NEWS cule, very unstable, e.g., from seven to ten minutes, and the consumption of spirit | A (9). Equilibrium of mole- Although it would seem that alcohol is consumed to a disadvantage without a wick, yet practically the "Etna " boils water with a smaller consumption of spirit than any contrivance I have yet tried. My best lamp, an argand, requiring at least half an ounce to do the same work as the Etna. The Russian blast lamp is still more wasteful, consuming nearly 2 ounces. I attribute the superior economy of the Etna to the low temperature of the wickless flame and the manner in which the boiler is wrapped in the fire, no more heat being supplied than can be taken up by so bad a conductor as water. The defect of all lamps giving an intense flame being that heat is wasted by being supplied too quickly, so that the apparently feeble fire in the gutter of the Etna is more efficient than the heat of powerful lamps, as well as more economical; the latter quality is very important to the pedestrian, to whom every ounce of weight is a consideration. A (3). Tarnishes metals, e. g., Fe. moist A (4). Absorbed totally by turps. A (5). Whitens lead-paper previously blackened by H2S. A (6). Absorbed by solution of KI, rendering latter yellow by disengagement of free I. A (7). Antozone (its complementary molecule), according to M. Soret, moderately soluble in water, O3+3H2O=3H2O2 yielding a liquid (oxygenated water) partaking properties of gas 03. A (8). Solution reduces Ag from its ammonio-nitrate. SO2. B(1). Pungent, colourless gas. dense, B (2). Bleaches, disinfects, 3H2S+O3=3H2O+S3. B(9). Equilibrium of mole- 2H2S+SO2=2H2O+S3. These are almost as many concurrences as could be expected in the first two members of any homogeneous series, and are more striking than those of H2S and H2O, the first two terms of the series before quoted by way of comparison. But to the whole of these observations I anticipate the objection, "Impossible! SO2 is universally recognised as a reducer, O3 as an oxidiser. You assimulate things of diametrically opposite tendencies, e.g., O3 blues iodised starch paper, SO2 removes the blue." To this, if the above instances of chemical resemblances be not sufficient answer, I ask, in reply, "Who shall, after Brodie's experiments on the peroxides, say what is oxidiser? Why, oxygenated-water itself reduces MnO, and AgO! Why, in 10 (B), SO2 is an oxidiser, not a reducer!" an Suffer me, then, to surmise that possibly the advance of chemical discovery respecting the allotropic conditions of oxygen may hereafter confirm that ozone belongs to the SO, type. This once admitted many other and important deductions must follow. B. W. GIBSONE, B.Sc. Eaton Square, June 18, 1870. MISCELLANEOUS. New Work on Quantitative Analysis.-Professor H. Storer, the talented Professor of Chemistry at the Institute of Technology, Massachusetts, is engaged on a work on Quantitative Analysis, the first part of which will be ready in August. It is arranged in dictionary form, and will be one of the most complete and valuable works extant on analysis. The first sheet, which is now before Acetate of Aluminium, Acetate of Barium, Acetate of Iron, us, treats of the Quantitative Estimation of Acetic Acid, Acetate of Lead, Acetate of Sodium (or of Potassium), Acetate of Uranium, Aconitin, Albumin, Alcohol, together with Acidimetry and Alcoholometry. subjects are treated as fully as those in the first sheet, as we have no doubt they will be, the work will be welcomed by all chemists. If all the British Association for the Advancement of Science (Fortieth Meeting).-The Liverpool Meeting of the British Association for the Advancement of Science will commence on Wednesday, September 14th, under the presidency of Professor Huxley, F.R.S., F.G.S., &c. The facilities for communication with Scotland, Ireland, and America, as well as all parts of England, render it probable that this meeting will be very numerously attended; and it is the earnest wish of the local authorities, the representatives of the various scientific bodies, as well as of all those officially connected with the Association, that the members and associates should receive a cordial welcome, and that everything possible should be done to make the visit agreeable and instructive. Liverpool enjoys special advantages in its power of affording the various sections suitable accommodation within a limited area. There is much connected with the trade of Liverpool which cannot fail to be interesting to strangers. The river Mersey, with its line of docks, five miles in length; the great works at Birkenhead; the