CHEMICAL NEWS, March 4, 1910 Gnoscopine. 105 active bases, such as 3-aminophenyl-a-camphoramic acid, | absorption band in the ultra-violet region analogous to one CO2H C8H14 CO NH·C6H4 NH2. In no case, however, was a resolution effected. was obtained by resolution of the corresponding brucine salt, but this yielded an optically inactive hydrotropaldehyde when decomposed by an acid. A number of new nitro-derivatives of benzylidenecamphor have been prepared, with a view to utilising the corresponding amines in the resolution of racemic aldehydes. The small yields resulting from the condensation of sodium camphor with the three nitrobenzaldehydes, however, have precluded the general application of these substances. found in the other vapours. 4. Piperidine gives a number of bands which can be divided into groups, and which are unlike those of pyridine. The results were discussed from the point of view of the vibrations of the atoms of the molecules, when the hydrogen atoms are replaced by methyl groups in the pyridine nucleus, and by the addition of hydrogen atoms in observed in alcoholic solutions. piperidine. They were also compared with the bands 47. "Absorption Spectra and Melting point Curves of Aromatic Diazoamines." By CLARENCE SMITH and CONSTANCE HAMILTON WATTS. It has been shown by Meldola and Streatfeild that m-p'-dinitrodiazoethylaminobenzene, obtained by the direct ethylation of m-p'-dinitrodiazoaminobenzene, is not identical with either m-nitrobenzenediazoethylamino-pnitrobenzene, NO2·C6H4°N2·NEt·C6H4·NO2, or with p*45. "The Influence of Colloids and Fine Suspensions nitrobenzenediazoethylamino-m-nitrobenzene, but is proon the Solubility of Gases in Water. Part I. Solubility duced, probably in the form of a compound, by boiling a of Carbon Dioxide and Nitrous Oxide." By ALEXANDER mixture of equal quantities of the two isomerides in FINDLAY and HENRY JERMAIN MAUDE CREIGHTON. The influence of ferric hydroxide, gelatin, arsenious sulphide, silicic acid, dextrin, starch, glycogen, egg-albumen, and serum albumen, as well as of suspensions of charcoal and silica, on the solubility of carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide has been studied at pressures varying from about 750 mm. to about 1400 mm. Under atmospheric pressure, silicic acid increases the solubility both of carbon dioxide and of nitrous oxide; ferric hydroxide and gelatin increase the solubility of carbon dioxide, but diminish the solubility of nitrous oxide; arsenious sulphide is practically without influence on the solubility of either gas; charcoal and silica increase the solubility of both gases. The other substances diminish the solubility of both gases. Various types of solubility-pressure curves have been obtained: 1. Where increased solubility is found, then at higher pressures the solubility curve (a) remains nearly horizontal, or falls to a flat minimum (carbon dioxide in presence of silicic acid, ferric hydroxide, gelatin); (b) rises continuously (carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide in presence of charcoal and silica, and nitrous oxide in presence of silicic acid). 2. Where decreased solubility occurs, then at higher pressures the solubility curve may either rise continuously or, generally, fall to a minimum and then rise more or less steeply. The cases under 1 (a) are probably best explained on the basis of chemical interaction; those under 1 (b) on the basis of "adsorption." The behaviour in the cases under 2 probably depends on the action of two factors, namely, solubility of the gases in a polymerised form in the colloid phase (descending portion of the curve), and "adsorption" (rising portion of the curve). 46. "The Absorption Spectra of the Vapours of Pyridine and some of its Derivatives at different Temperatures and Pressures." By JOHN EDWARD PURVIS. The spectra of the vapours of pyridine, a-picoline, 2:4lutidine, 2: 6 - lutidine, 24 6-trimethylpyridine, and piperidine were examined under the conditions of increased temperatures and pressures, and at two definite temperatures and decreased pressures. The chief results are: 1. Pyridine vapour exhibits a considerable number of absorption bands, most of which can be arranged in groups, in having similar appearances and regular differences of wave-lengths. Increased temperatures and pressures cause the bands to widen and new bands to make their appear. ance, and the general absorption is shifted towards the red end of the spectrum. 