the pupils in the secondary schools, preferably by visiting lecturers. Their studies, too, should include something of a biographical or narrative character touching on the lives and work of the great scientists. This might even with advantage be introduced into the elementary schools. Matter could readily be selected which would not be lacking in romance.

Some adequate reference it seems to me should be made to science in the teaching of history in the schools. Modern history, as I understand it, is an account of how a people, starting out under certain conditions at a given time in the past, have arrived at where they now find themselves. The most important agent involved in the transition, the largest factor by far concerned in modifying the conditions of living during the past two centuries, has been science. Is it not of the first importance that every boy and girl should be made aware of this fact?

By stimulating the interest of the pupils of the preparatory schools in science, by visualising university opportunities and by establishing a system of scholarships such as we have already referred to, we could doubtless increase considerably the number of students of ability in our universities. Those who do not go to the university, but leave the elementary or secondary school to earn their living, would at least carry away with them a certain respect for science and a recognition of the fact that the university has a useful function to perform in the life of the community. This would later on have its effect in helping to create a public opinion which would react more favourably to proposals for financial aid to universities and science.

A university should be sufficiently staffed to care for the needs of its students. Our own University is undermanned. The tutorial classes should be smaller. This is no good reason, however, why the members of the staff should be overworked. Junior instructors, who have research inclinations, should be given a chance to show the mettle that is in them. The more mature men, who have already proved themselves, should be given time for research. Only yesterday I was talking to a member of the staff who told me that for three weeks past he had been working till three in the morning and that for seven days in the week. The man in question is a research worker, but the work referred to had nothing to do with research. This is, of course, exceptional, and it will not ordinarily be necessary for my colleague to work so strenuously. Even so it is a little inconvenient. The same man, too, worked till midnight daily during the last month of the vacation getting the materials required in his laboratory in readiness for the opening of the term. I asked him whether he received any pay for work overtime. His reply was an incredulous smile which, interpreted, meant how could any member of a university staff be so ingenuous as to ask such a question.

The case I have cited is an extreme one to be sure. There are, plenty of members of the univrsity staff, however, who have more than enough to do, and there is none who has not enough to keep him busy. Of this the layman can rest assured. Further staff, of course, would mean more expense, but the Province would be well

paid for its extra outlay.

There should be a larger number of places for research men in Canada. There should be more positions for them in the universities and more in the industries outside. The University of Toronto has begun to develop along research lines, and in the course of time, no doubt, much good Canadian brain-power will be salvaged which would otherwise go to waste. The projected Institute for Research at Ottawa will absorb some of the men trained by the University for research. It is to be hoped that the demand from the industries will grow. It might be well also to have such men in charge of the science departments in the high schools, and to encourage their research inclinations by furnishing them with adequate laboratory equipment. Something of this sort, I understand, it is proposed to do in | England. (A provision in the Education Act enables local authorities to meet the cost of research work of educational value conducted by teachers in the schools.) This would all tend to conserve Canadian brain for Canada, and would check the leakage to the United States and other countries. Of the 15,000 living graduates of the University of Toronto, 1,700 are located in the Between 400 and Republic to the south of us. 500 others are domiciled abroad. McGill's loss to the United States is 1,500 out of 6,700 graduates. It has been suggested that research professors and research associate professors be appointed in the departments of natural science of the University of Toronto, their duties to consist primarily in the prosecution of research on their own account, and in the training of young men of selected ability for research. The aggregate of these research men would be known as the research staff in natural science of the University of Toronto.

To me it appears that the organisation of such a group would, in addition to creating greater effectiveness within the university, have a two-fold benefit without. On the one hand, it would remind the laymen that there exists a body of men in the world whose business it is to advance knowledge, and on the other hand it would impress on them the fact that the University is not an institution whose sole function is to purvey knowledge, but that it has also another and quite as important function, namely, to add to knowledge and to train young men in order that they may add to knowledge in their turn.

The war has been wasteful of brain power. It has, however, taught us its value. In the work of reconstruction nothing can be of more importance than conserving and realising on the brain power of the nation. In this work the universities must play the leading role. If in our reconstructed country we shall have reduced brain waste to a minimum and increased brain output to a maximum, we shall have raised the greatest of all memorials to our boys who sacrificed themselves in France and Flanders in order that Canada should be saved from determination by Germany. It is for the Canada whose destinies will be determined by Canadians that they fought and died, and the Canada that is to be will be their monument. Let us make the monument a great and noble one. May it be worthy of those whom it commemorates.

GERMAN COMPETITION.

THE "Report on the Economical and Financial Situation of Egypt," published by the Department of Overseas Trade (H.M. Stationery Office, Imperial House, Kingsway, W.C.2), contains much information that might be studied with profit by British manufacturers, particularly in reference to foreign competition and the requirements of Egypt. From a mass of important notes we select the following statement, which speaks for itself.

