Resorcin, and its Different Methods of Preparation.
-M. F. Reverdin,-Reserved for insertion in full.
Colouring Matters Derived from Resorcin.-M. L. University College; B. Borrah, University College; W.
Durand. Reserved for insertion in full.

University of London.-The following is the List of the candidates who have passed the recent first B.Sc. examination :-First Division: A. Black, private study; T. Bolton, University College; E. H. Cook, Royal College of Science, Dublin; R. H. Cotton, B.A., Owens College; A. Cutfield, Epsom College; A. W. Dallmeyer, University College; W. Fisher, B.A., private study; W. Fream, Royal College of Science, Dublin; T. Gough, private study; W. H. Higgin, Owens College; E. Hopkinson, Owens College; W. E. Hoyle, Owens College

CHEMICAL NEWS,
August 4, 1876.

Patents.

53

the action of the sulphur on the colour. The compound obtained is then cured and ground to reduce it into particles of the size required. These particles are then mixed with the dough of ordinary vulcanite in proportions varying with the effect desired to be produced, and then formed and cured. By these means effects are obtained very much resembling granite and other stones or marbles in appearance. Improvements in the mode of and apparatus for treating fibres for the manufacture of paper. T. H. Gray, Grant Road, Clapham Junction, Surrey. April 17, 1875-No. 1412. I cut up straw, bamboo, or other substances into lengths, say of 1 inch more or less, and subject the cut material to the action of rotating beaters contained in a fixed cylindrical case, armed at its periphery and at its sides with steel bars or blades. The materials are then submitted to a boiling process, with the addition of chemicals to reduce the fibres to pulp.

Improvements in the treatment of sulphur ores. A. A. Croll, Cole-
man Street, London. April 10, 1875.-No. 1307. The object of the
invention is to subject ores containing sulphur to a certain degree of
heat obtained by the passage of atmospheric air through charcoal,
coke, or other carbonaceous matter in the state of ignition. For this
purpose the chamber for the ignited carbonaceous matter is in direct
communication with one, or it may be several, close chambers con.
taining the sulphur ore to be acted upon. To facilitate the action of
the heat on the ore, such ore is previously broken up into compara-
tively small particles, and these are supported on grating or reticulate
work, the openings through which are close enough to prevent the
particles of ore passing through, whilst they yet admit of the free
passage of the fluid sulphur obtained by the action of the heat.
Improvements in the manufacture of aerated waters, and in apparatus
and vessels therefor. W. F. C. S. Corry, Belfast, Antrim, Ireland.
April 12, 1875.-No. 1318. The manufacture and preservation of
aerated waters free from noxious ingredient or objectionable metallic THE
or other impregnation, and the construction of apparatus and vessels
therefor, consisting in whole or in part of glass, china, delft, porcelain,
clay, earthenware, pottery, agate, flint, marble, or other stone, cement,
alabaster, enamel, glaze, platinum, gold, silver, ivory, bone, horn,
ebonite, vulcanite, india-rubber, gutta-percha, asbestos, leather, hide,
wax, shellac, resin, catgut, teak, cork, ebony, lignum-vitæ, oak, horn-
beam, or other wood, paper, or other plastic material, or of a combina-
tion of the same, which may be imbedded or enclosed within, or con-
tain, or be supported by, metal or a combination of metals, or be used
for coating or plating the apparatus or vessels heretofore employed.
Improvements in the manufacture of alkali. H. Gaskell, Widnes,
Lancaster. April 12, 1875.-No. 1323. This invention relates to that
stage in the manufacture of alkali in which black ash is made in re-
volving furnaces: consists in first charging the furnace either with
salt-cake and a portion or the whole of the "slack," or with salt-cake
alone, and when the salt-cake has "fluxed" or "softened," so that it
occupies less space in the furnace, adding the remainder of the charge.
Improvements in the manufacture of candles. P. Lombardon,
Sydenham Park, Kent. April 12, 1875-No. 1327. To this end I make
use of tallow (by preference the soap made according to an improved
process for which I have obtained Letters Patent, dated October 27,
1874).

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Improvements in the treatment of sewerage with a view of extracting
the fertilising products therein contained, and in the apparatus em-
ployed for that purpose. W. Morgan-Brown, Southamptor Buildings,
London. (A communication from G. P. Harding and J. R. Johnson; QUARTERLY JOURNAL OF SCIENCE.

Rue Gaillon, Paris.) April 13, 1875.-No. 1335. This invention
describes the extracting fertilising products from sewerage by allowing
the liquid to flow in wide and shallow currents over a very slightly
inclined surface: the tendency of this arrangement is to cause a rapid
settlement of the solid matter, which is removed or dried by currents
of air.

