pool and upon gradually increasing the temperature, the particles on the surface "were carried away by the evaporating mercury" and moved about in the upper part of the tube in much the same manner as gas molecules are presumed to behave. After completion of the demonstration by the instructor each student may be allowed to verify the experiment. The use of this simple device excellently enables the student to form a clear mental picture of how the very small gas molecules are supposed to be in constant motion, and how the speed of this motion is altered by changes in temperature. NEW PROCESS FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF SODIUM PERBORATE. THE New York Journal of Commerce of April 21 contains an article on an invention which has just been patented by the Norwegian firm Fredrikstad Elektrokemiske Fabriker, for producing sodium perborate, a bleaching powder which has been known and used since the beginning of the 20th century, but which has never been produced in Norway or in Sweden. The process consists of an electrolysis of common borax in a weak solution. In this way the borax combines with a large percentage of oxygen. One of the disadvantages inherent in the processes utilised hitherto has been that a large percentage of electric energy and borax were wasted. Another disadvantage was that only chemically pure borax could be used, and finally, a third disadvantage consisted in the difficulty of maintaining a continuous and constant production. Both of these last-named disadvantages have been overcome by adding to the original borax solution a certain amount of sodium cyanide. This addition makes all the impurities harmless, and prevents decomposition of the perborate, which is formed in the solution. Accordingly, it is possible to utilise raw material less pure, and therefore less expensive, thus lowering the cost of production. Continuous production is also made possible. When the solution is saturated it is poured out and cooled; thereupon a certain amount of sodium superoxide is added which causes a rapid crystallisation of the perborate. This new bleaching powder has many properties which make it suitable for a number of practical purposes. It is, for instance, a very good antiseptic, and may be used in the treatment of cuts, wounds, &c., both as a powder and dissolved in cold water. It is particularly good as a bleaching agent in the textile industry, and in washing clothes. As a bleaching agent it is absolutely harmless. It may also be used for starching clothes. FORTHCOMING FAIRS. Royal Agricultural Show, Derby. June 28-July 3. Includes agricultural machinery and forestry. London Fair and Market. Royal Agricultural Hall, Islington, July 4-15. Apply to International Trade Exhibitions, Ltd., Broad Street House, New Broad Street, London, E.C.2. Confectioners' and Bakers' Exhibition. Royal Agricultural Hall, Islington, September 3-9. Apply to 31, Queen Victoria Street, London, E.C.4. Shipping, Engineering, and Machinery Exhibition. Olympia, September 7-28. Apply to Mr. F. W. Bridges, Exhibition Offices, 36-38, Whitefriars Street, London E.C.4. Grocers' Exhibition. Royal Agricultural Hall, International Shoe and Leather Fair. Royal Fifth International Commercial Motor Exhibition. Olympia, London, October 14-22. Apply to Exhibition Manager, Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, Ltd., 83, Pall Mall, London, S. W. 1. 15th International Motor Exhibition. Olympia, and White City, London, November 4-12. Apply to Exhibition Manger, Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, Ltd., 83, Pall Mall, London, S. W. 1. 7th Cycle and Motor-Cycle Show. Olympia, London, November 28-December 3, 1921. Apply to General Manager, British Cycle and MotorCycle Manufactures' and Traders' Union, Ltd., The Towers, Warwick Road, Coventry. Lemberg, Poland. An Industrial and Agricultural Fair is being arranged in Lemberg, Poland, in September, by the Targi Wschodnie (Eastern Fairs & Markets, Ltd.), of Lemberg, a society organised to promote trade throughout Poland and South Russia. They would like to correspond with any companies interested in East European trade. Exact dates of Fair will be announced later. PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES. ROYAL SOCIETY. Ordinary Meeting, June 9, 1921. PROF. C. S. SHERRINGTON, President, in the Chair. THE following papers were read :— "Break-shock Reflexes and Supramaximal' Contraction-response of Mammalian Nerve-muscle to Single-shock Stimuli." By Prof. C. S. SHER RINGTON. The maximal twitch-contraction of tibialis anticus muscle (cat) evoked by a single break-shock applied