The Department of Overseas Trade desires to remind United Kingdom exporters requiring information on overseas matters that it is always desirable to approach the Department rather than to write directly to the Department's representative posted in the market concerned. It is frequently the case that the information desired is already available in the Department, and direct application to the Department thus results in the saving of much time. Where the information is not so available, the Department takes immediate steps to secure it and to forward it to the enquirer.

It is particularly emphasised that the method adopted by some enquirers of addressing the same enquiry simultaneously to the Department and its oversease officers leads to unneccessary duplication of work and to delay. Enquirers will, therefore, find it to their advantage to proceed in the manner suggested above.

A NEW CORROSION PREVENTATIVE. REMARKABLE RESULTS OBTAINED FROM MOND CHEMIST'S DISCOVERY.

The announcement of a new Mond company, the Mond Tar By-I'roducts Syndicate, to put on the market a colloidal bituminous paint now being used very extensively in the factories and workshops of the group, has a very considerable significance for the whole engineering industry, if the claims made for the new preservative are substantiated in general practice.

This paint, with a guaranteed forty per cent. bitumen content, ground and mixed with a spirit base to give it a remarkable colloidity, was produced some years ago from a formula discovered by a chemist in the employment of the South Staffordshire Mond Company. He was endeavouring to solve the problem of the firm's high maintenance costs due to the corrosive action of the fumes from the power-gas and sulphate of ammonia plant on the steel and wood fittings The results obtained exceeded expectation, and when further tests were carried out, the paint gave evidence of very diverse properties.

As the quest for a preservative paint has been pursued for some time with indifferent success, it will be interesting to see whether Melanoid is found as satisfactory in the wider industrial world as it is said to have proved itself in the Mond works. Several firms are experimenting with it at the moment, and a large shipload has been ordered for use in the Japanese reconstruction schemes at Tokio. If it is generally taken up its influence on the steel industry may be far-reaching.

PROCEEDINGS AND NOTICES OF SOCIETIES.

ROYAL SOCIETY.

Papers Read, June 25th, 1925, at 4.30 p.m. D. H. BLACK.-B-Ray Spectra of Thorium Disintegration Products. Communicated by Sir Ernest Rutherford.

Using comparatively strong sources of thorium B in equilibrium with thorium C and thorium D, the B-ray spectra of these substances have been re-measured in order to bring them into line with the standar-1 spectrum of radium B. While no attempt was made to obtain all the lines previously recorded in these spectra, as their values

could be found by interpolation from the main lines, yet several new lines were found. Of these new lines one group in particular is of great interest on account of the fact that, despite their high energy (2.5 million volts), they are due to the expulsion of electrons from the K, L and M levels of an atom by one y-ray.

C. F. ELAM.-Tensile Tests of Crystals of an Aluminium Zinc Alloy. Communicated by Prof. H. C. H. Carpenter, F.R.S.

Tensile tests have been made with an alloy of aluminium containing 18.6 per cent. zinc. The crystals resemble pure aluminium in structure and contain the zine in "solid solution." They are harder and less ductile than pure aluminium, the actual figures varying with the orientation of the crystal relative to the axis. Fracture occurs on one or more planes at approximately 45° to the axis. These planes are closely reted to crystallographic planes. Slip planes are sometimes, but not always. parallel to planes of fracture.

G. SHEARER.--On the Distribution of Intensity in the X-ray Spectra of Certain LongChain Organic Compounds. Communicated by Sir William Bragg, F.R.S.

It has previously been shown that, in the A-ray spectra whose of substances molecules contain long open chains of carbon atoms, there is a certain large spacing corresponding to planes whose distance apart is very closely related to the length, either of a single molecule or of two, end to end. A large number of successive orders ot reflection from this plant can be observed and an attempt is made in this paper to explain the distribution of intensity among these orders in terms of the molecular structure. On certain simple assumptions as to the distribution of scattering material along the length of the molecule, the intensity distribution is calculated and 4 comparison with observation shows satisfactory agreement for the series so far exained. It is shown that by a study of these intensities it is possible, for example, to fix with reasonable accuracy the position in the chain of the CO group in such series is the ketones and the esters: this appears

to open up a new application of X-ray

methods to chemical analysis. It is hoped 'hat further work on these lines will throw

L. W. BRYANT AND D. H. WILLIAMS.-An Investigation of the Flow of Air around an Acrofoil of Infinite Span. Communicated

by Prof. L. Bairstow, F.R.S. With an Appendix by G. L. Taylor, F.R.S.: "Note on the Connection between the Lift of an Aerofoil in a Wind and the Circulation round it."

The paper describes experiments made to determine the distribution of velocity of the wind around an aerofoil model of constant cross-section held with span vertical in the wind tunnel. Two-demensional flow was ensured by making the span of the aerofoil equal to the height of the wind tunnel. Stream-lines deduced from these observations were compared with those for inviscid flow, the latter being obtained by means of an electric tank in which the equipotential lines were equivalent to stream-lines in a perfect fluid. It is shown that, except for a narrow trailing "wake," the lines of viscous flow approximate to those for an inviscid fluid, when a circulation equal to that experimentally determined in the wind funnel is superposed upon the flow around the aerofoil without circulation.

