320
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL EDUCATION
'
FEBRUARY, 1930
organic compounds. While this trend is in the right direction, the subject matter so taught is not usually adequate as a preparation for the chemistry of the power plant for it does not deal with the electrochemistry of corrosion, or the high temperature reactions of ash and slag. Of the courses which follow this, that of physical chemistry would most nearly complete the preparation of direct value to these men. However it does not usually occur in the curricula until advanced years, and is usually omitted from mechanical or electrical courses. Without detracting from the courses in the chemistryof engineering materials which are sometimes given to engineers, I would suggest a stronger fundamental training in physical chemistry because of its direct application to so many of these problems. Furthermore, it has been suggested that all men so trained should have a working knowledge of chemistry which is a t least equivalent to their knowledge of electrical subjects. In most engineering curricula this would represent an increase in the amount of chemistry taught.
Manufacturers Honor Swedish Chemist Scheele on Sesquicentennial of His Dis-
the annual meeting in Chicago of the Association of American Soap and Glycerin Producers, representing the leading soap manufacturers of the country. T h e association sent to Crown Prince Gustaf Adolf. Honorary Member of the Royal Academy of Sciences of Sweden, a message felicitatinihim on the part played by his country in the development of glycerin products. .)‘ December 19th was the 187th anniversary of Scheele's birth and 1930 marked the sesquicentennial of his discovery made 150 years ago. Although regarded as a relatively unimportant discovery a t the time, glycerin has come t o be one of the most widely used substances known t o science and industry, being a necessary ingredient of almost countless drugs, toilet preparations, and foods. The most modern use for the product is as an anti-freeze for automobile cooling systems, since it will not freeze at low temperatures and will neither boil nor evaporate a t normal automobile operating heat. Nearly a million cars were protected with radiator glycerin last winter, and the number this season promises to exceed the million mark. The following message was sent to the Crown Prince of Sweden, signed by Sidney M. Calgate, President of the Association: "The Association of American Soap and Glycerin Producers, in annual convention a t Chicago, desires to extend to your Highness as Honorary Member ol the Royal Academy of Sciences an expression of gratitude and felicitation on the occasion of the hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the discovery of glycerin by the distinguished Swedish chemist, Karl Wilhelm Scheele. This contribution of your countryman to science and industry becomes increasingly valuable each year, and the approaching anniversary of the birthday of this distinguished son of Sweden will see the use of glycerin more widespread than ever before, not only in the arts and scienccs but also in its recently discovered capacity as an anti-freeze in automobile cooling systems. As remesentatives of the leading factors in the American glycerin industry, we ask your Highness to accept this message of congratulation on your country's great contribution to modern science and industry and to motoring."