2. a-Picoline shows a considerably less number of bands than the vapour of pyridine, and those which appear are comparable with those of pyridine, and a few bands appear which are not seen in pyridine. 3. The two lutidines and trimethylpyridine do not exhibit any of the various bands characteristic of pyridine or of a-picoline, but they indicate the presence of a strong alcohol or benzene. The absorption spectrum of the directly ethylated compound differs from that of either of the two isomerides, and is identical with that of the parent mixed diazoamine. The melting-point curve of the two isomerides has the simple U-shape, with the minimum at the melting-point of the directly ethylated compound. The latter therefore is a solid solution of equal quantities of the two isomerides, and m-p'-dinitrodiazoaminobenzene, which is shown by the spectrometric evidence to have a similar constitution, is a solid solution of equal quantities of the two compounds :N2NH NO2 48. Synthesis of dl-Narcotine (Gnoscopine)." (Preliminary Note). By WILLIAM HENRY PERKIN, jun., and ROBERT ROBINSON. During the course of some experiments on the synthesis of the alkaloids, the authors have found that gnoscopine is produced when cotarnine and meconine are boiled in alcoholic solution with potassium carbonate. The synthetical alkaloid melts at 229°, and this melting point was unaltered by admixture with a specimen of gnoscopine from opium, of the same melting-point, for which the authors are indebted to Messrs. T. and H. Smith, of Edinburgh. The synthesis takes place according to the scheme : The authors intend to apply this reaction to the synthesis of hydrastine, and to complete the synthesis of narcotine, narceine, &c., by resolving gnoscopine into its optically active components and by converting the cotarnic acid which has recently been synthesised into cotarnine (Trans., 1909, xcv., 1977). 49. "Isomeric Chromous Chlorides." By WILLIAM ARTHUR KNIGHT and ELIZABETH MARY RICH. A rapid and convenient method of preparing pure chromous chloride was described. A dark green modification of the dark blue hydrate, CrCl2.4H2O, has been found to exist; its solution contains the ions CrCl and Cl'. Two other new hydrates, CrCl2,3H2O (pale blue) and CrCl2,2H2O (pale green), have also been prepared. 50. "The Chromous Chlorides." By WILLIAM ARTHUR KNIGHT. The author has measured several transition - points between the solid hydrates of chromous chloride (see preceding paper), and the vapour tensions of several of these systems at various temperatures were determined. Cryoscopic measurements confirm the results described in the preceding paper, that the blue tetrahydrate is dissociated into three, and the green modification into two, ions. 51. "Silver Amalgams." By CHAPMAN JONES. The author described a method of preparing definite and homogeneous silver amalgams. By the reduction of double or mixed halogen compounds of the metals, amalgams of the compositions Ag2Hg, AgHg, AgHg2, AgHg3, AgHgs, &c., are obtained. An account of some of the properties of the compounds AgHg and AgH3 was given. 52. "Derivatives of S-Phenylphenazothionium." (Part III.). By EDWARD DE BARRY BARNETT and SAMUEL SMILES. The constitution of the substances obtained by condensation of aromatic derivatives with the diphenylamine o-sulphoxides was further discussed, and the analogy between these substances and the simpler phenazothionium salts was shown. The conditions which control the formation of these S-phenyl derivatives were dealt with, special reference being made to (a) the nature of the sulphoxide, and (b) the aromatic compound employed in their formation. Some dyestuffs of this series were also briefly described. 53. The Vapour Pressures of Two perfectly Miscible Solids and their Solid Solutions." By ERNEST Vanstone. In a former paper (Trans., 1909, xcv., 590) it was shown that camphor and borneol form a continuous series of solid solutions. The vapour pressures of these substances and of a complete series of solid solutions have been measured. The barometric and air-current methods were employed with concordant results. The values obtained for the vapour pressures of camphor are in all cases lower than those of former investigators. The following are the conclusions drawn : 1. For camphor and borneol, the ratios of the absolute temperatures, corresponding with equal vapour pressures, are constant. 2. The vapour pressures of solid solutions follow the ordinary mixture law :-Ps = nPA+ (100-n)PB/100, where PA and PB are the vapour pressures of the pure substances A and B, and n = number of molecules of A per 100 of mixture. 