+46 Atomic Weight of Lead of Radio-active Origin. ordinarily call lead. The fact that all the analyses were carried out by the same method, and that each sample gives consistent results, seems to exclude the effect of analytical error. The nature of this admixture it would be perhaps premature to decide. Clearly it has reactions very much like those of lead, if not exactly identical; for the various processes to which our material was subjected would have eliminated any element widely different. Moreover, the fact that protracted purification had no effect on the atomic weight of any one sample is evidence n the same direction. TABLE IV.- Final Results. Series 2.-PbCl2 : 2AgCl. Corrected Corrected Weight CHEMICAL NEWS, 1 Jan. 22, 1915 will be seen that Sample D was the most radic-active, Sample O next, and Samples F and G the least. An old sample of uranium trioxide is included to give an idea of the magnitude of the effect. Sample of PbC!g. 1.5 g. TABLE VI. Time Time in in days seconds elapsed of fall of since gold-leaf Rate of fall per crystal- with pre minute. minute. lisation. paration. 0.084 0.296 0.036 0.623 5°2 78 0'769 0'041 0.728 0.845 0'042 0-803 7'0 69 0·827 in vacuum. in vacuum. 8.9 64 1'072 0'039 1.033 14'3 53 16:3 49 I'220 0.039 1.188 18.0 49 27.0 43 1.396 0.046 1.350 I-351 I 247 1'27 g. PFCH. 59'0 40 53'0 265.0 24 270'0 0.222 0'045 0.177 35 204'0 0'294 0'045 0.249 182.5? 0.329? 0.045 0 284? 29 257'5 628.0 A word should be said concerning the determination of the radio-activity of these various samples, which is an important item in the consideration. The determination was made by means of a quantitative gold-leaf electroscope of the usual type-a square brass box with mica windows, containing a gold-leaf suspended from a flat rod passing through ambsr. The box was grounded and the electroscope was charged by means of rubbed sealing wax. The material to be investigated was placed on a wooden slide beneath the instrument. The -rays (which alone were studied) were measured, being allowed to come into the box through a screen of thin tinfoil and aluminium foil. In the first place the time taken for the gold-leaf to fall between two definite points in the micrometer eyepiece of the observing telescope was noticed when no radioactive substance was present; then the times for the various portions were studied under precisely like conditions and compared with the same weight of uranium trioxide. From these times of fall the rates were easily computed, and on subtracting from the rates with radio active substances, the rate when nothing was present, the comparative values for the various substances were obtained. Immediately after purification, of course, the specimens were practically non-radio-active, because during crystallisation radium E, which is the chief source of the B-rays, goes into the mother liquor. As is shown by the figures for our Sample D at the top of Table VI., the radio-activity of freshly prepared crystals steadily increased in the usual curve until the maximum was attained in about thirty days. Radium E is then in equilibrium with radium D. The table gives, in its lower part, a com-parison of the radio-activity of the different samples. It UO3 standard > 1000 (1) This sample was taken from the impure original lead chloride from carnotite, as we had received it. The slightly lower value is probably due to another size of crystals and the non-radio-active impurities. Although in general the samples of lead having greater radio-activity show less atomic weight, the decrease in the atomic weight is not exactly proportional to the radicactivity. For example, preparation O (the same material as preparation R) is distinctly less radic-active than Sample D, although the atomic weight exhibited by O is decidedly more divergent from the usual value than that exhibited by D. The rates of fall for 127 g. of O and D, both twenty days old, were respectively o 66 and 0.99, whereas the deficiencies in the atomic weights of these samples were respectively 0.75 and 0.56. The irregularity suggests the presence of more than two variables. More data are clearly necessary for a definite conclusion. The attempt to explain the relationship will therefore be deferred. The spectroscopic examination of one of these samples (Sample D) was conducted with the generous help of Professor Baxter in his admirable Féry quartz spectrograph. Very