large warehouses, fitted with the latest mechanical appliances; the quay sides, covered with the various produce of all climes; and the numerous charitable institutions on the river, offer a class of attractions almost peculiar to Liverpool;-while 298 Chemical Notices from Foreign Sources. its shipbuilding yards, foundries, chemical, and various other works on an extensive scale, and its vicinity to the mining and manufacturing districts, enable it to meet the tastes of all classes of scientific men. The proximity of Chester and the coast of North Wales places many interesting spots within easy reach, and excursions will be planned, affording the members and associates an opportunity of visiting such as they may select. Arrangements have been made with the Railway, Ocean, and Coasting Steam Ship Companies for the conveyance of members to and from Liverpool at a reduced rate. The proprietors of the principal hotels have submitted a moderate tariff of charges, not exceeding their usual terms, and numerous offers of private hospitality have been placed at the disposal of the local officials. There is a foreigners' club, and there are a large number of foreign gentlemen, engaged in business, who will assist in providing for the comfort of those continental visitors who may attend. Those who require information and assistance in the way of providing lodgings, or other accommodation, are requested to communicate with the honorary local secretaries, Messrs. Wm. Banister, R. Harrison, H. H. Higgins, and A. Hume, at the Municipal Offices, Dale Street, Liverpool. Comptes Rendus des Séances de l'Académie des Sciences, June 13, 1870. Omitting memoirs, papers, and communications relating to other departments of science, this number contains the following original matter on physico-chemical and collateral sciences:- Specific Heat of Mixtures of Alcohol and Water.-Drs. Jamin and Amaury.-The authors, after briefly alluding to a former memoir on this subject, now proceed to give, in a lengthy memoir, a description of a series of experiments based upon the employment of a general algebraic formula, which, in fact, appears to be applicable not only to mixtures of water and alcohol, but also to various other liquids for the purpose of estimating the specific heat of mixtures of the same and of water. The paper is chiefly an algebraico-physical essay. Physical Phenomena Observed during the Bursting of Hollow Cast-Iron Projectiles (Bomb-Shells, &c.), brought about by the Freezing of Water.-Dr. Ch. Martins and G. Chancel.-The authors reply to the observations and remarks made to their first communication on this subject by General Morin and other savants, and point out that the object they had in view while making these experiments, was to learn under what conditions, and with what phenomena, hollow cast-iron vessels (projectiles being most available for such purpose) will burst; moreover, the decrease of bulk of the bomb-shell, brought on by the cold, is only 133 c.c., a quantity too small to affect the experiment. The authors agree, however, with the General, that there is a very essential difference between the action of gunpowder and of freezing, although the ultimate effect is the same-viz., bursting of the projectile. Cause of the "Rochage" of the Carburets of Iron, and on the Sparks Produced by these Metals.-H. Caron.-The author understands, by rochage, a peculiar production of sparks, best seen when molten cast-iron is run off from the blast furnace into moulds. In this lengthy paper, the author describes a series of experiments undertaken with the view to prove that, since steel and cast-iron, when molten in an atmosphere of hydrogen or oxide of carbon, never emit sparks, the production of the latter cannot be due to an evolution of reducing gas absorbed during the fusion, but is due, according to the author, to the formation of oxide of iron at the moment the molten metal comes in contact with air. When iron is kept fused in an atmosphere of hydrogen, its sp. gr. is increased from 784 to 788, while the metal becomes as soft and malleable as copper. When cast-iron is kept fused for a long time in a crucible, it absorbs oxygen, becomes lamellar, and, on cooling, contracts so suddenly as often to leave the inside of the mass hollow. Mechanical Equivalent of Heat.-J. Violle. Electrolysation of Air, or Oxygen, as a means of Producing Ozone.-A. Houzeau.-The author of this paper summarises, in thirteen corollaries, all facts relating to, and brought out by, a series of no less than 400 experiments inade by him on this subject. The author also states that he has contrived what he calls an ozoniseur, a machine to convert, instantaneously, any desired quantity of air or oxygen into ozone. Researches on Platinum.