3. The molecular weights of camphor and borneol in the solid solutions are probably normal, also the densities of the vapours at the temperatures employed. NOTICES OF BOOKS. By Commercial Peat; Its Uses and Possibilities. FREDERICK T. GISSING. London: Charles Griffin and Co., Ltd. 1909. PROBABLY many readers of this book will be surprised at the number of uses to which peat is put and the variety of substances obtained from it commercially. These include alcohol, ammonia, nitrates, paper, gas, &c. The use of peat for sewage purposes is described, and many illustrations and descriptions of machinery used in the treatment of peat are included. The chapters are all very short and somewhat disjointed, but many interesting points are raised, and a complete account of the present state of the industry is given, as well as its possibilities in the future. The Manufacture of Cane-sugar. By LLEWELLYN Jones, M.I.E.S., and FREDERIC J. SCARD, F.I.C. London: Edward Stanford. 1909. SUGAR planters, merchants, and overseers will find in this book a valuable account of the present state of the canesugar industry, as well as much useful information concerning the manufacture of sugar. The work deals with production of the finished article, and all the usual methods the whole process, from the planting of the canes to the of the extraction of the juice from the cane, its clarification, filtration, and subsequent treatment are described. An interesting chapter deals with the scientific control of the sugar factory, and the by-products of the industry are also discussed in some detail. The book contains numerous illustrations of machinery, and though written more especially for the lay reader the descriptions of the necessary plant are copious, and a complete idea of the whole process can readily be gathered from the text. Matriculation Directory. No. 54, January, 1910. London : The University Tutorial Press. THE London Matriculation Directory issued by the Tutorial Press is of great assistance to the intending candidate for the examination, giving him hints on the choice of subjects and on the use of text-books, as well as complete solutions and criticisms of the papers set. It would possibly be helpful to some students if some other examination papers were reprinted than those usually selected for the purpose; for instance, advanced mathematics, which is by no means a difficult subject, and is one which would probably attract more candidates if they knew the kind of papers set. Solutions of the botany and German papers also might be useful. Radio-activity of the Thermal Waters of Yellowstone National Park. By HERMAN SCHLUNDT and RICHARD B. MOORE. Washington: Government Printing Office. 1909. THE experiments which are described in this Bulletin extended over a period of two months, during which an exhaustive research was made into the activity of the thermal waters of the chief regions of Yellowstone Park. The waters themselves, the gases issuing from the springs, and the solid spring deposits, water residues, and rocks, were all tested for radio-activity by the electrical method, electroscopes of the C. T. R. Wilson type being employed. The results obtained with some So samples of water, 40 gas samples, and rather more solid deposits are tabulated and compared with similar data obtained from other hydrothermal regions. It was found that there are great differences in the activity of the gases, the activity being due in most cases entirely to radium emanation, though thorium emanation was also present in about onefifth of the gases examined. The activity of the waters also differed considerably, and apparently there is no connection between activity and temperature. CHEMICAL NEWS, March 4, 1910 Chemical Notices from Foreign Sources. 107 tribute to the great master, showing both the zeal he has aroused in his students and the excellent training for undertaking original work they have received at his hands. Technische Auskunft. ("Technical News "). August, | lucidity and conciseness, and they form an admirable 1909. Berlin: Bibliographischer Zentral-Verlag. THIS monthly journal gives short descriptions of the chief characteristics of some well-known technical papers, and also very brief notices of the growth of some societies interested in technology. It contains, in addition, a complete bibliography of all recently published books and CHEMICAL NOTICES FROM FOREIGN articles in technical papers. These are briefly summarised to give some idea of their contents, and the volume should be a distinct acquisition to the scientific man who is interested in technical progress in any direction. Beiträge zu einer Kolloidchemie des Lebens. ("Contributions to a Colloidal Chemistry of Life"). By RAPHAEL ED. LIESEGANG. Dresden : Theodor Steinkopff. 