well-defined photographs of the ultra-violet portion of the spectrum of our Sample D (after it had been recovered from an analysis, and therefore contained a trace of silver) were taken on a film, side by side with similar photographs of Baxter's purest lead. The parallelism of the two, both as regards the number of lines and the intensity of the lines was complete throughout the whole field, from wave-length o4u to the extreme ultraviolet visible in this instrument (about o'200μ) except that the characteristic silver lines o 3281μ and 0.3383μ were clearly depicted and the prominent copper lines o 3248μ and o 3274μ were faintly visible. The latter had an intensity corresponding, on a very conservative estimate, to I part of copper in 100, 100 parts of lead, determined by comparison with the spectrum of lead containing known traces of copper-an amount far too minute to have any effect on the atomic weight. The silver doubtless came from the analytical operations, as already said; and its CHEMICAL NEWS, Philosophical Channels of Alchemical Tradition. 47 manifest appearance is good evidence of the great sensi- | described, and a scheme is given for the identification of tiveness of the spectrometer. No shifting or obvious the commoner organic compounds. The book contains broadening of any of the lines was observed, but it would no superfluous matter whatever, and the directions are not have been possible to see a very slight effect of this always clear and concise; it will undoubtedly be found kind. useful as an introductory practical book by students other Thus it appears that the lead from radio-active sources, than those for whom it is specially intended. having an atomic weight of 206.6, gives essentially the same ultra-violet spectrum as ordinary lead, having an atomic weight (determined by the same method in parallel analyses) of 207.15. The Elements of Physical Chemistry. By J. LIVINGSTON THIS is a useful general review of physical chemistry, The obvious inference to be drawn from this amazing result is that one of four alternatives must hold true. Either the unknown substance, which is mixed with ordinary lead and produces the lower atomic weight, has the same spectrum as lead itself; or else it gives no lines whatever in the ultra-violet range of this photograph; or else the presence of a large bulk of lead hides or aborts thematical as possible, and the needs of the student who is spectrum of the foreign admixture; or else ordinary lead is a similar medley in somewhat different proportions. It is perhaps premature to decide between these alternatives, but all are of interest, the first and last of course being the most revolutionary. (To be continued). PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES. ALCHEMICAL SOCIETY. Mr. H. STANLEY Redgrove, B.Sc., F.C.S., Acting A HIGHLY interesting paper on "The Philosophical Channels of Alchemical Tradition" was read by Mr. GASTON DE MENGEL. working without a teacher are specially considered. The fifth edition has on the whole been very much enlarged, although certain parts have been curtailed. Thus, the discussions of the phase rule and of colloidal solutions have been restricted, the reader being referred to special works on the subjects for fuller details. The system of notation has been changed throughout, in order that it may agree with that recently adopted by the International. Commission for the Unification of Physico-Chemical Symbols. The Manufacture of Organic Dyestuffs. Authorised'. Translation from the French of ANDRÉ WAHL, D. ès So., by F. W. ATACK, M.Sc. Tech. (Manc.), B.Sc. (Lond.), A.I.C. London: G. Bell and Sons, Ltd. 1914. THE appearance of a book upon the manufacture of aniline dyes is most opportune at the present moment, and it should be assured of a cordial reception, especially as it is in every way well planned and thoroughly practical. It Mr. De Mengel opened his paper with a description of will be found excellent for technical students, for whom it what he termed the "white" and the "black" traditions, is specially written, and also for practical men, provided their interaction and commingling. Alchemy, he observed, that they have a good general knowledge of organic early came under a ban, owing to its alliance with magic chemistry. The raw materials of the dyestuffs and the -product of the "black" tradition-from which, however, treatment