-P. Schützenberger.-The author And, in order to prove the correctness of this view, describes at length, Action of Ammonia upon Lecithine.-M. Gobley.-By the action of ammonia upon this substance, the author has succeeded in proSamples of these substances were exhibited at this meeting of the Academy. Hailstorm near Alais on May 29th last.-E. Bourgogne.-In a letter to M. Dumas, the author relates the particulars of a fearful hailstorm which has taken place in and around Alais (Département du Gard) on the above-named day, and which caused an immense destruction of property of various description, utterly destroying all crops, killing lambs, and covering the roads with hail to a depth of 30 centimetres (1181 English inches). Most of the olive and nuttrees were decorticated, and a very old olive-tree cut off at the roots, and carried to a distance of 30 metres by the violent wind prevailing during the storm, the like of which has never been witnessed there before, being far more violent than that which took place in 1830 in the same locality. ducing neurine, margaramide, and adipoglyceric acid. The Bouma das Morts, near Alais.-The scientific committee occupied with the investigation of this grotto write to the Academy to say that they have discovered that originally this grotto was a lead mine, worked for the extraction of the ore of that metal, at a so remote period that it is at present difficult to form any opinion thereon; and it appears that, afterwards, the cavity has been either the habitation or the sepulchre of an extinct human race, the remains of which are now being fully explored. Lowering the Temperature of Water.-A. Toselli.-The eminent Permanent Secretary of this Institute, M. Dumas, says-The author asserts that he has succeeded in lowering the temperature of water 13 C., by immersing, in that fluid, a tube spirally wound and turned round its axis. The author gives a complete drawing of that tube, but does not state how the experiment is to be made, nor what means employed to bring about the very desirable cooling, desirable especially during hot summer days. The American Journal of Science and Arts, No. 147, May, 1870. Omitting the titles, of the original papers and memoirs contained in this number and intended for full publication in our paper, we abstract and quote the following original papers relating to chemistry and collateral sciences: Method of Producing, by the Electric Spark, Figures similar to those of Lichtenberg.-E. W. Blake, jun.-The author reviews the history of electricity and the production of the figures alluded to, and then states-The method consists in throwing the discharge upon the surface of a fusible non-conducting body. If the body be near its fusing-point, the figure appears at once; if cold, a latent image exists, which may be developed by heat. The non-conducting surface is prepared by coating a plate of metal with an even film of pitch. Pieces of sheet tin, 3 inches square, coated with films of pitch of a thickness varying between o'or and o'02 inch, were used; the pitch was the ordinary article of commerce, freed from sand, &c., by being melted and strained through a muslin bag. Shellac, resin, Burgundy pitch, bees'-wax, and Canada balsam were, in turn, tried as substitutes for pitch, but with unsatisfactory results. The author then describes (illustrating that description by woodcuts) his electric apparatus, and gives cuts, also, of the figures (Lichtenberg) as produced by frictional electricity and the induction coil. Magnesium and Electric Lights as applied to Photo-Micrography.-J. J. Woodward.-A lengthy paper, illustrated by several engravings. Mechanical Finger for the Microscope.-J. H. B. L.-With woodcuts. Combinations of Silicon with Alcoholic Radicals.-C. Friedel and J. M. Crafts.-This lengthy memoir is divided into the following sections:-Silicic ethide; action of bromine on silicic ethide; the oxide of silicic tri-ethide; action of chlorine on silicic ethide; the acetic ether and the alcohol of silicic ethide; oxidation of silicic ethide; silicic methide; silicic ethide and methide. Description and Analysis of the Franklin County Meteoric Iron; with Remarks on the Presence of Copper and Nickel in Meteoric Irons, the Method of Analysing the same, and the probability of the Lead in the Tarapaca Iron having been NEWS originally foreign to that mass.