which is regulated strictly on the same mechanical and mathematical plan as controls inanimate nature. The essential differences between dogmas and scientific principles are explained, the value of the former being admitted as preliminaries to knowledge; thus they are looked upon as justified both by necessity and by their utility. Though the article contains no ideas of great novelty, yet possibly the truths are put forward in fresh aspects which will make them clearer to some readers, and the whole pamphlet is marked by a calm spirit of philosophical enquiry on a higher level and much more impressive than mere controversy. A short discussion of the reasons for the existence of pain and evil aims at showing that these are essential parts of the general scheme, acting in the direction of the good of the universe as a whole and not warring against it. Les Densités des Solutions Sucrées à Différentes Températures. ("The Densities of Sugar Solutions at Different Temperatures"). By D. SIDERSKY. Brunswick: Friedr. Vieweg und Sohn. Paris H. Dunod and E. Pinat. 1908. SOURCES. Comptes Rendus Hebdomadaires des Séances de l'Académie des Sciences. Vol. cxlvii., No. 25, December 21, 1908. Synthesis of Ammonia by means of Peat.-H. Woltereck.-When peat is treated as described in the author's previous communication (Comptes Rendus, cxlvi., 125), and the nitrogen is determined in the residue, it is observed that the percentage found is always greater than the amount present in the original peat, after four hours' treatment. After six hours' treatment, on the other hand, the amount is decreased to half the original quantity. Humic Matter in Peat Moss.-L. Roger and E. Vulquin.-When peat is formed nitrogen and carbon accumulate in the degradation products of the plants. Neither pentosans nor hexosans are present in the humic matter. The alcoholic functions of the celluloses seem to persist, as shown by the formation of an acetylated compound and of a compound analogous to the thiocarbonate of cellulose. Several constituents of lignocellulose have been detected, an aromatic C6 radicle and a secondary acetyl constituent CH2CO. The unsaturated character of the latter is shown by the fixation of halogens. The humic matter also posseses acid properties. NOTES AND QUERIES. Our Notes and Queries column was opened for the purpose of giving and obtaining information likely to be of use to our readers generally. We cannot undertake to let this column be the means of transmitting merely private information, or such trade notices as should legitimately come in the advertisement columns. Specific Heats of Gases.-(Reply to J. Hewett).-These have not been re-determined recently. Consult "Physico-Chemical Tables," by J. Castell-Evans, p. 526 et seq. (published by C. Griffin and Co.); also Annuaire pour l'An 1908," pp. 533-537 (published by the Bureau des Longitudes). MEETINGS FOR THE WEEK. MONDAY, 25th.-Royal Society of Arts, 8. (Cantor Lecture). "Public " THE existing tables connecting the densities of sugar solutions with the amount of dry extract exhibit many discrepancies among themselves, some being calculated for a temperature of 17.5°, and others for 15°, while German tables are referred to the density of water at 17.5° or 15° as unity, and French tables are based on the metric system. The correction for different temperatures is a matter of considerable complexity, and the deviations are often comparatively large. To remedy this state of affairs the author has calculated tables giving the dry extract of❘ THURSDAY, 28th.- Royal Institution, 3. "Mysteries of Metals," by sugar solutions corresponding to densities observed at any temperature from 10° to 30°. An introduction giving a review of the different systems of tables in use is printed in two languages, the German text being on one page and the French opposite to it, and the book will undoubtedly be much appreciated by sugar chemists of both nationalities. FRIDAY, Cantlie, M.A., &c. Prof. J. O. Arnold. Royal Society of Arts, 4.30. "Some Phases of 29th.-Royal Institution, 9. "Improvements in Production SATURDAY, 30th.-Royal Institution, 3. "Sight and Seeing," by Prof. Sir Hubert von Herkomer, C.V.O., &c. CHEMICAL NEWS, Advertisements. PATENT H2S APPARATUS (Crawford's System). NO CLOGGING OF TUBES. NO LEAKY JOINTS. 