Improvements in apparatus to be used in disinfecting linen and bed-
clothes, and the walls, ceilings, and floors of rooms, and for other like
purposes. J. Teychenné, Birmingham, Warwick. April 13, 1875.-
No. 1337. This invention consists of a pan or vessel, portable or
fixed, divided by a vertical division into two compartments, on: com-
partment consisting of a closed vessel in which the disinfecting vapour
or gas is volatilised or generated, and the other compartment con-
sisting of an open vessel or chamber for receiving the linen or bed-
clothes to be disinfected. The bottom of this chamber is charged with
the disinfecting material, and the linen or clothes are laid upon a per-
forated partition. By the application of heat to the bottom of the
apparatus the disinfecting material is volatilised in both chambers,
and by the action of the vapour or gas directly generated in the
clothes-chamber, and that conveyed to it under pressure from the
other chamber, the clothes or linen are thoroughly disinfected. By
means of a flexible pipe on the top of the closed vessel or chamber the
disinfecting vapour or gas may be directed upon walls, ceilings, and
floors of rooms, or other surfaces it is wished to disinfect.

A new method for removing the incrustation from boilers of steam engines, for prevention of successive incrustations, and for the preservation of the metal. V. Felice, Rome, Italy. April 14, 1875.-No. 1343. At the time steam is to be got up the following specific is to be introduced into the boiler through an aperture in its upper part. I kilo. of japan earth (that is to say, catechu); 50 grms. of sal ammoniac; 75 grms. of sumach, the whole forming the quantity for each ten horse-power engine.

Improvements in the purification of water and other fluids. T. Spencer, Euston Square, London. April 15, 1875.-No. 1368. The object of this invention is to consolidate granular magnetic carbide (used for the purification of water) into solid but porous magnetic blocks of any shape by treatment in an oven in mixture with flour, and then by increasing the heat to give the same coherence sufficient to render them applicable for portable and other filters. The means employed are also applicable to the consolidation of any ferruginous oxide or ferruginous refuse, and applicable to similar purposes. Improvements_in_bleaching fabrics, yarns, fibres, paper pulp, and other articles. F. Wirth, Frankfort-on-the-Main, Germany. (A communication from V. V. Baerle, Worms, Germany.) April 15, 1875.No. 1382. I lay the article to be bleached first in a cold solution of silicate of soda. After the operation the stuff is pressed out. The material is then worked with cold water, and placed in a weak solution of chloride of lime. The stuff is bleached in weak hypochlorite of lime.

Improvements in the treatment of that preparation of india-rubber commonly called vulcanite. W. C. Henderson, Pownall Road, Dalston, Middlesex. April 17, 1875.-No. 1404. The object of the invention is to obtain various coloured effects in vulcanite. India-rubber is combined with colour to the depth of colour or tint desired, and to the combination obtained is added sulphur as may be required for the purpose of the conversion of the india-rubber, and having regard to

Private Pupils will find every convenience.

Analyses, Assays, and Practical Investigations connected with Patents, &c., conducted.

For prospectus, &c., apply to Prof. E V. G., 44, Berners-street, W

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Water-glass, or Soluble Silicates of Soda

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CHEMICAL NEWS,
August 11, 1876.

Mineral Phosphates and Superphosphate of Lime.

Chlorine, Bromine, Iodine, and Fluorine. By Dr. E. MYLIUS, of Ludwigshafen. THE use of Weldon's process is decidedly increasing. In the beginning of 1874 the annual produce in England on this system was 50,800,000 kilos. chloride of lime, and plant for the further production of an equal quantity was in the course of erection, whilst the previous annual production on the old system did not exceed 91,440,000 kilos. In Germany the "Silesia" establishment at Saarau has carried on Weldon's process with advantage for several years. In Belgium, according to Mr. Weldon's account, the works at St. Marie d'Oignies, near Charleroi, have introduced the process. In France the same step has been taken by the St. Gobain company, whilst Kuhlmann,+ Merle, and other manufacturers are preparing to adopt the new method. In Saarau, where, as already mentioned, Weldon's process has been in operation for some years, it is carried on exactly as above described. The consumption of lime for the regeneration of material for 100 kilos. of chloride of lime is 70 to 75 kilos. inclusive of the sediment which becomes useless in preparing milk of lime. To regenerate enough for 2500 kilos. chloride of lime air is forced in for five to five and a half hours, and from 75 to 80 per cent of the manganese present is converted into peroxide. The air-pump employed works with 45 horse-power, and has a cylinder of 7.32 c.m. in diameter, and 94'16 in height. The piston makes 40 strokes per minute. The loss of peroxide of manganese at Saarau amounts to about 10 per cent (von Kulmitz).