"German stationery is being sold at many Italian and Greek shops at very low prices, and the material appears to be of a good class. For five sheets of notepaper and five envelopes only 5 milliemes or 1d. is charged.

German glassware and chinaware imports increased very greatly during the latter months of 1920; cutlery of a cheap order is also being imported in large quantities, as well as table services of every kind and design. The majority of the teaspoons, sugar-tongs, and other small accessories of the table are, however, of a very glaring and vulgar order. Silver-gilt birthday spoons are selling at P.T. 125 a dozen, sugar-tongs at P.T.65 each, and nickel-plated plates at P.T.30 each. Razors are sold at an average price of P.T.55 each, which cannot be called remarkably cheap.

German drugs are returning to the Egyptian market in large quantities, including the original saccharine tablets, Messrs. Bayer's aspirin, and "Odol," manufactured by their original producers. Saccharin and aspirin are being advertised in all the local papers; the latter is sold in bottles containing 24 five-grain tablets (standard English weight).

German dyes, e.g., synthetic indigo and other coal-tar dyes, are also returning to this market in large quantities, the quantity being more than double, and the value nearly treble, that of imports from the United Kingdom.

Among recent patents taken out will be observed (1) the name of J. A. Reidel, Aktiensgesellschaft Chemical Manufacturers of Britz, 1-38, Reidelstrasse, Berlin, viz., the word "IDRAG" printed, written, or stamped, in any size, manner, shape, or form; and any letters black, white, or red, used in respect of their chemical, medicinal, photorgaphic and lithographic products; also the word "GENOSAN" as above in respect of their medicinal products; dated 12/1/21 (2) Badische Anilin & Soda Fabrik of Ludwigshafen; specification of invention having for title "Préparation stable à base d'indigo blanc"; dated 10/1/21.

German pianos, mouth-organs, and other musical instruments are being freely advertised in Egypt, the prices for mouth-organs being very low indeed. The exporter of the latter is Albert Wordlish, of Stettin, who is sending in addition large quantities of cigar-holders, pipes, &c., to Egypt, also at very low prices, owing to the low rate of exchange.

It is unfortunate that, owing to German firms being able to accept such very low prices, they have succeeded in wresting fairly large contracts from United Kingdom_exporters for railway material required by the Egyptian State Railways, and other kinds of material and plant required by other Government Departments, e.g., light railway permanent way for use in connection with oil

workings by the Department of Mines on the Sinai Coast. Unless British steel firms are prepared to make a big sacrifice, in spite of prices at present ruling in Sheffield, and to guarantee within a specified period, in order to keep their hold on the market for Egyptian Government contracts, they must not be surprised to see all future orders secured by German, Austrian, or Belgian firms, particularly for railway material and rolling stock.

German (Bosche) dynamos have been arriving in great numbers and were quickly sold owing to the low price demanded, and also to the fact that either United Kingdom exporters had apparently overlooked the Egyptian market for some months, or had not delivered them in sufficient quantities for its needs, as British dynamos appear to be very scarce at present. Quantities of German fittings and spare parts are returning to this market; also hand-spanners, wrenches, and other hand tools are being sold in most of the machinery shops. In this connection it is to be regretted that a British engineer spent five days recently trying to buy a Briggs T-head spanner, which he required for use at the Egyptian Government oil workings on the Sinai Coast, and, having finally failed to buy a single one, was compelled, owing to the urgency of the work required, to purchase a German article.

The products of Krupps, the A. E.G., and Borsig Wolf & Co., are sold by the Technical Supply Co. of Alexandria, company formed for that

purpose.

a

German bicycles of the "Ankard," "Eros," and "Oppeln" makes were imported in fair numbers during 1920, but their sale is not very extensive. The two first-named arrive as a rule without tyres, and are sold by agents at £E. 10 a piece with tyres, and E.6 without. The "Oppeln," with halfgallon petrol tank and motor on frame with springs, is sold at £E.35.

New German electric motorcars of the "Adler" make are arriving in good numbers, also without tyres, and are being sold at £E. 120, being of the very small type. Mercedes and Daimler cars are being sold at prices ranging from £E.1,500 to E.3,000.

It is interesting to note that nearly all the tyres fitted to these German motorcars and bicycles on arrival here are of British manufacture, and in the case of the "Eros" bicycle, a British-made tyre, 28 × 1in., is the only one extant in this market which will fit it.

Nearly all the films shown in Egypt have hitherto been American or French productions, but of late many German films have appeared, and it must be admitted that they have proved of a very superior order. It is to be hoped that United Kingdom producers will make an effort to show their films in this country, where they would be sure to be appreciated.

King & Co., Grindlay & Co., Luzac & Co.,
W. Thacker & Co., T. Fisher Unwin,
Wheldon & Wesley).