to the cut motor nerve is compared with the same muscle's contraction as evoked reflexly (spinal preparation) by a single break-shock applied to an afferent nerve. The reflex contraction is found to exceed the former when the breakshock for the former is even considerably weaker than that employed for the latter. Evidence is given that this is due to the reflex response being tetanic in nature. If the break-shock is, however, quite strong (i.e., above the limiting maximal value of Forbes and Gregg) there is evidence that it excites, even when applied to the motor nerve, a response of tetanic quality. The socalled "over-maximal twitch" is in reality a response of this kind. Such responses are in this paper termed "supra-maximal responses." Probablitiy is shown that a reaction of like kind obtains in the afferent nerve when the single-shock applied to it is of comparably high value. In this latter case there is added to the tetanic reaction of the spinal centre a tetanic reaction from afferent nerve-fibres themselves. But with weak and moderate break-shock stimuli the seat of origination of the tetanic character of the reflex discharge appears to lie mainly, if not wholly, in the centre itself. It is inferred that it arises there from a process, a "charge" process which is relatively long-lasting in comparison with the cycle of a nerve-impulse, a process which is more intense and of longer duration when the afferent fibres excited are many than when they are fewer. "Dictyokinesis in Germ Cells, or the Distribution of the Golgi Apparatus during Cell Division." By R. J. LUDFORD and J. B. GATENBY. Maturation mitoses in the germ-cells of Cavia, Mus, Helix, Limnæa, and Stenobothrus were examined in order to ascertain the fate of the Golgi apparatus during cell-division. In all cases the Golgi apparatus is found to separate or break up into its constituent granules or rods, and these are distributed haphazardly to the two daughter-cells at mitosis. The Golgi apparatus is, in no case examined, divided out between the daughter-cells as carefully and equally as are the chromosomes. This appears to show that from the point of view of a mathematical conception of the hereditary processes, the Golgi apparatus does not share to any important extent, if at all, in the transmission of factors from cell to cell. "The Effect of Red Fatigue on the White Equation." By F. W. EDRIDGE-GREEN, M.D. A white equation is formed by means of a mixture of a red of A6670-6770 A', a green of A51445156 A, and a violet of A4250-4267 Ao, matching a simple white. When the eye is fatigued with light viewed through a red glass which transmits from A630μμ to the end of the red end of the spectrum, or with pure spectral light in the region of 1670up, and the equation is again made, the amount of green is about half that required for the equation made with the unfatigued eye. The white equation and its match cannot be due to similar physiological processes, or both would change in the same ratio. When the fatiguing light is in the region of 1780, no difference is seen between the mixed and simple white. "A Method for Investigating the Hæmolytic Activity of Chemical Substances." By E. PONDER. 1. A technique for the investigation of the hæmolytic action of chemical substances is described. 2. The relation between the time taken by a given quantity of hæmolytic substance and the temperature at which it acts is expressed by a hyperbola. 3. Equations are given expressing the relation between the constants of such a hyperbola and the quantity of hæmolytic substance to which the hyperbola applies. 4. Certain general relations which have been found to hold for all substances examined in connection with this research are pointed out. 5. A comparison between experimental and calculated results is given. "The Development of Vegetation in the English Lakes, considered in Relation to the General Evolution of Glacial Lakes and Rock Basins." By W. H. PEARSALL. The data presented show that a very close connection exists between the flora (and fishes) of the English Lakes and the physical and chemical conditions of their shores and waters. These lakes are of the same age (glacial), of similar origin, and lie among rocks possessing relatively uniform characters. It is therefore possible to attribute the differences they show to variations in the rates or errosion and sedimentation of the lake basins, due to inequalities in the durability of the underlying rocks. In distinguishing rocky from relatively silted lakes, a contrast is therefore made between primitive and more highly evolved lakes, and it becomes possible to describe the stages in the post-glacial development of a rock basin. The conception has particular value biologically, since it permits the study of the post-glacial development of vegetation. The two extreme phases here distinguished differ in the following particulars : Comptes Rendus Hebdomadaires des Séances de l'Académie des Sciences. Vol. clxxii., No. 21. "Acrylic Acid and Acrylic Ethers. Halogen Derivatives of the propionic Acids and Ethers." MM. Charles Moureu Marcel Murat, and Louis Tampier. "Artificial Colouration of Crystals obtained by the Solidification of a Molten Substance, and on Crystalline Diffusion."