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London: Printed and Published for the Proprietor by EDWIN JOHN DAVEY, at the Office, 16, Newcastle Street, Farringdon Street, E.C. January 22, 1909 THE CHEMICAL NEWS Edited by AND JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL SCIENCE Sir Wm. Crookes, F.R.S.] (WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED THE "CHEMICAL GAZETTE") Established [ Sixty-six Years. Published Weekly. Annual Subscription, free by post, £1. Entered at the New York Post Office as Second Class Mail matter Vol. 99.—No. 2566. [Copyright Friday, January 29, 1909. INDEX reserved. NUMBER, Registered as PRICE 84. a Newspaper. [POST FREB, 8jd, NOTICE TO ADVERTISERS. To ensure insertion in next issue, Advertisements should be addressed to THE MANAGER. and must reach the Office not later than 10 a.m. on WEDNESDAY. CATALOGUE of 49 CHEMICAL & TECHNICAL LITERATURE 52 53 The presence of a Cholesterol Substance in Soils-Agosterol, by 0. Schreiner and E. C. Shorey ........... 53 54 ROYAL SOCIETY OF NEW SOUTH WALES.. 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SCHLUND, Manager), 32, Clerkenwell Road, London, E.C. OPINIONS of the PRESS. "In his bulky volume Sir William reproduces the gist of NEWS ALL STUDENTS Wishing to obtain a First Class in the forthcoming OF THE Board of Education ADDRESS-Secretary, Correspondence School of Science, DORSET FIELD CLUB. the sensational Bristol Address, and supplements it with The CECIL MEDAL and PRIZE (£5 in carefully prepared answers to his chief critics and confirmatory chapters on the future wheat supply of the United States."-Morning Post. "The fuller examination of the problem as here conducted shows that Sir William Crookes did not speak unadvisedly with his lips."-Yorkshire Post. "The problem is one of importance, and Sir William Crookes presents it to us fortified by the opinions of two American experts."-Manchester Guardian. "Sir William Crookes's statistics seem to make good his alarmist statement."-British Weekly. "In the present volume Sir William Crookes replies vigorously to his critics."-Liverpool Daily Post. "The book is a useful one to all interested in the production of wheat both from the commercial and scientific points of view."-Knowledge. Books or Instruments) will be awarded for the best Paper on ITS PROBABLE ORIGIN, PRESENT DEVELOPMENT, AND POSSIBLE To be sent in by MARCH 1st, 1909. Open to anyone between 18 and 30 hemist, Dr. Phil. (34), reliable and energetic, WANTS SITUATION in CHEMICAL WORKS Best references.-Please address, " K.Z. 5400," care of RUDOLF MOSSE, INSTRUCTION IN "It is a vital question, and considering the cheap issueology and Technology of Fermentations. of the volume all interested in the feeding of the millions ought to get it and read it carefully."-Crieff Journal. If these somewhat gloomy prognostications result in drawing the attention of chemists more seriously to what has hitherto been only an interesting laboratory problem, Sir William Crookes will have conferred an incalculable benefit on the race."-Western Morning News. "Sir William discusses at length the criticisms passed upon his address, and he appends valuable papers supporting his arguments on the future wheat supply of the United States."-Globe. "The student of economic science and sociology will find this volume full of interesting material. . . The entire subject is of the profoundest interest, and an excellent pur pose has been served by the publication of these papers in a single volume."-The Eagle (Brooklyn, N.Y.). CHEMICAL NEWS OFFICE. 16 NEWCASTLE ST., FARRINGDON ST., E.C. pure CULTIVATION OF YEAST. Courses for Beginners, as well as for Advanced Students, in PhysiBiological Analysis of Yeast. The Laboratory possesses a numerous collection of Yeasts (Brewers', Distillers', Wine, Disease Yeasts), Moulds, and Bacteria. Manuals: Alfred Jörgensen, "Micro-organisms and Fermentation" (London and New York, Macmillan & Co., 1900); and "The Practical Management of Pure Yeast" (London," The Brewing Trade Review," 1903). The Laboratory supplies for direct use Pure Cultures of Yeast for Further particulars on application to the Director- PRICE ONE SHILLING Net. Post free, 1s. 1d. DIAMONDS. A Lecture delivered before the British Association By SIR WILLIAM CROOKES, 16, NEWCASTLE ST., FARRINGDON ST., E.C. SULPHUROUS ACID AND SULPHITES. Liquid SO, in Syphons, for Lectures, &c. PHOSPHORIC ACID and PHOSPHATES. CARAMELS and COLORINGS for all purposes. A. BOAKE, ROBERTS, & CO. (LIMITED), STRATFORD, LONDON, E. |