The second part of Vol. I. of this Journal contains much that is of interest. Sir Thomas Holland contributes an article on the principles which govern the grant of mineral concessions in India. His discussion of the grounds on which the mineral policy of a Government has to be determined explains the reasons for restrictions which are apt sometimes to appear unnecessarily irksome to those engaged in the development of the mineral resources of a country. The article concludes with a very useful summary of the rules for the grant of prospecting licences and mining leases which are at present in force in British India.

An interesting account of the Rajputana salt industry, with particular reference to the salt works on the Sambhar Lake, is given by Mr. P. C. Scott O'Connor, an officer of the Northern India Salt Revenue Department, who has studied the history of Government control over salt production and has had considerable personal experience of the actual work of producing salt for the market.

Mr. J. W. Meares, in an article entitled "The Hydro-Electric Survey of India," explains in a lucid manner the potentialities of India in the matter of sources of water power. He discusses the various methods by which water can be harnessed in order to produce power for the development of industries and the provision of public conveniences without interfering with its function of irrigation. An account is given of the origin of the hydro-electric survey of India, of its results up to date, and of the limits within which its work is confined. Mr. Meares' remarks on the proper utilisation of electricity will be of use to those who have to weigh the comparative advantages of this and other sources of power.

Mr. Clow contributes a thoughtful article on the subject of "Factory Children and Education." The history of legislation relating to the various restrictions on the employment of children in factories is given and the comparative merits of the two schools of thought, one of which favours the prescription of educational tests before employment and the other the putting of compulsion on employers to provide education during the period of employment in a factory, provides an interest

ing contribution to the discussion of this difficult subject.

The subject of "The Hide, Skin, and Leather Trades and Boot and Shoe Manufacturing in India" is treated by Sir Henry Ledgard, who was until recently the Honorary Adviser to the Government of India on Boot Production. A detailed account is given of the methods introduced into the manufacture of boots for the Army in India during Sir Henry Ledgard's short term of office. The article concludes with a summary of the position of the leather and boot industries in India at the present time.

An interesting address on the subject of chemical research for the development of industries in India, which was read by Dr. E. R. Watson at the last meeting of the Indian Science Congress, is reproduced as an article in the Journal. Dr. Watson pays particular attention to the possibilities of producing in India the essen

12

tial munitions of war which he claims should be the foremost consideration in the industrial policy of the country.

An outline of the present position of technical and industrial education in Bengal is the subject of a short article by Mr. W. H. Everett, which deals with education under the heads of civil engineering, surveying, mechanical and electrical engineering, mining, weaving, commercial education, and art.

Other items of interest are a summary of information regarding industrial disputes in India during the first quarter of the year, miscellaneous notes on various subjects, including the bleaching of shellac, the investigation of cotton stalks as a paper-making material, three short notes on subjects of industrial interest contributed by Sir Alfred Chatterton, and a statement showing the kind, quantity, and cost of stores purchased in India by Government during the three official years ending 1919-20. A new feature of the Journal is the publication of reviews of recent publications.

A notice announces that eight bulletins of Indian Industries and Labour have now been published, and seven more are in the press.

CHEMICAL NOTICES FROM FOREIGN SOURCES Comptes Rendus Hebdomadaires des Séances de l'Académie des Sciences. Vol. clxxiii., No. 3.

"The Distribution of Electrons in Heavy Atoms."-By MM. A. Danvillier and L. de Broglie.

"The Diffraction of X-rays by Liquids."-By M. A. Debierne.

"The Resistivity of the Monosulphide to Monoselenide of Thallium."-By M. H. Pélabon.

"The Magnetic Properties of the Metals of the Alkaline Earths in Combination."-By M. Paul Pascal.

"The Rôle of Gaseous Impurities in the Catalytic Oxidation of Ammonia Gas."-By M. Eugene Decavrière.

"The Preparation of Calcium Carbide by Calcium Ammonium and Acetylene."—By MM. L. Hackspill and E. Botolfsen.

"A New Reaction of Ammonia."-By M. Couat D. Zenghelis.

tives of True Acetylenic Hydrocarbons.”—By M. "A New Method of Preparing Sodium DerivaPicon.

"The Polymerisation of Glucosanes."-By MM. Amée and Jaques Pictet.

"The Nitro and Amido Derivatives of Methyl Ethyl Benzene."-By M. Alphonse Mailhe.

NOTES.

MARKET FOR CHEMICALS IN THE NETHERLANDS EAST INDIES.-His Majesty's Commercial Agent in Batavia (Mr. H. A. N. Bluett), has forwarded to the Department of Overseas Trade the official returns of the import of chemicals into the Netherlands East Indies for the first two months of 1921. The chemicals named are alum, caustic soda, sodium carbonate, iron sulphate, calcium carbide, and copper sulphate. Except in the case of the

1 H.P. Cyanamide, with the water of the soil, gives urea, and then carbonate of ammonia, which are oxidised by nitrifying bacteria into directly assimilable nitrates. For employment in agriculture it is hydrated to destroy quick-lime and carbide, then granulated as far as possible to prevent formation of dangerous dust. Unfortunately, a really practical method of granulation has not yet been found. Cyanamide can also be mixed with other fertilisers like superphosphates taking certain precautions to prevent retrogradation.L'Engrais, June 3, 1921.

