T H E JOURNAL OF I N D U S T R I A L A N D ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY
418
Vol.
12,
No. 5
I ST. LOUIS MEETING, AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY I DIVISIONS TO THE FRONT papers t o general discussion showed a marked increase, E a c h General Meeting of t h e AMERICAN CHEMICAL a n d gave promise of future.programs which will a t t r a c t SOCIETY has i t s distinctive note. T h e 59th Meeting. t h e chemists of t h e dye laboratories. Unusual interest attached t o t h e joint symposium held a t St. Louis, Mo., April 1 2 t o 17, 1920, was no exon colloids, t h e attendance a t this meeting equaling ception in this respect, for above all else there stood o u t t h e strength of t h e divisional a n d sectional meet- t h a t a t the general opening meeting. T o confirm our judgment as t o t h e marked excellence ings, with their strong programs, fine attendance, a n d spirited discussions following the presentation of t h e of t h e divisional a n d sectional meetings, we assumed t h e role of a reporter a n d secured from the several officers papers. t h e following statements: We interpret this as t h e r e t u r n of t h e chemist t o his INDUSTRIAL AND ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY DIVISION normal surroundings a n d his resumption of problems The attendance a t the meetings of this division and the disinterrupted b y t h e call of war service. T h a t service cussion brought forth by the papers presented may be taken as was thoroughly performed a n d its problems have been indicative of the intense industrial interest in the division, laid aside, b u t it is evident t h a t t h e intense stimulation notably so in the case of the ideas brought forth in estimating of t h e war period is being carried over into the days the economic status of the chemist and the high ideas the manufacturers have for their requirements of the chemist’s education, of peace, hence t h e rich outpouring of papers for t h e and the incentives they offer to research in pure as well as applied chemistry. divisional programs. H. D. BATCHELOR, Chairman The meeting was notably successful. T h e registra....... tion of 976 is a n index of t h e general interest, for while BIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY DIVISION there have been meetings more largely attended, This division completed its program Wednesday by remaining nevertheless t h e present one was held a t a point quite in session until 6 : 2 0 P.M.,in order that the members might atdistant from t h e SOCIETY’Scenter of membership, tend the colloid symposium Thursday morning. We had a a n d during t h e week when the uncertainties of travel splendid attendance, standing room only being available for part of the time. The point which stands out most prominently weighed heavily against t h e promptings of even t h e is the fundamental studies which are being made in the field of most enthusiastic of a t t e n d a n t s of meetings. T h e biological chemistry. The papers presented were not merely of general observations, but nearly all of tpem went down classification of t h e attendance by states shows how reports into the deeper fields of the reasons underlying biological phewidely representative was t h e meeting. nomena. The most important papers were perhaps those dealing with the viiamine question, and I feel that very important ATTENDANCE C&ASSIFIED BY STATES results were accomplished. Arkansas . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 New Jersey.. . . . . . . . . 21 R. A. GORTNER, Chairman California . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 New York.. . . . . . . . . . 54 Colorado . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Connecticut 2 Delaware. . . . . . . . . . . . . District of Columbia.. Georgia.. . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Illinois. .............. 152 Indiana., . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 I o w a . . . . I . , . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Kansas.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Kentuckv . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Louisiana . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Maryland.. 4 Massachusetts ........ 20 Michigan., ........... 16 9 Minnesota ............ 2 Mississippi Missouri. . . . . . . . . . . . . 372 9 Nebraska
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North Carolina. . . . . . . Ohio.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oklahoma. ........... Pennsvlvania.. ........ Rhodi Island.. . . . . . . . South Dakota . . . . . . . . Tennessee . . . . . . . . . . . . Texas.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Utah . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Virginia . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wisconsin . . . . . . . . . . . . Wyoming.. . . . . . . . . . . China... Canada.. Mexico.. Holland.. Japan