1909. THIS monograph contains a summary of the researches of Pringsheim and Bechhold on the "precipitate membrane in gelatin jellies, together with descriptions of further experiments undertaken for the purpose of investigating the phenomenon and finding a satisfactory explanation. Physiologists will follow the text with great interest, especially those parts which relate to the application of the theory to the case of the living organism. The monograph is very well arranged in that the details of all the experiments are collected in the second part of the book, where they are given in full, leaving the first part, which treats of theoretical conceptions, unencumbered by a great mass of experimental information, and thus enabling the main thread of the argument to be followed more easily. Dr. J. Frick's Physikalishe Technik. ("Dr. J. Frick's Physical Technics"). Seventh Edition. By Dr. OTTO LEHMANN. Vol. II., Part II. Braunschweig: Friedrich Vieweg und Sohn. 1909. THE second volume of this treatise on physical technics deals with electrical discharges, radiations, optics, acoustics, and pyscho-optics. It describes with the minutest details the arrangement of apparatus for, and the methods of, performing a great number of experiments in these subjects, the directions being always explicit, and showing clearly the most satisfactory way to make the experiments most effective and convincing. The treatise is a valuable and, indeed, almost indispensable aid to the demonstrator or professor of physics. It contains many illustrations of apparatus, and all common instruments are so fully described and so clearly depicted that it should make its readers perfectly familiar with all the appliances and equipment of even the most complete of physical laboratories. The coloured plates give beautiful representations of the phenomena observed during electrical discharges in different circumstances. Zeitschrift für Physikalische Chemie. ("Journal of Physical Chemistry"). Vol. Ixix. Edited by WILH. OSTWALD and J. H. VAN 'T HOFF. Leipzig: Wilhelm Engel mann. 1909. THE sixty-ninth volume of the Zeitschrift für Physikalische Chemie is a special issue in commemoration of the fact that it is twenty-five years since the theory of electrolytic dissociation was propounded by Prof. Svanté Arrhenius. Professor Wilhelm Ostwald has contributed to it a biographical notice in which he touches upon the many sided activity of the great physical chemist, and with characteristic enthusiasm dilates upon his great services to science and mankind. He alludes especially to the charm of his personality and to his linguistic talents, which have done much to make him almost as well known in foreign countries as in the land of his birth. Of the papers which the volume contains it is difficult to speak too highly, and impossible to pick out any for mention without passing over others equally valuable. They have issued from laboratories in all parts of the world, and have been written in various tongues-English, French, German, Italian by writers of both sexes. They are all marked by great SOURCES. NOTE.-All degrees of temperature are Centigrade unless otherwise expressed. Comptes Rendus Hebdomadaires des Séances de l'Académie des Sciences. Vol. cl., No. 2, January 10, 1910. New Chloride of Phosphorus.-A. Besson and L. Fournier. By the action of electricity on mixtures of phosphorus trichloride and hydrogen the authors have obtained phosphorus dichloride, P2C14. It is a colourless oily liquid having a smell of phosphorus. It forms a white solid at - 28°. It fumes in air, partly because it is decomposed by moisture, and also because it is readily oxidised, and often ignites spontaneously. It is unstable, but may be distilled in an inert gas at atmospheric pressure without undergoing much decomposition. It decomposes slowly at the ordinary temperature, giving a light yellow solid of composition PC12. Attempts to obtain the dibromide similarly have led to the formation of a yellow solid, which may be a decomposition product of the dibromide. Solution of Platinum in Sulphuric Acid, and the Products of the Reaction.-Marcel Delépine.