-M. Paul Gaubert, "Contribution to the Study of the Oils obtained from Grape Pips."-M. Emile André. "Application of the Law of Mass Action on the Results obtained in the Reaction of B-galactosidase on Galactose in Propylic Alcohol Solution." No. 22. "Double Catalysis of Vanadic Acid and Oxygenated Water."--M. V. Auger. FARADAY SOCIETY.--A General Discussion on "Catalysis with Special Reference to Newer Theories of Chemical Action" will take place on September 28 next. During the afternoon session "Radiation Theory" will be discussed, and the opening paper will be given by Prof. J. Perrin (Paris). The evening session will deal with "Heterogeneous Reactions," and it will be opened by Dr. Irving Langmuir (Schenectady, U.S.A.). THE "SANITAS" COMPANY, LTD.-The General Meeting of the "Sanitas" Company, Ltd., was held at the Cannon Street Hotel, London, E.C.4, on the 15th inst., under the presidency of the Chairman, Mr. C. T. Kingzett, F.I.C., F.C.S., this being the 43rd Annual Meeting held since the incorporation of the original company. The Chairman said it was a matter for congratulation that, notwithstanding the general slump in trade experienced during the year under review, particu larly in the export department, and the necessity of writing down stocks acquired at war and boom time high values to current prices, the trade done in the past year had on the whole been satisfactory, sufficing for the payment of the full dividend of 9 per cent on the Preference shares of the Company, and 5 per cent on the Ordinary shares. In view of the great increase in business experienced in the previous year, the Company had acquired and equipped a model factory at Hayes, and were prepared to make use of it as soon as the revival of trade justified the action. "Sanitas Fluid" still held the position of first favourite as the nonpoisonous disinfectant and oxidant, devoid of all objectionable qualities, and the sales of that particular article showed a great stride in the year under review. He was also pleased to note improvement in the qualities of the floor polishes, embrocation, and other numerous products of the Company. Their association with Lever Brothers, Ltd., was of the happiest character, and he looked forward to the continued prosperity of the Company's business with full confidence in the competent hands of the Managing Director (Mr. N. F. Kingzett) and his colleagues. The retiring Directors and Auditors were duly re-elected. DECOMPOSITION OF CHLORACETIC ACIDS.-M. Sanderens has demonstrated by catalysis that organic acids give rise to a cetone with disengagement of carbonic gas. He examined decomposition of the halogen acids, for example CH2.CI.COOH,, to ascertain whether symmetric dichloracetone is produced by the action of three different catalysers, thorine, kaolin, and boneblack. With monochloracetic acid, thorine gives a mixture of HCI, CO2, and CO, with a carbon deposit. Decomposition Occurs following the same processes with the other two agents, but in the case of trihalogen acid, whereas thorine and kaolin decompose it into complex products, boneblack transforms it into chloroform with a yield of 85 per cent, the remainder being a mixture of C2CI, and C,Сl, with a little dissolved hydrochloric acid.-La Nature, March 19, 1921. New Patents. THIS List is specially compiled for the Chemical News by Messrs. 15078-Evershed, H. R.-Process for manufacture of sulphate o Specifications published this Week. 163877-Phillips, F. J.-Manufacture of readily soluble alkali silicates. 144659-Badische Anilin & Soda Fabric.