1 80
10 31 1
2 3 9 4 2
28 1
............ 1 ............ 4 ............ 1 ........... 11 ............... -_ TOTAL.. ........... 976
T h e arrangements for t h e meeting were in t h e hands
of a n excellent local committee headed b y Dr. Charles
E. Caspari.
Even t h e local weather bureau was induced t o do its p a r t towards making t h e meeting a success, a n d i t responded nobly. Two new sections held their inaugural meetings, t h e Sugar Section a n d t h e Leather Section, while t h e Dye Section assumed a place as a division of t h e SOCIETY.T h e christening of these youngest children of t h e parent organization was auspicious, a n d their programs gave proof of t h e sound judgment of those who had worked for their creation. An interesting development was t h e program of t h e Rubber Division. A marked tendency t o “open up)’ was noticeable, a n d t h e process proved delightful. I t is believed t h a t t h e fine example set b y one of t h e chief laboratories in this respect marks t h e beginning of a new d a y for t h a t division. So, too, in t h e Dye Division t h e proportion of scientific
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SUGAR SECTION
The first meeting of the Sugar Section was attended by about
60 enthusiastic members representing various branches of the
sugar industry in all sections of the country. Great interest was manifested in the papers which related to the general topics of saccharimeters, beet sugar chemical control and decolorizing carbons. The sugar chemists spoke of the great benefit of having SOCIETY. organized as a section of the AMERICANCHEMICAL From the opinions of members present and absent it is believed that the attendance and program of the next meeting will be more than doubled. C. A. BROWNE, Chairman LEATHER CHEMISTRY SECTION
The first meeting of this section was gratifying in the number who attended and the quality and scope of the discussion of the papers presented. Many chemists working along allied lines were attracted to the meetings, and took active part in the discussions, showing that the field which has just been plowed and sown will undoubtedly bear the fruit of success. Lours E. LEVI, Chairman
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AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY DIVISION
The meeting of this division was particularly well attended and the papers presented were both interesting and important. Perhaps the most significant feature of the meeting was the earnest and intelligent discussion which each of the papers brought forth, and which was equally as valuable to the author as to the division. Of the fifteen papers on the program, twelve were actually read; the railroad conditions having prevented several members from reaching St. Louis. These conditions also prevented several papers from reaching the secretary in time to be placed on the printed program, so, according to the rules of the SOCIETY, they could not be read at this meeting. The general opinion was that the divisional meeting was in every way SUCcessful. C. E. COATES,Chairman
M a y , 1920
T H E J O U R N A L OF I N D U S T R I A L A N D ENGINEERING C H E M I S T R Y ORGANIC CHEMISTRY DIVISION
A successful session showing the present interest in the making of organic substances, reflecting the great commercial activity in dyes, pharmaceuticals, and other organic products, was held. Organic chemistry is the field in which we have been furthest from national independence, but great strides are now being made in bringing organic research and applied organic chemistry together. E. EMMETREID, Chairman
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419
pharmacology of chloramine antiseptics. New work on hypnotics and anesthetics was reported. The division made important recommendations to be laid before the SOCT~TY’S committee on the revision of the forthcoming pharmacopeia at the decennial convention. Steps were taken toward the changing of the name of the division to that of Chemistry of Medicinal Products Division. It is felt that this is a less restricted term, and will place the accent on chemistry rather than pharmacy. CHAS.E. CASPARI,Chairman
RUBBER fIVISION
Less and less secrecy is being maintained by the different companies regarding their research work in the development of rubber compounding. The meetings are getting to be of increasing interest as this move gains favor. The division expressed its disapproval of the marketing of compounding ingredients and accelerators under trade names, such compounds being of a poorer grade than standard or mixed with other cheaper material. The composition of these materials will be exposed to the public. The necessity for cooperative research in the rubber industry becomes more and more apparent. The chemists are really starting to get together on this. ARNOLDH. SMITH,Secretary
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PHYSICAL AND INORGANIC CHEMISTRY DIVISION
The papers and discussions in this division seemed to divide into three main subjects: chemical reactivity and catalysis, the structure of the atom, and colloids. New studies bearing on the quantum theory seem to indicate that it is possible to calculate the speed of reactions from measurement of energy given off from atoms. It was suggested that all chemical activity may be caused by radiation. Announcement was made of the discovery of meta-chlorine, and the indication therefrom of the existence of a whole new species of atoms. The colloid symposium, arranged jointly by several divisions, aroused so great interest that the general meeting room was filled to overflowing. The papers presented brought out the practical applications of colloidal chemistry to a variety of industries. W. D. HARKINS, Chairman