55

mains behind. The latter is then used with hydrochloric acid for the development of chlorine, and passes again

through the same rotation as a mixture of chlorides of magnesium and manganese. The hydrochloric acid, which is given off about the end of the evaporation, is exactly sufficient to evolve concentrated chlorine from the solution of chloride of lime, into which the diluted chlorine obtained by roasting the residue from the evaporation has been transformed. Hence only that part of the hydrochloric acid is lost which is consumed in decomposing the hypochlorite of lime, whilst 62 per cent of the chlorine which enters the process in the form of hydrochloric acid is utilised in the free state. In this manner it is possible to obtain 1000 kilos. chloride of lime with the hydrochloric acid evolved from 700 kilos. of common salt. The magnesia and manganic oxide are not consumed, but merely play the part of transferrers of oxygen. Preparation of Chlorine according to Deacon.-If Weldon has succeeded in preparing chlorine from hydrochloric acid in a continuous process without, theoretically at least, requiring more than one initial charge of native manganese, the problem of converting hydrochloric acid into free chlorine, without the formation of any by-products, has been much more completely solved by Deacon. It has been long ago proposed to utilise for the manufacture of chlorine the well-known property of cupric chloride to be decomposed on heating into chlorine and cuprous oxide, which latter in a current of air yields copper oxychloride; but the experiment was never carried out on the large scale. The same applies to the fact, likewise long ago known, that hydrochloric acid mixed with air and passed over ignited porous bodies is partially converted into chlorine and water. Deacon has succeeded in founding upon the combination of both these reactions a process which enables us to obtain chlorine continuously without the formation of any troublesome residues what(To be continued.)

The above-described process for the regeneration of manganese residues has one deficiency. A portion of the hydrochloric acid is used to saturate the lime of the calcium manganite, and both lime and hydrochloric acid are generally allowed to escape in the almost worthless To obviate this defect state of chloride of calcium. Weldon has planned a modification of his process which renders it practicable to obtain as much as 62 per cent of the hydrochloric acid employed in the form of free chlorine, whilst only a small quantity of chloride of calcium is formed as a by-product. He attains this result by decomposing the manganese solution not with lime, but with magnesia. For this purpose the process is modified as follows:-The liquid derived from the evolution of chlorine out of magnesium manganite, containing chloride of magnesium and manganese, is evaporated at first in a pan and then in a kind of muffle, whilst a current of air is constantly passed through. Towards the end of the evaporation the chloride of magnesium under the influence of watery vapour yields hydrochloric acid, which is condensed. After the liquid has been evaporated to a certain consistence the salts are drawn upon a hearth, where Here chlorine is they are roasted in a current of air. evolved, diluted with air, and is combined with milk of lime in a scrubber, whilst manganite of magnesium re

soever.

MINERAL PHOSPHATES AND SUPERPHOS-
PHATE OF LIME.*
By WALTER C. REID.
(Concluded from p. 50.)

German or Nassau Phosphate, deposited, like the Bordeaux variety, in pockets, is found chiefly in the neighbourhood of the rivers Lahn and Dill, in Nassau. Some of it is of a yellow colour, breaking with an earthy fracture; other portions have the appearance of pieces of phosphate, cemented together with ferruginous clay, and in rare cases it appears in a crystalline form. The richest varieties are of a light yellow colour, and tolerably free from iron, &c.; but the predominating lower qualities are contaminated with much iron ore, clay, limestone, &c. Analysis of German Phosphates. Triphosphate of lime Carbonate of lime .. Iron and alumina

Insoluble matter

58 to 65 per cent.
5 to 8
10 to 15
IO to 12

"

From these phosphates there is no difficulty in making superphosphate quite dry, but they invariably set extremely hard, and they therefore require much breaking up. Very few cargoes of German phosphates arrive in this country now.

Spanish and Portuguese Phosphorites generally go under the name of Estremadura phosphate, from the province in Spain where it is chiefly found. It is hard, of light yellow colour, crystalline structure, and generally more or less mixed with quartz, and becomes phosphorescent when

"Berichte über die Entwickelung der Chemischen Industr'e Während des Letzten Jahrzenends." + On September 18, 1874, I found in the establishment of M. Kuhl-heated. It is tolerably free from iron and alumina, but mann no preparations for the introduction of Weldon's process.A. W. H.

* A Paper read before the Newcastle-upon-Tyne Chemical Society.

56

Mineral Phosphates and Superphosphate of Lime.

contains variable and often considerable quantities of fluoride of calcium.

phate :

The following are some analyses of Estremadura phos

311

8.8

2'0

34

4

11'4

Iron and alumina
Fluoride of calcium
Insoluble matter..