to which they are subjected are first discussed, it soon freed itself. He mentioned various philosophical and the general principles of the reactions by which they soils in which the tree of alchemy had grown, and dealt are converted into the intermediate products are outlined. particularly with Greek philosophy as it flourished in Then the dyestuffs classified according to the chromophore Alexandria in the third century A.D. Alchemy, he con- present are described in full. The application of them is sidered, owed much to Platonism and Neo-platonism-treated only very shortly, but all the details of manufacPlato, through Pythagorism, serving to link Greek free- ture, quantities, costs, &c., are taken from actual thought to the ancient Orphic mysteries and authoritative practice. religion. Its mind, he said, was essentially intuitive; the alchemists were weak in their dialectic, and their experiments or rather their descriptions of them-are not to be relied on. The value of alchemy lay rather in what revelation it might yield us of the esoteric doctrines, imbued with all the fervour of mysticism, and for which it ultimately came to serve as one of the repositories. The full text of the lecture and a résumé of the discussiun which followed will appear in the January number of the Society's Journal. NOTICES OF BOOKS. The Effect of the War on Commercial Engagements. GREAT Britain has been so long at peace with all the ignorance in all circles concerning the laws regarding the Elementary Practical Chemistry. By J. E. MYERS, M.Sc. legislation and of the proclamations and statutory rules (Vict.) and J. B. FIRTH, M.Sc. (Vict.). London: Charles Griffin and C., Ltd. 1914. THE material in this book has been carefully selected to suit the requirements of students of medicine and pharmacy. General methods of preparation are first described, so as to give practice in easy manipulation such as precipitation, Åltration, &c. Qualitative analysis, including the detection of the constituents in simple mixtures, is then treated, and elementary gravimetric and volumetric work follow, together with a little gas analysis. The chemical reactions of some organic compounds are The Examination of Lubricating Oils. By TнOS. B. 48 Meetings for the Week. {CHEMICAL NEWS Jan. 22, 1915 methods are chiefly described; for instance, Redwood's | metals. It is a light brown compound of formula viscometer is only briefly alluded to, although a diagram NiBr2 C4H10O. of it is given. An article by P. H. Conradson on Apparatus for the Examination and Study of the Behaviour of Valve and Cylinder Oils and other Petroleum and Lubricating Oils in Saturated and Superheated Steam, Carbon Dioxide, and other Gases, is included. Bromination of Benzene, Toluene, and Xylene. F. Ducelliez, L. Gay, and A. Raynaud.-Manganese is very good catalyst for bromination, and can advantageously be used to replace already known catalysts. It furnishes an interesting example of catalytic action on the part of an uncombined metal. Its action does not appear to be attributable to any traces of aluminium it may contain. The homologues of benzene very readily give derivatives CHEMICAL NOTICES FROM FOREIGN containing bromine substituted in the nucleus without the SOURCES. Bulletin de la Société Chimique de France. intervention of a catalyst. Decomposition of Aspyrin by Water.-W. E. Tsakalotos and S. Horsch.-The decomposition of aspyrin by water at the ordinary temperature is very slow; it is complete after about 100 days. Acids (H ions) exercise a Fluorine in Mineral Waters.-Armand Gautier and catalytic influence on this decomposition. It is accelerated P. Clausmann.-Fluorine exists in all mineral waters, by hydrochloric and sulphuric acids, and the acceleration those of eruptive origin being richest in it. Thermal is greater with the stronger acid, hydrochloric acid. sodium bicarbonate waters contain the most fluorine per Acetic acid accelerates the action up to about the eighth litre. Cold calcium sulphate waters, whatever their day and then retards it. Citric acid acts in the same way. superficial origin, may contain about 2 mg. of fluorine per Cis-Caronic Acid and its Derivatives.