-J. Lawrence Smith-This rather lengthy paper treats, in its first section, of the Franklin County meteoric iron (sp. gr., 7 692); its weight was 24 lbs. Composition, in 100 parts-Iron, 90'58; nickel, 8:53; cobalt, o'36; copper, minute quantity; phosphorus, o 05. Examination of a New and Extraordinary Gas-Well in the State of New York.-H. Wurtz.-This paper is chiefly of local importance; but the following brief scraps have a general bearing. It appears, in the first place, that some four years ago, the owner of a piece of ground in the township of West, Bloomfield County, Ontario, while boring for petroleum, struck, at about 500 feet below the surface, a cavity from which a copious stream of gas commenced blowing off at the rate of 400,000 cubic feet per day. The bore-hole is tubed down, and 5 inches in diameter; and the issuing gas, when burning, gives, in a still atmosphere, a flame 30 feet high. This phenomenon has now continued for fully four years. The gas consists, percentically, of-Marsh gas, 82:41; carbonic acid, 10:11; nitrogen, 431; oxygen. 0'23; illuminating hydrocarbons, 2'94;-sp. gr., o'693. Certain Double Sulphates of the Cerium Group.-C. H. Wing, New Aspirator.-J. C. Draper.-Illustrated with a woodcut. The principle is that of the Giffard's injector. Action of Sunlight on Sulphurous Acid.-O. Loew. The author found that, when aqueous sulphurous acid was exposed in sealed tubes to the action of sunlight, it was gradually reduced to sulphur, but the oxygen was not liberated, another part of the acid having been oxidised by it to sulphuric acid. Simple Method of Avoiding Observations of Temperature and Pressure in Gas Analyses, and on the Application of Sprengel's Mercurial Pump in Analysis.-W. Gibbs.-Illustrated with a series of algebraic formula and woodcuts. Peculiar form of the Discharge Between the Poles of the Electric Machine.-A. W. Wright.-With diagrams. Movement of the Dome of the Capitol at Washington during the Gale of December 10-12, 1869.-T. Walter.-Although the contents of this paper do not strictly belong to the subjects usually treated of in our periodical, we cannot refrain noticing the curious effects here recorded. The author had constructed a very sensitive apparatus to test the effect of the expansion of the Dome (an iron structure, 137 feet in diameter and 200 feet high) by the sun's rays; it happened, however, that the wind, and not the sun, made use of the author's preparations, and recorded its vagaries through the agency of the vast mass of the dome. One would think such a mass immovable against any action of wind; but this is not so. The author gives a diagram, proving what a gusty day was capable of effecting in giving motion to the mass. It is a well-known fact that tall chimney stalks and high church steeples, shot-towers, and the like, move about in rough weather, as also, perceptibly, do the high towers of Antwerp and Utrecht, though very massive buildings; but movements in a dome such as that alluded to could hardly have been reasonably expected. Zeitschrift für Chemie von Beilstein, No. 9, 1870. This number contains the following original papers and memoirs:Action of Nitric Acid upon Azotoluide.-W. Petrieff.-When nitric acid (sp. gr., 15) is added to azotoluide, and care taken to cool the mixture, mononitro-azotoluide is formed which is almost entirely soluble in alcohol. On evaporating this solution, two substances are obtained, both composed of CH(NO)N; one of these bodies, a red substance, fuses at 67°; the other, yellow, fuses at 63°. When, however, crystals of azotoluide are added to strong nitric acid, without cooling, two other substances are formed-viz., trinitro-azotoluide, soluble in boiling alcohol, difficultly soluble in ether, fusing at 185, formula CH1(NO)N; and a body insoluble in alcohol, but soluble in benzol and nitric acid, fusing at 2010, exploding violently when heated to a higher temperature; formula, C12H11(NO,,NO. The author has also tried to obtain these substances by the action of nitric acid upon azobenzid; but this reaction did not lead to the desired results, azoxybenzide being formed. The action of pentachloride of phosphorus is as follows: C12H10N2O+PC1=C12H10N2+PCl2O+Cl. A Body Homologous with Benzidine.-W. Petrieff.-Hydrazotoluide is converted, by the cautious addition of sulphuric or chlorhydric acids, into a crystalline body homologous with benzidine, fusing at 128, and readily soluble in boiling water, alcohol, and ether. This base yields, with sulphuric acid, two different salts, one of which is soluble in boiling water and in alcohol, the other insoluble therein; the formula of the latter is C,,H12N2+2H2SO,. The author observes that he obtained this body only from hydrazotoluide, prepared, by means of sodium amalgam, from hydrazotoluide. Action of Hydrobromic Acid upon Azoxybenzide.