September, 1924
I X D U S T R I A L A N D ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY
miliar, and while the assistance of the laboratory is necessary in running down some of the real causes of unsatisfactory service, when the consuming public knows that these things can be determined with certainty there is no reason why they should not demand this information from the distributor, who is in position to maintain or a t least consult the chemical laboratory. The introductory leaflet states: On whose judgment do you rely when you purchase textiles? Are you able t o detect fraud in textile construction? Can you recognize weaving imperfections that place a fabric among seconds? Are you able t o trace the cause of the failure of a garment to its true source? The relation of weaving to wear, the importance of knots in threads, the relation of threads of unequal size or weight to the strength of the fabric, the part played by short fibers, the question of shrinkage, the use of sizing or finish to hide defects, the importance of the proper application of dyes, are typical points discussed in these leaflets. Although intended for distribution by members of the Laundryowners National Association to their present and prospective patrons, the leaflets contain information which may be serviceable in the hands of many teachers and those interested in some examples of the everyday service of the chemical laboratory.
Helium-Safety
883
and Conservation
HE daily press carried some comments following our recent editorial on “Helium vs. Hydrogen,” and one of
the proponents of hydrogen, notwithstanding his official connection a t the time with the Bureau of Aeronautics, United States Navy, went so far as to criticize the assumed action of the crew of the Dixmude. Without the details in possession of French officials, he ventured to state that that great dirigible was not destroyed because of the inflammability of hydrogen. His interest in commercial aviation is so evident that we need no further comment at this time. Since then Dr. C. Leroy Meissinger of the United States Weather Bureau and Lieut. James T. Neely lost their lives when lightning struck their balloon. This adds another to an already long list of dirigibles and balloons filled with hydrogen and destroyed by fire or explosion. I t is true that many thousands of people have been carried safely in hydrogen-filled balloons, but why take unnecessary risks in times of peace when we know of something better? The Navy is steadfast for the use of helium in the Shenandoah, and in an editorial in the New York Times for June 6, Rear Admiral Moffett is quoted in the matter of costs which are usually cited by those who favor hydrogen. Admiral Moffett says, “When it is considered that it is possible to purify helium a t a cost of approximately one dollar and a half per thousand S E P T Ii2WBER of this year holds in store an unusual treat and that on the other hand it is not safe nor practical to for scientists, and particularly for chemists. Our an- purify hydrogen, the conclusion is that the cost of forty nual meeting at Ithaca will be one of unusual importance, dollars for helium would be as cheap in the end as hydrogen not only because of matters coming before the Council, such at fifteen dollars.” The ZR-3, a dirigible with a capacity less than 20 per cent as the final report of Mr. Hoskins’ committee on the classification of membership, but also because of the excellence of greater than the Shenandoah, and being built in Germany as a the scientific program. We are again to have the pleasure of part of the .reparations, will doubtless be brought overseas hearing from distinguished fellow chemists from abroad, and with hydrogen. This will be at the property risk of the Gerthere is now required only the enthusiastic attendance of large man Government, but we may be sure that once the United numbers to place the Ithaca meeting high among those which States Government assumes responsibility for this new giant, the gas compartments will be filled with helium. have been successful. There is a reason to believe that a cost of forty dollars per Beginning on September 17 the Franklin Institute will hold a memorable celebration. Besides being the centenary of the thousand cubic feet for helium will soon be attained. The posfounding of the institute, the inauguration exercises of the sibility of purification has been demonstrated. The necessity Bartol Research Foundation are to be held. These exercises of replacing hydrogen on the average twenty-two times per year will be marked by addresses by men whose names are in them- gives a basis for the statement that the question of cost is no selves an attraction, as well as the subjects upon which they longer a consideration, granting for the sake of argument that will speak. To mention those whom chemists will delight to it ever was. The wasteful practice of valving should soon be hear would be to reprint the program which has been distrib- stopped in the Shenandoah, now that the condenser problem uted. The meetings will be open to all who may care to hear has been solved. One hundred and ten pounds of water can the discussions and we trust that in the various audiences will be recovered for each hundred pounds of gasoline burned. be found a large number of members of the AMERICAN CHEMI- The solution of this heat transfer problem is discussed in this AKD ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY, and issue of INDUSTRIAL CAL SOCIETY. some of the Shenandoah’s engines have already been equipped with these condensers. There is no intention of hampering the commercial develSK the average man when the largest single order for opment of dirigibles. We have reason to believe that comexplosives was placed and he is fairly sure to say, mercial companies could develop their own sources of helium, “During the World War.” At any rate, 100 per cent of the and we are certain that one of the disasters which may a t pacifists would so reply. Most people consider the manu- any moment overtake a hydrogen-filled gas bag would be suffifacture of explosives primarily a war-time activity, and pow- cient, not only to make commercial development impossible, der manufacturers have frequently been charged unjustly but sadly to retard our military program being developed as a with fomenting international friction. defense measure. The military establishment in emergenBut the largest contract, one for one hundred million cies may be justified in occasionally risking observers and crew pounds, has just been awarded by the Government to the in hydrogen-filled ships, but the commercial operation of du Pont Company, the lowest bidders, and involves the prep- hydrogen-filled dirigibles will never be successful when the aration of one hundred million pounds of explosives to be used man in the street knows that safety is to be had only with for the construction of highways, for agricultural purposes, helium. and for other peaceful industrial pursuits. The subject of helium will be brought prominently before This information should reach the general public and be Congress when it reconvenes in December by H. R. 5722 and emphasized, for it illustrates the point, so often made, that Senate Bill 2166, both having to do with the conservation, chemistry becomes a destructive agency only when so re- production, and exploitation of helium gas. These bills quired in the defense of the nation. aim first a t the conservation of helium by authorizing the
A Chemical Month
One Hundred Million Pounds
A
.