-R. Locquin. litre. In mineral waters of the same kind the proportion-Cis caronic acid melts at about 174°, when its melting. of fluorine does not seem to be connected with the tem-point is determined by using a capillary tube heated in a perature, increasing with it, but in waters of the same bath of sulphuric acid, but its instantaneous melting point, origin, whether thermal or not, the quantity of fluorine taken over mercury, is 186°. Terebic acid, with which it generally increases with the salinity. In sea-water the might be confused, always melts at 174°, whether it melts amount of fluorine varies a little with the station and the slowly or quickly. The two acids can also be distindepth; it oscillates about 0.3 mg. per litre. guished by the different melting points of corresponding ethers. The best way to prepare caronic anhydride is to boil cis-caronic acid with excess of acetyl chloride, acetic anhydride, or thionyl chloride. When the mass is distilled the pure anhydride, boiling exactly at 136-137° under 14 mm., is obtained. When a benzene solution of this anhydride is mixed in equimolecular proportions with a benzene solution of aniline the corresponding phenylamido acid is obtained. Anhydrous Protosulphides of Alkaline Metals. E. Rengade and N. Costeanu.-The authors thought that they would get good results in preparing the protosulphides of alkaline metals by the direct combination of sulphur with a large excess of the metal, which could subsequently be removed by distillation in vacuo. If the sulphides, like the oxides, were soluble in the corresponding metals they would be deposited during the evaporation. The experiment is, however, much less easy to perform with the sulphides than the oxides. Solid sulphur does not appear to react on fused potassium, and hence it is necessary to heat the two substances to 200°-300° in a sealed vacuum tube. The protosulphides are white or slightly yellow at the ordinary temperature. When heated to about 300° they become more yellow. They are much less soluble in the corresponding metals than the oxides, and they crystallise with more difficulty. They are more stable than the protoxides and are not affected by light nor decomposed by anhydrous ammonia in the cold. They are very readily oxidised. In the cold sodium protosulphide is only slowly attacked by damp air, while the others rapidly deliquesce; when thrown into water they dissolve, with evolution of heat. Basic Sulphates of Copper.-MM. Fonzes-Diacon.When a solution of sodium carbonate is poured gently into a constantly stirred solution of copper sulphate, when the solution is rich in the latter a tetrahydrated tetracupric sulphide is formed. As the concentration diminishes a pentacupric sulphate is obtained. Finally, when the sodium carbonate is present in excess it decomposes the basic sulphates, giving the hydrocarbonate of copper. When the supernatant liquid is left exposed to the air carbon dioxide is disengaged and blue tetracupric sulphate containing five molecules of water, or green tetracupric sulphate containing four molecules of water, is deposited according to circumstances. Preparation of Anhydrous Nickel Bromide and one of its Compounds with Ethyl Oxide.-F. Ducelliez and A. Raynaud.-Anhydrous nickel bromide is easily prepared by the action of an ethereal solution of bromine upon the powdered metal. The action begins at the ordinary temperature, and the metal is rapidly transformed into a brown powder which when heated to 150° furnishes light yellow anhydrous NiBr2, readily soluble in water. As in the case of manganese a compound with ether is formed, which facilitates the union of bromine with these MISCELLANEOUS. Messrs. Read, Holliday, and Sons, Ltd.-In a booklet recently issued by this firm an interesting account is given of the foundation and early history of the firm, and their works are shortly described. The firm is one of the most important manufacturers of coal-tar colours and synthetic dyes in Great Britain, and has recently established a department for preparing drugs and fine chemicals, a branch of manufacturing chemistry which has hitherto been much neglected in England. MEETINGS FOR THE WEEK. MONDAY, 25th.-Royal Society of Arts, 8. (Cantor Lecture). "Oils, their Production and Manufacture," by Dr. F. Mollwo Perkin. TUESDAY, 26th.