-R. Sendzink. When hydrobromic acid acts upon azoxybenzide, a substance is formed which proved to be bibromaniline C12H10N2O+4HBr=2C,H,Br2N+H2O+H ̧, This reaction, however, only takes place when a large excess of hydrobromic acid is taken; with a small quantity of the latter, an oily substance is obtained, and very little bibromaniline. Hydriodic acid converts azoxybenzide very readily into benzidine. Researches on the Allyl Group.-B. Tollens. The author, referring, first, to some of his former experiments on this subject, states that allyl-alcohol, obtained by him, does not yield, when treated with substances which give off hydrogen, either propylic or isopropylic alcohol. The preparation of allyl alcohol from glycerine and oxalic acid, is rendered difficult, by reason of a small quantity of alkali, almost always present in oxalic acid, and very difficulty removable from it. The author, therefore, adds from to 1 per cent of hydrochloric acid, whereby this objection is obviated. Sulphuric acid may be used, but excess of either should be avoided, especially since even a slight excess of chlorhydric acid causes, at about 200° (the most suitable temperature for the reaction), the formation of mono-allylineон CH, OH OC,H, a liquid boiling at 240°, but then, also, partly decomposed. Some Additional Observations on the Formation of Ozone in a Flame.-O. Loew.-This paper is written as a reply to some remarks published by Dr. Böttger on the author's observations on this subject, wherein the former chemist says that peroxide of hydrogen and carbonate of ammonia are formed in the manner described by the author (see CHEMICAL NEWS, vol. xxi., p. 107). The author now states that, by using a pair of bellows and a large Bunsen gas burner, he has filled, in a short time, a large room with the peculiar odour due to ozone, while delicate tests failed to detect any peroxide of hydrogen or carbonate of ammonia. Revue Hebdomadaire de Chimie, June 2, 1870. Analysis of Three Sorts of Corn cultivated near Saulsaie (Departement du Rhône).-Dr. J. Roussille.-This grain (wheat) had been grown experimentally for the purpose of trying a peculiar kind of soil containing no less than 88.9 per cent of silica insoluble in hydrochloric acid. The sorts of corn are termed bleu, rouge, and fern, and were found to contain, in 100 parts, respectively-Water, 142, 14:10, 15:32; organic matters, 84 8, 84 22, 82-78; mineral matter, 172, 1.68, 19. The yield per hectare of each was, in kilos. of the thrashedcent of phosphoric acid and 2'17 per cent of organic matter. out grain, 2576, 1419, and 1956. The soil alluded to contains o'060 per Jahrbuch der Kaiserlich-Königlichen Geologischen Reichsanstalt, No. 1, 1870. This periodical appears only quarterly, and is, moreover, rarely pub. lished with great accuracy as to date of publication, it being an official, not a commercial undertaking. This number contains the following original papers relating to physico-chemical and collateral sciences: The Town of Oldenburg and its Environs in relation to Water Supply.-H. Wolf.-The town alluded to is in Hungary. The lengthy memoir deserves special notice as an excellent contribution to economico-geological surveys of this description. The paper is illustrated with maps and engravings. Report on the Production and Circulation of the Mineral Fuels, and the Localities where these are Found and Wrought in the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy.-F. Fætterle. The Kainite from Kalusz, in Galicia.-Karl Ritter von Hauer. -The celebrated author of this lengthy memoir states that the kainite found in large quantity at the locality alluded to contains, on an average, in 100 parts-Sulphuric acid, 20:46; chlorine, 28 01; magnesia, 10:16; potassium, 16:38; sodium, 7:97; calcium and protoxide of iron, a trace; water, 1436; clay, 3'41. Formula, KCl+2(MgO.SO,)+6HO. The kainite here alluded to agrees very closely in composition with that found near Stassfurth. The author enters, at great length, into details about the manufacture of salts of potassa from this mineral. Revue des Cours Scientifiques de la France et de l'Etranger, June 11, 1870. This number does not contain any papers directly relating to chemistry; but it contains a lengthy and very clearly-written paper, illustrated by several woodcuts, on the Use of Steam-Backing in Locomotive Engines.