-Process for transforming ammonia into a salt for use as a fertilizer. Abstract Published this Week. Recovering Tin from Scrap. Mr. P. Mackay of 70, Lombard Street, London has obtained a Patent No. 161654 for an improved process of recovering tin from Scrap by treating it with oleum to dissolve the tin, the material is then lifted out of the acid and washed in water. Fresh acid is added to replace that used, and another batch is treated. After a time a basic sulphate Sn SO, Sn SO, deposits and is drawn off. The washing water contains some insoluble oxide, SnO2, and some tin in solution. dissolved tin is recovered by precipitation as sulphide or iron is added to neutralize the acid and obtain metallic tin. External heat is not required in the process, but the acid bath is maintained by by the exothermic heat and the periodical additions of fresh acid at a fairly constant temperature of 44-55° C. and a strength of about 10 per cent. free sulphur trioxide. The SWANWICK INSTITUTE & CLUB, LIMITED. (175051)-Registered 4th June, 1921. The Institute, Pentrich Road, Swanwick. To erect and maintain a Social Club and Institute. Nominal Capital: £2,000 in 4,000 Shares of 10/- each. Minimum Subscription: One-fifth part of the total number of shares offered for subscription. Directors: J. Hiel, Wood Dene, Swanwick; G. Elliott (Junior), Hill Crest, Swanwick; G. Harwood, High Street, Swanwick, J. Hopkinson, Church Street, Swanwick; A. Walters, Church Street, Swanwick R. Marsh (Senior), Derby Road, Swanwick; H. Thompson, Derby Road, Swanwick. Qualification of Directors: £5. Private Companies: CHARLES ADAMS & SON, LIMITED. (175044)-Registered 4th June, 1921. IC, Queen Square, Bristol. To carry on the business of Corn and Flour Merchants, Millers, etc. Nominal Capital: £100,000 in 10,000 Shares of £10 each. Directors: C. Adams, 11, Apsley Road, Clifton, Bristol; H. C. Adams, Spring Bank, Stonehouse, Gloucestershire; H. Fleetwood, 13, Alexandra Road, Clifton, Bristol. Qualification of Directors 1 Share, Remuneration of Directors: To be voted by Company in General Meeting. HORLEY'S, LIMITED. (175047)-Registered 4th June, 1921. To carry on the business of Capitalists, Financiers, Merchants, etc Nominal Capital: £20,000 in 20,000 Shares of £1 each. Directors: To be appointed by Subscribers. Qualification of Directors: £100. Remuneration of Directors: To be voted by Company in General Meeting. Subscribers: W. Oliver, Madingley, Richmond Bridge, East Twickenham; A. W. Butler, 12a, York Manssions, Battersea Park, S. W. BRIERLEY & KERSHAW, LIMITED. (175042)-Registered 4th June, 1921. To acquire and carry on the business of Makers of Flat and Spiral Springs, now carried on at "Roach Spring and Temple Works, Morton Street, Rochdale. Nominal Capital: £20,000 in 20,000 Shares of £1 each. Directors: W. H. Brierley, 83, Southbank Road, Southport: (Governing Director). Qualification of Directors: 1,000 Shares. Remuneration of Directors: To be voted by Company in General Meeting. FRANKLIN & RYAN, LIMITED.-(175033)—Registered 3rd June, 1921. 50, Cross Street, Erith, Kent. To carry on the business of Omnibus, Char-a-banc and Cab Proprietors and Haulage Contractors. Nominal Capital: £15,000 in 15,000 Shares of £1 each. Directors: J. G. Franklin, 50, Cross Street, Erith, Kent; C. Ryan, Herbert House, Oaklands Road, Bexley Heath; T. N. Cannon, Mount Eagle, Bexley Heath. Qualification of Directors: 250 Shares. Remuneration of Directors: To be voted by Company in General Meeting. 36, KEMCO, LIMITED.-(175134)-Registered 9th June, 1921. Trinity Street, Huddersfield. To carry on the business of Pharmacy and Drug Store Proprietors. Nominal Capital: £1,000 in 1,000 Shares of 1 each. Directors: H. Dean, Parkston Grove, Honley, Huddersfield; S. Kenworthy, 157, Trinity Street, Huddersfield. Qualtfication of Directors: 1 Share. W. WINDLE & Co., LIMITED.-(175146)-Registered 9th June, 1921. 452, Edgware Road, W.2. To carry on the business of Chemists and Druggists. Nominal Capital: £500 in 500 Shares of £ each. Directors: To be appointed by Subscribers. Qualification of Directors: I Share. Remuneration of Directors: To be voted by Company in General Meeting. Subscribers: G. W. Knight, 452, Edgware Road, W.2.; Mabel R. Knight, 452, Edgware Road, W.2. 1 Mercury Reservoir, 500 ccs, 2s. petrol gas, 15s. Two packets Filter 0-110 C. 0-220 C. 0-50 ̊C.) 2/6 each. 1-sc. No. 1 Blow pipe with taps, Papers, 11cm. No. 50, 5/- the lot. 1 Set Analytical Weights with Certificate, 0·001 to 50 grams (gold fractions) £3 the set. 1 Pipette 50 cc. bulb, 1/-. Two Tubulated Bottles, 10 litres each, £2 lot. 6 only W.M. stoppered bottles, 300 ccs. and 1-350 ccs. 9- the lot. 1 150-volt 1 K.W. Immersion Heater with one plate only, 30/- lot. Three G.M. Sieves, 200, 150 and 120 mesh respectively, £5 the lot. 1 Box (25) Soxhlet Extraction Thimbles, 25 by 100 mm., 10/- lot. 4 Resistance Nets, 50 ohms., 2/6 lot. One Liebig's Condenser, No. 2228, 2/6. Two Flex. Metallic Tubes, each 6ft. long, 2/6 lot. 7 W. M. Flat stoppered Bottles, 300 ccs. 7,6 lot. 14 Specimen Tubes, 6in. by in. corked, 