5'1 18.3 12'3 In dissolving, from 30 to 33 per cent of the phosphates in the superphosphates is rendered soluble; but, owing to the small quantity of carbonate of lime in the mineral, the superphosphates when first made are generally dense and damp, and require some time to get into good condition. Norwegian and Canadian Phosphates.-Under the name of apatite, we import from Norway and Canada small quantities of phosphatic minerals, obtained from veins in the primitive rocks. They are hard and crystalline, of vitreous lustre, and of various shades of colour, white, yellowish white, and greenish white. According to Voelcker, the Norway apatite contains no fluoride of calcium, but the Canadian a great deal. Neither contain any carbonate of lime, and only a little iron and alumina. Some parcels have tested above 90 per cent of phosphate of lime, but on an average they do not exceed 75 per cent. The following analyses represent the best qualities:

Triphosphate of lime..
Iron and alumina
Fluoride of calcium
Sand, &c.

..

Chloride of calcium

Norway. Canada.
90'74 91.20

2'00

1'64

o'90 161 078

When Sombrero guano is dissolved by itself, it makes a high grade superphosphate of a light yellow colour.

Navassa Guano, from the coral island of that name in the Caribbean Sea, is of a reddish brown colour, and consists of globular grains of phosphate of lime cemented into hard masses, and contaminated with a good deal of iron and alumina. It is found chiefly in the cavities of the rocks which form the framework of the island. from 55 to 70 per cent

Triphosphate of lime
Carbonate of lime..
Oxides of iron and alumina..
Iron and alumina (as phos-
phates)

Fluoride of calcium
Insoluble matter

4 to 6

Superphosphate of lime, when made from Navassa alone, is exceedingly hard and tough, and proportionately low in strength.

Curacoa and Malden Islands both furnish guanos, but they have lately been almost entirely sold on the Continent, where better prices seem to be obtainable. In these the phosphate of lime is in an unmineralised state, and in a fine state of division, they contain but little carbonate of lime, and are almost free from oxide of iron, alumina, and silicious matter. They range in quality from 65 to 80 per cent of tribasic phosphate of lime, the average being about 70 per cent. The lower qualities are, however, almost as valuable proportionately as the higher, in consequence of there being no oxide of iron, &c., to deteriorate the product, as in the case of most of the inferior phosphates, and they are capable of yielding superphosphates of high quality.

Conversion of Mineral Phosphates into Superphosphates. -It is scarcely necessary to remark that the phosphatic materials are mixed with sulphuric acid with the object of converting the unavailable natural phosphate of lime into a state to be assimilated by plants, and, if we assume that the acid acts upon all the ingredients simultaneously, we shall probably have the following decompositions :— (1.) Triphos. of lime + acid biphos. of lime and sulphate of lime. (2) Carb. of lime + acid-sulphate of lime and carbonic acid. (3.) Fluoride of calcium + acid-hydrofluoric acid and sulphate of lime.

Guanos. As non-nitrogenous guanos, we receive phos. phatic materials from the West Indian Islands. These are called Sombrero, Navassa, Malden, and Curacoa, after the islets from which they are taken, and they are distinguished from the Peruvian, Mejellones, and Ichaboe (4.) Oxides of iron and alumina + acid kinds by the almost entire absence of ammonia, by the small quantity of organic matter, and by the large proportion of insoluble phosphates which they contain.

Sombrero rock or crust guano was at one time largely imported into England, but at the present time very little arrives in this country. It is quarried on Sombrero, one of the group of the Leeward Islands in the Caribbean Sea; an islet about two and a half miles long, three-quarters of a mile wide, and not more than 20 or 30 feet above the level of the sea, and which is entirely composed of this phosphatic substance.. Fragments of bones are found in the rock, and it is supposed to be a breccia of bones of turtles and other marine vertebrata, coral debris, &c., collected before the elevation of the islet above the water, and cemented together since by the droppings of birds carried down through the mass by rains.

It varies in colour and texture, some being porous and friable, whilst other specimens are dense and compact. Recent importations have contained less iron and alumina and more carbonate of lime than formerly, and from this it is inferred that the rock (at present worked from under the sea) is mined in close proximity to the coral rock on which it rests.

There can be no doubt about the action of the acid the phosphates and carbonate of lime; nor can there be much doubt about the decomposition of the fluoride of calcium; for hydrofluoric acid and fluoride of silicium are shown to be in the evolved gases, first, by the fact that glass is etched when brought into contact with them; and secondly, by the depositing from them of pure gelatinous silica and hydrofluosilicic acid, resulting from the action of moisture upon the fluoride of silicium.

But, if the oxides of iron and alumina are converted into sulphates, it will not account for the gradual precipitation, or "going back" of some of the soluble portion of superphosphates, which continues for some time after being made.

If the acid is in sufficient quantity and powerful enough to decompose the fluoride of calcium, it seems strange that it should not also dissolve the iron and alumina; but the most probable way to account for "reduced phos. phates," is to suppose, that, a portion at any rate, of