-M. Le Chateller. And a lengthy lecture by the celebrated Heidelberg physiologist, Dr. Helmholtz, on the Physiological Action of Electric Currents of Short Duration in the Interior of Conducting Bodies. Les Mondes, June 9, 1870. The Arènes at Paris.-Rev. Michon.-A lengthy paper illustrated with several woodcuts, and describing the various objects of scientific and historical interest found in this very ancient building, which, for some centuries, has been covered over by the mould and rubbish of a city of later date. Experiments on the Physiological and Therapeutical Properties of Phosphate of Lime.-Dr. R. Dusart.-The chief point of interest in this paper is that phosphate of lime, in some form or other, is absolutely required for the proper performance of the functions of nutrition, since it causes the albumenoid substances to form cells and tissues. The author speaks of a lacto-phosphate of lime as a thera peutic agent, but does not specify what that substance is; it may be a double salt of lactic and phosphoric acid with lime. Distances at which Sound can be Heard.-Rev. F. Moigno. The fog-horn established at Foucher can be heard, in calm weather, at a distance of 28 kilometres; during storms, at a distance of from 9 to 15 kilometres; and with wind blowing in the direction wherein the sound is sent (seaward), 46 kilometres. The cannonade at the battle of Waterloo (June 18, 1815) was heard at Creil (France), 200 kilometres distant therefrom; and the cannonade at the battle of March 30th, 1814 (near Paris), was heard distinctly at Casson, between Lisieux and Caen, at 176 kilometres' distance, in each case as the crow flies. Conversion of an Ordinary Electric Machine into a Holtz's Machine.-Rev. Dr. Laborde.-A lengthy paper wherein the author points out how the desired object can be obtained, temporarily, for the purpose of lecture-room experiments. Cosmos, June 11, 1870. CHEMICAL NEWS, June 24, 1870. the insoluble residue on previously-counterpoised filters, to wash well with boiling-hot water, and to weigh after drying. If the loss in weight is below 6 per cent, the conclusion, says the author, may safely be that the sample in question does not contain even a trace of genuine hartshorn; if the loss by weight is above 6 per cent, the number, 6, should be deducted from the quantity found, which should be designated as ; and the proportion, supposing 10 per cent loss to have been found, will stand-8: 100-4:x=50 per cent of genuine hartshorn. Since, however, the use of hartshorn, as well as of such preparations as the once renowned Decoctum album Sydenhami, are now altogether forgotten, and superseded by more simple substances, this test has only a scientific interest, as indicating in genuine bartshorn a far larger amount of matter soluble in water than is present in bones. This number contains the following original papers relating to physico-chemical sciences: Effects of Cold upon Plants.-Dr. Zurcher, writing from Toulon, Bulletin de l'Académie Royale des Sciences, des Lettres et des Beaux states that on the night from the 3rd to 4th of January last, the therArts de Belgique, No. 3, 1870. mometer in the public garden of the town alluded to marked -8, and that a large quantity of snow covered the ground and the trees, among which a number of palm-trees, and even Chamaerops and Jubea, none of which, though exposed to this low temperature, suffered any damage. From observations made by the author and several other parties, it appears that, as regards the injury done to the plants by great cold, the effects thereof do not depend so much on the degree of cold, as on the calmness of the air (absence of wind) and absence of moisture. Means of Detecting the Genuineness of Kirschwasser.-S. Meunier. Place, in a test-tube, some powdered guaiacum-wood, and add to it some of the Kirschwasser to be examined. If the latter is really genuine, an indigo-blue colour will forthwith appear, and continue for about an hour; but, if the liquor has been prepared with essential oil of almonds, Aqua laurocerasi, or crushed cherry-stones macerated in alcohol, only a yellow tint will be produced. The rationale of this curious phenomenon is not explained, and will be the subject of further investigation. Kirschwasser contains, when genuine, hydrocyanic acid, hydride of benzoyl, and a peculiarly-flavoured essential oil not known in the isolated state. Moniteur Scientifique, No. 324, June 15, 1870. This number contains the following original papers and memoirs relating to physico-chemical and collateral sciences: Experiments on the Salts of Manganese.