2/- lot. Distillation Flasks, with side Tubes-5 off 50 ccs., 2 off 100 ccs. and 5-250 ccs. Squat Spout Beakers-10 off 50 ccs., 1-100 ccs. and 3-300 ccs. and 1500 ccs., 3/- lot. 12ft. in. bore I.R. Tubing and 4ft. in. bore pressure tubing, 5/- lot. One set Fractional Weights 05 grms. to 001 grms., 15/- lot. Test Tubes, 6in. by in., 7/6 lot. 53 This The Liquidator also offers about 300 Bottles, Jars, Boxes, etc., containing Chemicals; Organic, Inorganic, Reagents, Indicators, etc., being the complete stock of a research laboratory. A list will be sent on application. Lump sum price wanted for the lot. price to include bottles, etc., containing the material. Buyer must either make himself responsible for packing and despatching or the offer must be substantial enough to permit of the Liquidator employing a skilled Chemist for packing and despatching. NOTICES. EDITORIAL.-All Literary communications and Books, Chemical Apparatus, &c., for review or notice to be addressed to the EDITOR. SUBSCRIPTIONS, £1 12s. per annum, payable in advance, should be addressed to the MANAGER. BACK NUMBERS and VOLUMES can be purchased on application to he MANAGER. THE CHEMICAL NEWS, 97, SHOE LANE, LONDON, E.C 4. ADVERTISEMENTS. All communications for this Department should be ad dressed toT. G. SCOTT & SON, 63, LUDGATE HILL, LONDON, E C.4. UNIVERSITY OF GLASGOW. APPLICATIONS are invited for a Lecture ship in Organic Chemistry; salary £400 to £450 according to qualifications. Applications, stating teaching and research experience and giving the names of three references, to be sent as soon as possible to Prof. T. S. PATTERSON. Any available copies of testimonials may also be sent. CITY OF BIRMINGHAM EDUCATION COMMITTEE. HANDSWORTH TECHNICAL SCHOOL. REQUIRED in September next, the full-time services of a Lecturer, chief subject Metallurgy. The commencing salary offered will depend upon the previous training and experience of candidate. For full particulars apply to the Principal, Handsworth Technical School, Goldshill Road, Handsworth, Birmingham. THE owners of British Patent No. 155,627 APPLICATIONS are invited for the post "EXPLOSIVES" desire to dispose of the Patent or to enter into working arrangements under licence with a firm likely to be interested. A copy of the specification and full particulars may be obtained from HERTFORD RECORD CO., Ltd., of LINDSEY HOUSE, Lecturer in Chemistry. Salary £425 per annum. Candidates should have special attainments in Organic Chemistry. Applications, together with a full statement of qualifications and the names of two references, should be sent not later than TUESDAY 5th JULY, to the undersigned, from whom further particulars may be obtained. H. J. BUTCHART, Secretary of the University GOVERNMENT New Hessian Sand Bags FINE private scientific Laboratory for sale size 33 by 14 inches, packed 2,000 in Bale, 1d. each delivered. Send 5d. postage for sample. Please mention this paper. P. HARRIS, 55, Old Compton Street, London, W. owner going abroad. Also contents and possession of residence if desired.-Box 837, c/o T. G. Sco1T & SON 63, Ludgate Hill, London, E.C.4. INDEX. UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS ABERNETHY, C. L. and Allen, E. J., regeneration and (See Garner, W. E.) Acid, carbonic, total heat of Acid, iodic microchemical re- Acid, nitrotartaric, 211 molecular structure of thin Acid, tartaric, variation in the Acids, chloracetic, catalytic de- tus for routine determination determination, 188 molecular structure of thin Adriano, Felipe T., volumetric Air imports and exports in 1920, Albuminous substances and saline solutions, intertraction and physical properties of reproduction of the Syllid Alsace, potash mines, 95 constitution of alloys of, on rotatory power of certain revealing the macrostructure obtained from grape pips, 298 235 Apparatus and specimens used British Science Guild Sub- analysis and for periodicity for routine determination of phosphates, Arsenite and arsenate, seperation of potassium in presence COLI communis, enzymes iodimetric determination of 93 Balance, gravity torsion, 235 for approximate harmonic Barker, L. N., coal tar for Cairo, 200 pearance of animal tissues in preparation of chloracetyl Batch materials, relative advan- tages and disadvantages of Beach, F. F., T. E. Needs and Edward Russell, composition Blichfeldt, S. H. and T. Thornley Board of Trade announcement, actions of iodic acid, 69 brown coals and lignites, 150 "Chemists, Famous," 94 Borax and saltpetre, 262 Boyer, Sylvester, and Theodore Bradford Technical College, 131 the ionisation spectrometer Intensity of X ray reflection by |