INSTITUTE OF CHEMISTRY.

The forty-seventh annual general meeting of the Institute was held at 30, Russell Square, London, W.C.1., on Monday, 2, March, 1925, Prof. G. G. Henderson, president, in the chair.

THE PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS.
(Continued from Page 412.)

The suggestion has been made that the Council should approach Parliament in the hope of inducing the Government to initiate Tegislation with the object of establishing a system of Government registration of chemists. In my judgment the Council would not be justified in taking this step until the project in all its bearings, had first of all been subjected to careful and critical examination and exhaustive discussion, and unless it received the support of at least the great majority of the members of our profession. Even a very cursory consideration of the proposal impresses one with the difficulties with which it is surrounded. For instance, registration would imply restriction. of the right to practise as a chemist, and would require precise definition of those qualifications which would entitle chemists to be registered. To what tribunal is the duty of assessing the qualifications of applicants for registration to be delegated? Is this restriction to apply to all chemists, whatever branch of the profession-consulting, analytical, industrial, research, teaching -they may pursue for a livelihood? If not, where is the line to be drawn, and on what kinds or classes of chemists is the restriction to be imposed? Again, is a chemist to be prevented from earning a living in the practice of his profession because his qualifications are not sufficiently high to entitle him fo registration? As regards registration, the relation of our profession to the public is different from that of medicine or pharmacy, and I for one would not welcome legislation which would have the effect of restricting the freedom of any man to practice any profession or craft in which he can prove himself able to earn an honest living without hurt to his fellow citizens. matter I am expressing a personal opinion, and am quite open to conviction, but my feeling is that the question of Government registration of chemists is not at present within the sphere of practical politics.

of

In this

I desire to direct the special attention of my fellow-members to the appeal recently issued by the Benevolent Fund Committee,

for I feel sure that if they call to mind that the Benevolent Fund is the Institute's memorial of those of our members who gave up their lives in the defence of civilisation, and if they realise the value of the assistance given to some of our brother chemists, even with the limited amount at our disposal, the response to that appeal will be not only encouraging, but generous.

Only

An event which cannot be passed over without notice is that at this meeting Mr. Richard Bertram Pilcher, O.B.E., completes a service to the Institute of thirty years as Secretary, and twenty-five years as Registrar. During the whole of this long period he has devoted himself to the duties of his office with a zeal, a loyalty, and an efficiency which are beyond praise. those members who have served in the Council can fully appreciate his manifold activities and his business capacity, but many others, and especially many of our younger members, have benefitted by his kindly help and by the information and advice which he has always been ready to place at their disposal. Feelings they do that his services have been simply invaluable, the Council have invited the members to join in offering to Mr. Pilcher some tangible recognition of his work for the Institute, which has indeed been the work of his life, and I rejoice to inform you that a very large number has seized this opportunity of expressing their regard for him. I hope that for many years to come he will continue to adorn the office which his personality and his enthusiasm have made so important.

The Council has accepted with regret the resignation of Mr. Marlow, the Assistant Secretary, consequent upon his appointment to a post with the Association of British Chemical Manufacturers. His services to the Institute have been of very great value, and, although reluctant to be deprived of them, I congratulate him on his well-deserved promotion, and wish him all happiness and success in his new sphere of work.

Νο

When a year ago you conferred upon me the signal honour of election to the presidential chair I promised to do my best to maintain the high traditions of the office. one can realise so clearly as myself that, if I have met with any success in endeavouring to justify the confidence which you reposed in me, the chief credit must be given to the administrative staff, without whose constant and willing support and assistance I could have done very little. Mr. Pilcher, Mr Marlow, Miss Cawston, and indeed, all

the members of the staff have vied with one another in their efforts to make my work not only easy, but enjoyable, and I find it difficult to express my gratitude in adequate terms. I am also deeply grateful to my colleagues in the Council for the kindly consideration which I have experienced at their hands, and very specially to the Chairmen of Committees, whose labours have so largely contributed to the fulfilment of our duty to the members. Unfortunately we are about to be deprived, temporarily at least, of the services of a number of valued members of the Council, and on your behalf I tender them cordial thanks for their devotion to the affairs of the Institute.

PHOTOCHEMICAL REACTIONS IN LIQUIDS AND GASES.

The Faraday Society will hold a general discussion on this subject at Oxford on October 1 and 2 next.

The subject will be discussed under two nain heads:

1. Einstein's Law of Photochemical Equivalence;

2. The Mechanism of Photochemical Reactions.

Part I. will be opened by Professor A. J. Allmand (King's College), and Part II. by Professor M. Bodenstein (Berlin). In addition to the leading English workers on photochemical action, many distinguished investigators

from the continent and America have signified their intention of taking part in the proceedings and an attractive programme of papers has been prepared. It is hoped to accommodate all who attend the meeting at Exeter College and Lincoln College. Non-members of the Faraday Society may attend the meeting and those desirous of doing so are asked to communicate at once with the Secretary of the Faraday Society at 90, Great Russell Street, London, W.C.1.. from whom full particulars may be obtained.

PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL SURVEY OF THE NATIONAL COAL RESOURCES.

In pursuance of the policy of carry out the work of the above survey with the help of local Committees, the Fuel Research Board have appointed a committee to deal with. the physical and chemical survey of the coal seams in the North Staffordshire area. The composition of the Committee is as follows:

MERCURY HELIDE?

J. J. Manley, Nature, June 20, 1925, reports that the helide previously announced in the same Journal of March 7, 1925 (see also Chemical News, 1925, CXXX., 217), as HgHe, turns out to be HgHe,,, as there was a decimal point error in his original calculation. The molecular weight of this comas such, pound, if it can be considered would then be 240.61, approximating to the atomic weight of uranium, 238.17.

This body, whatever it may be, is interesting as it seems to approximate to a radioactive atom, in that such an atom gives off helium, stopping at lead, which is only a few units greater in atomic weight than

mercury.

Sir William Ramsay, in discussing the behaviour of the inert gases, or particularly that of helium (Ann. Chim, 1898, 7, XIII., p. 38), referring to the ionization effects when subjected to electric discharges, said:

It would seem, however, that dissociated [electronically] as they are under the action of electricity, some chemical activity ought to be induced under these circumstances, and the reason why it has not been observed is that the amount thus dissociated is too small to be recognisable by any ordinary chemical agent.' The words are those given in Tilden's "The Elements," 1910.

We await with interest Manley's paper, which, we understand, is now ready for publication.

WEMBLEY EXHIBITION EXHIBITS. THE GAS LIGHT AND COKE COMPANY.Stand No. A.45.-The Company's exhibit cannot fail to interest visitors in any way connected with the chemical industry or with one of the many branches of trade which employ chemical products. In view of the constantly increasing demand for road materials, the Gas Light and Coke Company's activities in their production deserve special mention. The Company is one of the largest makers of distilled tar in the country, and tar is universally recognised as being in the very front rank. The Company now also supplies a tar compound under the designation Bectaphalt," which is specially prepared to meet the requirements of surveyors, and may be confidentially expected to take up a leading position amongst materials of this nature. Of the more highly refined products, special interest attaches to Beta Naphthol, in view of the efforts which the British dye-industry is putting forth to establish itself in the world's markets.

THE GENERAL KAPUTINE SYNDICATE, LTD., Stand No. A.43, show plasters, oils, ointments, creams, etc. Equipped with their own printing and box-making plants, they are in a unique position to meet the requirements of those who want their own names or brands on the lines they handle.

GRIEVE AND GORDON, Stand No. A.46, of Sydney and London, are here exhibiting eucalyptus oil, and its by-products. They have a complete working plant distilling and The oil is refining the oil ready for use. produced from a species of shrub known as Eucalyptus Polybractea, or Blue Mallee. It will interest many people to know that there are over 170 species of eucalyptus tree which oil is obtained. The oil obtained from Eucalyptus Polybractea has a very high pharmaceutical value, owing to its large cineol or eucalyptol content, which averages over 80%, whereas the British Pharmacopoeia Standard is 55% cineol.

undertaken with impunity, as the user is safe in the knowledge that as soon as the job is finished. a wash under the cold water tap with a piece of ordinary soap will remove all dirt and grime from the hands and nails.

C. S. ISAACS, Stand No. A.51, show "Radine," a colourless antiseptic fluid which, in addition to its fine antiseptie qualities, is absolutely non-poisonous and may, therefore, be employed in a household without the fear that frequently accompanies the use of purely toxic preparations.

QUICK AND COMPANY, LTD., Stand No. A.48e, show "Otark furniture polish, an entirely new preparation which polishes and removes stains from furniture, cleans and polishes leather and imitation leather upholstery, and renders it perfectly waterproof. It is also excellent for linoleum.

NOTICES OF BOOKS.

Organic Syntheses-An Annual Publication for the Methods of Preparation of Organic Chemicals. 90+ VIII. Price 7/6 per vol. London: Chapman and Hall, and John Wiley and Sons, Inc., New York.

These annual volumes give the most convenient laboratory methods for preparing various organic chemical reagents, in one-half-pound to five-pound lots, each method being adaptable to large-scale development. Editorial Board Board Roger Adams, University of Illinois; Hans Thatcher Clarke of Eastman Kodak Company; James Bryant Conant of Harvard University; and Oliver Kamm of Parke, Davis and Company. In four volumes. Each volume contains detailed directions for the preparation of about thirty reagents.

Nem Patents.

This list is specially compiled for The Chemical News by Rayner and Co., Regis tered Patent Agents, of 5, Chancery Lane, London, from whom all information relating to Patents, Trade Marks, and Designs, can be obtained gratuituously.

Latest Patent Applications. 15,121. Badische Anilin and Soda Fabrik. -Manufacture of arsenic preparations. June 10th.

15,290.-Buchner, M.-Process of produc