-Dr. A. Commaille. -The author describes at length the action of acids upon permanganate of potassa, aided, in some instances, by the reducing action of alcohol, ether, and electricity. The author observes, casually, that the salts of the protoxide of manganese are, when perfectly pure, quite colourless. The memoir is divided into the following sections:Nitric acid and permanganate of potassa; sulphuric, hydrochloric, iodic, arsenious, oxalic, acetic, tartaric, citric, tannic, benzoic, and uric acids, respectively, with permanganate of potassa. The author found that, under the influence of the electric current and chlorhydric acid, hydrogen gas alone is given off from the permanganate; the same is observed, under similar conditions, with oxalic acid. Palm Oils of Commerce.-P. Guyot.-Palm oil is obtained from the fruit of the Avoira or Crocro palm-tree, growing on the coast, and also in the interior of the Guinea. It yields two kinds of oil-viz., a white-coloured, butter-like substance, extracted from the kernel of the fruit, and chiefly used by the natives as food; the point of fusion of this oil is stated to be rather high. The other kind is extracted from the fibrous sarcocarpon surrounding the fruit; at the prevailing temperature of its native country, this oil is fluid, but in Europe it has the consistency of butter; its colour is yellowish orange, and its smell is very much like that of violet flowers; it is insoluble in cold as well as boiling water, slightly soluble in alcohol, and very soluble in ether. The author gives, in a tabulated form, the results of the action of different reagents upon the oil alluded to, and some of the commercial varieties thereof, as imported from other countries where the oil is obtained either from the same or some other kind of palm-tree. The action of the reagents alluded to (sulphuric and nitric acids, ammonia, chloride of zinc, protochloride of tin, pernitrate of mercury, and liver of sulphur) is not sufficiently characteristic to be specifically quoted here; and this is the less necessary, because, as the author also states, adulteration of these oils would not be practised in the country whence they are exported, and certainly not in Europe, unless it were done in a very wholesale manner, and with the application of very inferior fats. The complete solubility in ether is a sufficient test of purity; the colouring matter is readily destroyed when desired. Extraction of Copper from its Ores.-MM. Tessié du Motay and Co. The authors propose to apply their oxyhydrogen gas for the purpose of oxidising, from copper ores, the other metals they may contain, after such ores have been previously treated so as to be in the state of metallic silicates, as they call it. Application of Phenic Acid for the purposes of Leather and Skin Manufacture.-E. L. C. Baudet.-The author describes, at great length and very exhaustively, all the operations whereby hides and skins are converted into what is generally called leather, and proposes the use of phenic acid as a preservative against various kinds of injury the raw, as well as the ready-made materials are subjected to, from various causes, both during and after their conversion from hides and skins into saleable commodities. Detection of Bone-Cuttings among Rasped Hartshorn.-F. Cyrias. The author advises to take 2 grms. of the material to be tested, to eliminate, first, the adhering dust by means of a fine sieve; next, to dry it at 100°; and then to boil it for an hour with water, to collect Meteorite from Saint-Denis-Westrem, near Ghent.-S. Meunier. This stone, weighing 720 grms., which fell from the sky on the 7th of June, 1855, the fall being accompanied by a loud detonation and strong emission of light, belongs, according to the author, to what he terms luceite, a white-coloured, fine-grained, harshly-feeling very crystalline substance (sp. gr., 3'43) consisting for 88-9 per cent of a lithoid matter, made up of silica, magnesia, oxides of iron, alumina, soda, and potassa, with traces of lime and oxide of chromium. Fully 65 per cent of this quantity is soluble in chlorhydric acid. By means of the magnet, about 8 per cent of metal, chiefly iron, is separated. The paper contains an exhaustive discussion on the origin of meteorites; and the author states that our moon is gradually tending more and more to become broken up into smaller spheroids, some of which may reach our globe as meteoric stones at a future day. Discovery of a Layer of Native Phosphate of Lime under the City of Leuven (Louvain), Belgium.-G. Lambert.