-Platinum dissolves in sulphuric acid in presence of an inert gas according to the equation 2Pt+7H2SO42Pt(OH)(SO4H)2+3SO2+4H2O. In contradiction to Quennessen's results the author has found that the presence of oxygen is unnecessary, and oxygen does not combine with platinum-black at the temperature of boiling sulphuric acid, though it does combine with the sulphurous gas dissolved in the acid holding the platinum-black in suspension. The products of the reaction are platinum sesquioxysulphate, Pt(OH)(SO4H)2, and a new red-brown crystalline substance which appears to be Pt(OH)2SO4H.H2O. Two New Nickel Phosphides.-Pierre Jolibois.— When an alloy of tin and nickel containing 5 per cent of nickel is heated to 700° in a sealed tube with phosphorus, prismatic crystals of formula NiP2 are obtained. This phosphide is metallic in appearance, soluble in nitric acid, and decomposed by fused soda. Its density is 4.62 at 18°, and it loses its phosphorus at 650°. When nickel is dissolved in a mixture of Sn4P3 and SnP3 the phosphide, NiP3, is formed in microscopic crystals. It is soluble in nitric acid, and attacked by fused soda. Its density is 419 at 18°, and at 580° it loses its phosphorus. Formula of Hypophosphoric Acid.-E. Cornec.The results obtained when the lowering of the freezingpoint of hypophosphoric acid in aqueous solution is determined, point very decisively to the double formula H4P206, and this is confirmed by similar experiments with the potassium salt, as well as by a comparison of the conductivity of the neutral sodium salt with that of sodium pyrophosphate. Catalytic Preparation of Aromatic Ketones.-J. B. Senderens. - A mixture of 1 molecule of benzoic acid and 2 to 3 molecules of fatty acid reacts at 430-460° in presence of thorium oxide, the products being a mixed aromatic ketone and a symmetrical fatty ketone,C6H5CO.OH+3RCO.OH = = C6H5COR+RCOR+2CO2 + 2H2O. No benzophenone is formed. The author has prepared thus acetophenone, propiophenone, &c. Benzoic anhydride can be used in place of the acid, and gives equally good results. Methylacetylene Carbinol.-M. Lespieau.-The 3-1 brominated derivative of the ethylene alcohols of the type CH2=CB-CHOH-R can be prepared by the action of Grignard's magnesium compounds on monobromacrolein. When treated with alcoholic potash the ethylenic alcohols gives the acetylene alcohols, CHEC-CHOH-R. The author has prepared CH=C-CHOH-CH3 by this method. No. 3, January 17, 1910. Dielectric Cohesion of Neon.-E. Bouty.-Since the molecular weight of neon lies between the molecular weights of helium and argon it is to be expected that the dielectric cohesion would also be intermediate between those of the two gases. This, however, is not the case, the dielectric cohesions being 7.6 for neon, 18.3 for helium, and 435 for air. Thus, a layer of neon of depth 57 cm. would offer the same resistance to the electric discharge as a layer of air 1 cm. deep. Action of Heat on Aluminium in Vacuo.-E. KohnAbrest. When aluminium is heated in a vacuum it begins to volatilise at 1100°; the volatilisation is not proportional to the duration of heating, but occurs very rapidly at first, and then gradually slackens. Apparently the aluminium acts upon the walls of the containing vessel, and sets free silicon; the latter undergoes a partial volatilisation, the silicon vapour being absorbed by the liquid aluminium. The silicon is set free in the amorphous form. Cementation of Iron by Solid Carbon.-G. Charpy and S. Bonnerot.-Iron does not undergo cementation at 1000 by solid carbon in absence of a gaseous vehicle. It must not thence be concluded that carbon does not diffuse into iron, though it is difficult to decide what part is played by the occluded gases. Further experiments are necessary in order to decide whether the diffusion of carbon into the interior of cast-iron and steel occurs with or without the intervention of the occluded gases. Action of Gaseous Carbon Tetrachloride on Anhydrides and Oxides.-Pierre Camboulives.