-Royal Institution, 3 "Muscle in the Service of WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY, Hon. John Collier. "Modern Theories and Methods in Medicine," by H. G. Plimmer, F.R.S. Royal Society. "Influence of Salt Concentration on Hæmolysis," by W W. C. Topley. "The Life-cycle of Cladocera, with Remarks on the Physiology of Growth and Reproduction in Crustacea," by G. Smith. "Investigations on Protozoa in relation to the Factor limiting Bacterial Activity in Soil," by T Goodey. "The Mesodermic Origin and the Fate of the so-called Mesoctoderm in Petromyzon," by S. Hatta. "Influence of Direction of Homodromous and Heterodromous Electric Currents on Transmission of Excitation in Plant and Animal," by J. C. Bose. "Gaseous Explosions," by Dr. FRIDAY, 29th.-Royal Institution, 9. 30th.-Royal Institution, 3. "Aerial Navigation-Scien- THE FEB 12 1915 Chemical L.) CHEMICAL NEWS AND JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL SCIENCE Edited by Sir Wm. Crookes, O.M., Pres.R.S.] (WITH WHICH IS Incorporated the "chemicAL GAZETTE"). Γ Established Published Weekly. Annual Subscription free by post £r Entered at the New York Post Office as Second Class Mail Matter. Vol. 111.-No. 2879. [Cop Friday, January 29, 1915 reserved. The Sandy Soil of Sylvan Beach, New York, by N. Knight The Freezing-point of some Abnormal Milks, by J. B. Henderson 50 51 Registered as PRICE 84. A Belgian Refugee Engineer, Manager of a Chemical Works, seeks Employment during the War.-Address, FERN. LEROY, 6, Central Hill, Upper Norwood. Belgian Analytical Chemist, with skilled know ledge of Food Manufacture and Analysis, seeks Employment. Would prefer situation with those manufacturers who would possibly open a branch in Belgium after the War.-Address, "Belgian," care of Mr. Allen, 7, Oriental Street, Poplar, E. Separation of Tungsten from Molybdenum, by E. E. Marbaker.. 33 Traveller, used to selling Glass Tube Work, On the Action of Lead. Copper, Tin, Nickel, Zinc, and Aluminium on Water, by W. P. Jorissen English Filter-paper NOTICES OF BOOKS CORRESPONDENCE.-Recovery of Actinium and Ionium from the the Olary Ores.. 56 58 58 59 CAPPER PASS & SON, LIM. BRISTOL, are Buyers of LEAD ASHES, SULPHATE OF LEAD, LEAD SLAGS, ANTIMONIAL LEAD COPPER MATTE, TIN ASHES, &c., ORES, DROSS, or RESIDUES containing TIN, COPPER, LEAD, and ANTIMONY. LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR RESEARCH WITH OZONE OZONAIR, Limited, 96, VICTORIA STREET, LONDON, S.W. SULPHUROUS M ACID and SULPHITES. Liquid SO2 in Syphons, for Lectures, &c. PHOSPHORIC ACID and PHOSPHATES. CARAMELS & COLORINGS for all purposes. A. BOAKE, ROBERTS & CO. (LIMITED), Stratford, London, E. to the Marshal of the Admiralty, are instructed to offer FOR SALE about 500 Tons of STRONTIUM ORE, now lying in Warehouse at Swansea.-Offers to be addressed to Messrs. HENRY BATH and SON, 53, New Broad Street, London, E.C., and from whom all particulars can be obtained. CHEMICAL APPARATUS Pure Chemicals for Research Work. JOHN J. GRIFFIN JOHN J. GRIFFIN & SONS, LTD, KINGSWAY, LONDON, W.C. ALCHEMICAL SOCIETY was formed in 1912 for the study of the early history of Chemistry and the works and theories of the Alchemists in all their aspects-Scientific, Philosophical, and Historical. THE JOURNAL OF THE ALCHEMICAL SOCIETY, Edited by H. STANLEY REDGROVE, B Sc., F.C.S. (Author of Alchemy: Ancient and Reprints of the 1913 Address of the Honorary President, Prof. JOHN FERGUSON, LL.D., &c., on "Some English Alchemical Books," may be obtained from the Publisher at 1s. net per copy. The Annual Subscription to the Society is 10s. 6d. Members receive the Journal gratis, and those desirous of doing so, may receive Les Nouveaux Horizons, the official publication of La Société Alchimique de France, free of charge, except postage (6d. per annum). For further particulars apply to the Honorary Secretary, Mr. SIJIL ABDUL-ALI, 26, Bramshill Gardens, Dartmouth Park, London, N.W. In Two Volumes Half Morocco, each complete in itself. PHYSICO-CHEMICAL TABLES For the Use of Analysts, Physicists, Chemical Manufacturers, By JOHN CASTELL-EVANS, F.I.C., F.C.S. Volume II.-Chemical Physics, Pure and Analytical Chemistry. ROYAL NAVAL DIVISION. Public School Battalion. SERVICE for the PERIOD of the WAR. THE ADMIRALTY have given official permission for raising a Battalion of 1000 men, which will be strictly limited to Public School or University Men, and who will serve together as a Unit. Training is now going forward. Enrolment is proceeding at, and application should be made at once to ROYAL NAVAL DIVISION, 6, 7, 8, Old Bond Street, London, W. Phone.-REGENT 5515. GOD SAVE THE KING. LE RADIUM. PUBLIE TOUT CE QUI CONCERNE LES |