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DYE SECTION
The meeting was very successful and the great interest shown fully justified the Council’s action in raising the youthful section to the dignity of a division. Only three of the twenty-one papers were read by title. An account of the dye patents of the Chemical Foundation was very elucidating as to the methods by which licenses can be obtained. The use which will be made of the earnings of the Foundation in fostering chemical research was brought out. A paper on dye research also created considerable interest and discussion. Among other interesting papers was one on the physical constants of aniline, bringing out particularly its hygroscopic quality. The number and quality of the papers from the Color Laboratory of the Bureau of Chemistry of the Department of Agriculture added much to the interest of the session. The members of the section seemed filled with enthusiasm and awake to their responsibilities. Keen interest was shown in the legislative situation affecting the industry represented, and a universal hope for its early enactment. The resolutions passed by the Council were read to the division, and the technical progress made in this country was reviewed. CHAS.L. REESE,Chairman
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WATER, SEWAGE AND SANITATION DIVISION The meeting of this division was very well attended, the program was carried out in full, and the various papers evoked considerable discussion. Dr. Bartow’s report of the Sewage Disposal Committee of the National Research Council contained a great deal of interesting material. It is expected that a t the Chicago meeting the further report of this work will be one of the most important features of the program. Some of the tests are to be conducted in the vicinity of Chicago, and will probably be ready for inspection in September. The matter of activated sludge and other methods proposed for the treatment of the sewage, especially the effluents from industrial plants, is a matter of extreme public importance, both from the standpoint of health and the general improvement of community conditions. The paper outlining the study of sewage and trade wastes a t Bridgeport, Conn., furnished an interesting basis for this latter discussion. W. W. SKINNER, Secretary
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PHARMACEUTICAL CHEMISTRY DIVISION
Our meeting was well attended, the most important discussion centering around the subject of the stability, chemistry, and
MATTERS OF BUSINESS I n spite of the difficulties incident t o travel during the week of t h e railroad strike, 97 members of t h e Council, some more or less delayed, assembled a t t h e University Club, President Noyes presiding. T h e proceedings of t h e lengthy session were broken by t h e delightful dinner served in t h e rooms of t h e Club. Great interest attached to t h e many valuable reports of committees which were summarized b y t h e President. Six of these reports are printed on pages 438 t o 443 of this issue. By ballot of t h e Council vacancies on t h e Committee on National Policies (Advisory Committee) were filled. Dr. H. E. Howe will t a k e t h e place of Dr. M. C. Whitaker, who was ineligible for reelection, a n d Dr. George D. Rosengarten will fill the unexpired t e r m of Dr. B. C . Hesse, resigned. This committee was enlarged b y t h e addition of t w o ex-oflcio members, t h e editors of t h e Jozcrnal of the American Chemical Society and t h e Journal of Industrial and Engineerilzg Chemistry. Dr. A. V. H. Mory was elected councilor-at-large t o fill t h e vacancy caused b y t h e election of Dr. W. 4 . Noyes t o t h e presidency. Much interest attached t o t h e selection of the place for holding t h e next Spring Meeting. T h e invitation of the Rochester Section was accepted. An invitation from t h e Pittsburgh Section for t h e Annual Meeting of 1921 was under t h e constitution laid o n t h e table. After prolonged discussion a n d a s t a t e m e n t of t h e preference of t h e members of t h e Chicago Section i t was voted t h a t i t would be inadvisable t o hold t h e 1 9 2 0 Annual Meeting during convocation week with t h e A . A. A. S., the Council fixing t h e second week i n September as t h e time for t h e Annual Meeting. Dr. Charles L. Parsons was appointed t o represent t h e SOCIETYa t t h e International Union of Pure a n d Applied Chemistry in Rome in June 1920. A measure of international significance was t h e acceptance b y the SOCIETY of t h e invitation of t h e American Metric, the London a n d Manchester Decimal Associations, a n d t h e World T r a d e Club t o join in forming a World Metric Standardization Council, a n d calling a conference in San Francisco in May 1920. Continued thefts of platinum in various laboratories gave rise t o serious consideration of t h e question of possibly overcoming this by congressional legislation. A committee was appointed t o consider carefully this question. T h e question of t h e difficulties a t t e n d a n t upon the manufacture, sale, a n d use of stills under t h e Bureau of Internal Revenue regulations was brought t o t h e attention of t h e Council in a forcible manner b y Mr. H. J. Cary-Curr, of Chicago. A committee was appointed t o .confer with t h e officers of t h e Bureau a n d
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