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ammonium sulphide and sulphur. In those parts of the S.hf.0. installation wherc the liquid is in the reduced state (i.e., in the washer, the tanks and part of the aerator) so that the HS’ ions can react with finely divided sulphur, polysulphide is formed” and “polysulphide solutions greedily absorb oxygen. The oxidation product is thiosulphate. This means the degradation of a corresponding quantity of sulphur which we want to minimize.” “The oxidation is not only limited to the polysulphide but (especially a t low PAvalues) the HS’ is involved as well. Experiments proved that in the absence of polysulphide, HS’ is involved as well. Experiments proved that in the absence of polysulphide, HS’ is much less sensitive t o oxygen. This is obviously a case of induced oxidation.” The reactions of the cyanide ion with polysulfide, thiosulfate, and nascent sulfur are discussed, but the authors project the separate removal of hydrogen cyanide. The summary provides quantitative values for the power factors, services, and efficiency of hydrogen sulfide removal suitable for cost estimations. Metric units are used throughout the book. R. L. BROWN.
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Microcalorimetry. By W. SWIETOSLAWSKI. x 190 p p , ; 56 fig. Yew York: Reinhold Publishing Corporation, 1947. Microcalorimetry is the measurement of small amounts of heat in which the temperature change or the rate of temperature change of the calorimeter is very small. While this book reviews the whole field of microcalorimetry, the work of the Institute of Technology in Warsaw, Poland, where the author was Professor of Physical Chemistry before World War 11. is described in greater detail. Professor Swietoslawski is not as well known in this country for his work in microcalorimetry as for his work in ebulliometry and the comparative iiiethod of measurement by which properties are determined by comparison with standard substances. Because of the considerable work in the field of microcalorimetry by Professor Swietoslawski and his colleagues, this volume will be especially interesting and valuable to those concerned with calorimetry. This book covers methods of microcalorimetry rather than results. Types of microcalorimeters are discussed, among them twin calorimeters, the Bunsen ice calorimeter, the adiabatic calorimeter, and a labyrinth flow calorimeter. Accessories, such as thermostats, calorimeter jackets, and thermometers, and methods of correction for heat losses are included. Applications to some important problems are discussed also. The application discussed most extensively is to the measurement of the energy of radioactive radiations, including a-,8 - , and 7-rays. There is a bibliography of about 200 references a t the end of the book. F. G. BRICKWEDDE.
