VOL.7, NO. 1
TEACHING OF ELECTROCHEMISTRY
65
discussed the usefulness of potentiometric titrations as a means of studying electrochemical principle^.^ In the symposium upon the teaching of physical chemistry a t the 76th meeting of the American Chemical Society at Swampscott, Mass., September, 1928, the idea was expressed that certain topics formerly dealt with in physical chemistry courses might profitably he transferred to analytical courses; in particular potentiometric and conductance determinations and certain other electrochemical topics were specified.' The writer is in accord with this view, especially in connection with electrotitration methods. Differences in educational policy, personnel, and equipment will in specific instances determine whether i t is advisable to give a formal course in electrochemistry, or to distribute the subject mattei among other courses. The essential thing is that the students shall receive opportunity to study and experiment with electrochemical methods. Many excellent electro-titration methods have been devised in the electrochemical laboratory of the Technische Hochschule, Dresden, for example, while a t other institutions, e. g., Utrecht and Ziirich, important contributions in the same field, as well as in other branches of electrochemistry, have emanated from the analytical laboratories. Much of the recent development of analytical methods is directly traceable to advances in understanding of electrochemical principles. Present trends seem to indicate that the electrochemical viewpoint will be outstanding in the teaching of analytical chemistry ip the coming decade, and ~onverselythat the teaching of analytical chemistry can be of increasing mportance in giving fundamental training in certain branches of electro~hemistry. JOURNAL, 3, 932 (Aug., 1926). Cf. V. K. LaMer, Ihd., 6, 263 (Feb., 1929)
"THIS
Diphenyl for Heat Transmission. The Federal Phosphorus Co., of the United kates, announces the production of diphenyl (C8Hs-CaHs)on a commercial scale suffiient t o supply the requirements of one of the oil refiners for refining lubricating oils. ?he use of diphenyl in boilers in place of water is said t o permit of high temperatures i low pressures, making i t possible to maintain temperatures at 750°F.with a pressure sf only 115 lb. Material which has been subjected t o these conditions for several oonths has shown no tendency t o decompose. Thus i t offers the possibility of solving ~rohlemsof distillation and evaporation in connection with products involving high emperatures. I n addition t o the refining of lubricating oils i t offers possibilities in the vaporation of high-boiling solutions such ar ealcium chloride and caustic soda; the !istillation of high-boiling organic chemicals: the distillation of fatty acids; and the sodying of gums and ails for varnishes and printing inks.-Chem. Age