-The author has studied the action of gaseous carbon tetrachloride on the oxides and anhydrides of many of the metallic elements. The temperature at which a reaction occurs lies between 215° and 580°. In the case of boron and silicon no reaction Occurs. The product of the action is usually a chloride, and the formation of an oxychloride is exceptional. Carbon dioxide and carbon oxychloride are also formed, and if the temperature is high chlorine and hexa-chloro-benzene, C6H6, may be liberated. Transformation of Aromatic Alcohols into Phosphinic Acids by Hypophosphorous Acid. - R. Fosse. -When hypophosphorous acid acts on triphenylcarbinol a phosphinic acid of formula (C6H5)3C-POH is formed. H A similar reaction occurs with dinaphthopyranol and Michler's hydrol. The corresponding aldehydes and acetones give not substitution but addition products with hypophosphorous acid. Vicianose, a New Reducing Sugar with C11.Gabriel Bertrand and G. Weisweiller. By the diastasic hydrolysis of the glucoside vicianine, obtained from the seeds of Vicia augustifolia, the authors have isolated a new reducing biose to which they have given the name vicianose. It is very soluble in water, and only very slightly soluble in strong alcohol. Its rotatory power is given by [a] D +36 72'. It fuses at 210° and elementary analysis shows that its formula is C11H20010. NEWS MISCELLANEOUS. Third International Congress and Exhibition of Physiotherapy will take place in Paris at the Ecole de Médecine, and last from March 29th to April 3rd. The Committee, composed of the most eminent French doctors, hope that their English confréres will meet them in great numbers on that occasion. They are preparing an attractive programme of festivities, lectures, visits, &c., to which all the visitors and exhibitors will be invited. English and French railways have consented to reduce their fares to Paris. Chemical Laboratory Fresenius, Wiesbaden, Germany.-At the Autumn Vacations Course, 1909, held at the Laboratory Fresenius, twenty-one students took part. During the regular Winter Term, 1909-10, thirtyfive students were inscribed, including one lady and two hearers. The nationality of the students was as follows : -Twenty-three Germans, two Hollanders, two Frenchmen, one Englishman, one Luxembourger, one AustroHungarian, one Roumanian, one Russian, one Swiss, one Spaniard, and one Turk. The Directors of the Institute, Geh. Regierungsrat Prof. Dr. H. Fresenius, Prof. Dr. W. Fresenius, Prof. Dr. E. Hintz, are assisted by six duly qualified lecturers and heads of departments. Besides these there is a staff of eighteen assistant chemists, four sub-assistants, and four lady apprentices. There will be a Vacations Course beginning March 1st, 1910. The next regular Summer Term will commence on April 25th, 1910. During the Winter, 1909-10, a number of scientific treatises originated from the Laboratory Fresenius; they were published in different chemical journals, especially in the Zeitschrift fur Analytische Chemie, edited by the Directors. As special prints appeared-“ Chemische Untersuchung der Georgen Quelle, der Marien-Quelle, der Wiesen-Quelle, der Mariannen-Quelle, und der FriedrichsQuelle zu Bad Landeck in Schlesien," by Geh. Regierungsrat Prof. Dr. H. Fresenius; and "Chemische und Physikalische-chemische Untersuchung der San AntonQuelle uz Orihuela, Provinz Alicante (Spanien)," by Prof. Dr. E. Hintz (at C. W. Kreidel's, Publisher, Wiesbaden). Besides the scientific work, a great number of chemical analyses were executed during the Winter half year, 1909-10, for commercial, mining, industrial, and agricultural purposes, also in the interest of Sanitary Boards, Criminal, and other State Departments. MEETINGS FOR THE WEEK. MONDAY, 7th.-Royal Society of Arts, 8. (Cantor Lectures). “Lead Royal Institution, 5. (General Monthly Meeting). TUESDAY, 8th. - Royal Institution, 3. "The Emotions and their FRIDAY, 11th.-Royal Institution, 9. "Ionisation of Gases and Che- Condensation of Secondary Butyl Alcohol with its Sodium Derivative.-Marcel Guerbet.-When secondary butyl alcohol is heated with its sodium derivative two alcohols are obtained. One boils at 167–169°, and the other at 250-255°. The former is secondary dibutylalcohol, SATURDAY, 12th.-Royal Institution, 3 CH3-CH2-CH(CH3)-CH2-CH2-CHOH-CH3, and the latter is secondary tributylalcohol, C12H26O. B. D. Steele. MUCH CHEAPER. At least 25 per cent cheaper than any other make. make. MORE ABSORBENT. Effectively absorbs one-third more litharge than any other IMPERVIOUS BOTTOMS. It is impossible for litharge to run through on to floor of muffle, thus the muffle can be used over and over again. More economical in every way. DO NOT CRACK OR SPLIT. REQUIRE NO SPECIAL PACKING. DO NOT GET DAMAGED IN TRANSIT. F. E. BECKER & CO. (" SCHOTT Trade Mark I 20 I 1} Ig It I§ 14 14 2 28 W. & J. GEORGE, Ltd., ), HATTON WALL, LONDON. JENA LABORATORY GLASSWARE. COMPOUND TUBING (D.R.P.) Resisting in a high degree sudden changes of temperature and the COMBUSTION TUBING FOR ELEMENTARY ANALYSIS. Price-list sent free on application SCHOTT & GEN. Glassworks, Jena (GERMANY). The Jena Glasses are, amongst others in the U.K., on sale with the following firms: |