-It appears that the municipal government of the city alluded to have, for some purpose or other (not specified), been making borings deep into the soil in a central part of that place. Among the minerals obtained are-At a depth of 110 metres from the surface, a layer of a material containing-water driven off at 100°, 128 per cent; water driven off at red-heat, after drying at 100°, 6:42 per cent; insoluble in chlorhydric acid, 16:42 per cent; anhydrous phosphoric acid, 29 90 per cent. This material contains, therefore, about 62 per cent of tribasic phosphate of lime. NOTES AND QUERIES. Bromine.-Can you, or any of your readers, give me a thoroughlyaccurate process for the separation of bromine from bromic acid, where the two exist together as a bromide and bromate of an alkali. -J. H. WATSON. Phosphate of Ammonia.-(Reply to "J. W. M.")-You will find, in any of the larger works treating on chemistry, what you require. Consult the excellent work of Dr. W. A. Miller, or Watts's "Dictionary," and the works of the late Dr. Brande, &c., all of which you can inspect at the Library of the Commissioners of Patents. Persulphide of Hydrogen.-I should feel obliged if you can inform me whether the actual composition of persulphide of hydrogen has ever been demonstrated analytically, as I am endeavouring to attain this myself.-W. B. G. Method for the Removal of Stains of Iron Mould from Fabrics. The removal of these stains is a matter of some difficulty if they have remained on a fabric for some time. The usual substances employed for this purpose (oxalic acid or quadroxalate of potassium) require placing, in concentrated solution, in contact with the material for a considerable time, thereby materially weakening and rotting the fibre. The following method is free from this objection, and will remove stains of long standing almost immediately:-Wet the mark with yellow sulphide of ammonium, by which it will be immediately blackened, and allow it a minute or so to penetrate; then wash out the excess of sulphide, and treat the black spot with cold dilute chlorhydric acid, by which it is immediately removed. Finally, wash well with water.-W. B. G. TO CORRESPONDENTS. 7. R.-The method given in Fresenius may be relied on. W. N. (Huddersfield).-There is no objection to the use of hydrochloric acid instead of sulphuric in the preparation of CO,, provided the gas is washed with carbonate of soda solution. F.C.S.-Your letter has been referred to the reporter. B. W. Gibsone.-Thanks for your paper; it shall be inserted in an early issue. James R. Gregory.-We have received your catalogue of minerals, &c.; it seems to be very complete, and the prices being affixed makes it valuable to all mineralogists. 3. Pattison.-A work by the Editor, embracing both the subjects you name, is in the press. Chrome Colour.-There is a letter for this correspondent at our office. 7. W. M.-Send your address to our publisher." INDEX. ABRAHAMS, P. S., homologues of cupric aceto-arsenite, 265 acid, synthesis of from acetylen, vapour density of, 190 275 Aceto-chlorhydrine from octyl- Acetone, new derivatives of, 216 chlorous anhydride, 262 synthesis of acetic acid from, Acid, anthranilic, action of cyano- butyric, detection of in glycerine, carbonic, tanning by means of, chloro-chromic, action of on glacial acetic, quantitative esti- hydrated hydrobromine, prepa- hydrobromic, action of on azoxy- hydrochloric, action of on nitro- hydrosulphuric, synthesis of, 46 nitric, action of on azotoluide, 299 nitrous, 45 reduction of by metals, 286 299 and ozone, 297 Acids and alcohols, ethereal de- hydriodic and hydrobromic, spe- organic, simultaneous action of selenic and selenious, prepara- sulpho-nitrogen, 58 synthesis of organic, 82 uvic, formic, glycolic, and gly- Acoustic attraction and repulsion, 287 Agaricus, white, two products Aigues-Mortes, has the sea ever at of given off by ignited charcoal, continuous current of, 192 a continuous current of, 173 presence of peroxide of nitrogen Air-pump, mercurial, 119 Albumen, egg and blood, 60 consumption of for industrial Alcohol, action of chlorine on, 94 phorus on, 88 and water, specific gravity of effect of on the human body, 253 normal propylic, butylic, and 131 Aldehyde, action of chlorine on, Aldehydes, constitution of the, 203 119 138, 183, 239 preparation of from madder, 81 waste, hyposulphite of soda Allyl group, researches on, 299 Alum, 107 and iron, separation of, 54 192 Armstrong, M., reactions of anhy- Arnot, W., notes from the labora- Aromatic acid, synthesis of, 95, amido acids, new derivatives Arsenic and copper, separation aniline-red free from, 35 Asphyxia, by carbonic vapours, produced by the fumes of char- Aspirator, a new, 155, 299 powers, 109, 145 Attwood's machine, improved, 251 effect of on telegraph wires, 226 |