New Patents.

THIS List is specially compiled for the Chemical News by Messrs. Rayner & Co, Registered Patent Agents, of 5, Chancery Lane, London, W.C.2., from whom all information relating to Patents, Trade Marks and Designs can be obtained gratuitously.

Latest Patent Applications.

19376-Badische Anilin & Soda Fabrik.-Production of thymol. July 18.

19531-Dreyfus, H.-Manufacture of solutions, compositions, preparations, of articles of cellulose derivatives. July 20. W.--Method 19669-Gluud, W. of extracting sulphuretted hydrogen from gases. July 21. 19848-Scottish Dyes, Ltd.-Colouring matters of the napththalene series. July 23.

Specifications published this Week. 166228-Marks, E. C. R.-Recovery of fluorine as hydrofluoric acid. 166289-Head, C. J.-Process for the manufacture of chromic oxide and sodium sulphide from sodium chromate.

166425-Renck, .-Production of casts from ferrous sulphide. 145053-Akt Ges. für Anilin-Fabrikation.-Manufacture of orthooxy-ayo-disayo-dye-stuffs.

Abstract Published this Week.

Purifying Fats, Etc.-Patent No. 164115.-Mr. H. Bolman of 1, Alsterdamm, Hamburg, Germany, has obtained a Patent for an improved process of purifying fats and fatty oils from fatty acids, resins, mucilaginous and bitter substances, etc., by treatment in counter current with a solvent for fatty acids, etc., but not for glycerides. A series of extraction vessels is used, and the solvent and fatty oil are separated from each other before passing to the next vessels. Solvents specified are methyl alcohol, ethyl alcohol, amyl alcohol, acetone, acetic ester, diluted or not with water to ensure a sufficient difference in the specific gravity of the solvent and of the oil. When fats are treated, the temperature is maintained sufficiently high to ensure liquefaction. In the apparatus, rape or other oil from a reservoir, is passed continuously into the highest vessel of a series of washing vessels, and three times the volume of 96 per cent alcohol from a reservoir into the lowest vessel, while the agitator works continuously. The mixture in each vessel passes continuously to a separator pposite by pipes, and separates into two layers, the alcoholic solution from other separators passing respectively to washing vessels, and that from another separator through a pipe to a still, while the oily lower layer passes from separators to washing vessels and that from another separator to a still for the removal of residual alcohol. A temperature of 20-30° C. is maintained throughout. In a modified apparatus, treatment and separation take place in the one series of vessels, no agitators being employed, but retarding means such as Raschig rings, are used to ensure mixing and separation, and the separated oil and solvent flow to the next vessels through siphons.

Messrs. Rayner & Co., will obtain printed copies of the published specifications and will forward on post free for the official price of 1/- each.

THE SESSION 1921-22 COMMENCES OCTOBER 3rd, 1921. ALL COURSES AND DEGREES ARE OPEN TO BOTH MEN AND WOMEN STUDENTS.

In the Medical School Courses of Instruction are arranged to meet the requirements of other Universities and Licensing Bodies. Graduates, or persons who have passed Degree Examinations of other Universities, may, after one year's study or research, take a Master's Degree.

SEPARATE SYLLABUSES with full information as to Lecture and Laboratory Courses, Fees, Regulations for Degrees, Diplomas, etc., Exhibitions and Scholarships, are published as follows:

A NEW OR IMPROVED PROCESS FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF CAUstic soda MORE PARTICULARLY FROM RESIDUE RECOVERED FROM THE ALKALI USED IN PULP DIGESTION, AND CONTAINING SODIUM CARBONATE

are desirous of entering into arrangements by way of licence and otherwise on reasonable terms for the purpose of exploiting the same and ensuring its full development and practical working in this country. All communications should be addressed in the first instance to:

HASELTINE, LAKE & Co., Chartered Patent Agents, 28, SOUTHAMPTON BUILDINGS, CHANCERY Lane, London, W.C.

CITY OF LONDON COLLEGE, WHITE STREET AND ROPEMAKER STREET, MOORFIELDS, E.C.2.

CL

MICHAELMAS TERM COMMENCES SEPEMBER 26th.

LASSES and Laboratory Work in Chemistry. Special Preparation for the Examinations of the Pharmaceutical Society. Courses on Commercial Products: Oils, Textiles, Cereals, Sugar, etc.

Full particulars grati on application to DAVID SAVAGE, Secretary.