Instead of an ordinary straight piece of glass tubing a bulb, C, from a discarded I O cc. pipette is used, one end ' of which is inserted into the cork B, projecting just below the surface into the Erlenmeyer flask A; t o the other end is joined a piece of ruhbertubing, D, carrying a glass plug, E. The ferric solution to be reduced is put into the Erlenmeyer flask, dilute suiphuric acid and zinc dust are added and the flask is then placed on the steam bath. The nascent hydrogen produced by the action of the acid on thf zinc reduces t h e iron rapidly. When all ai the zinc is in solution the flask is taken from the bath, placed on a wire gauze and the contents are brought to boiling so as to eliminate any hydrogen in the flask as this would decompose the KMnO, solution when added. I t is a t this point that the improvcd valve works t o advantage. The
steam in escaping expands in the I O cc. bulb, condenses and runs back into t h e flask. This eliminates the excess pressure and blowing out of the stopper. After thorough boiling, the flask is taken from the gauze, the stopper removed, the sides washed down, and a very little c. P. XaHCO, is
I
dropped into the flask to generate an atmosphere of CO,. The solution is then titrated with standard KMnO,. STAT%H ~ c i e v i cL A ~ O ~ A T O R Y , ALB*NY. 3.
1
Morris Loeh, President of the Chemists' Club of New York City, died at Seabright, New Jersey, October 8, 3 9 1 2 , from l'resented at the October meeting of the American Chemicnl Society. 1
m w york
Section
the
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A SIMPLE FORM OF LABORATORY SUPPORT. B,.
r.L S N S cnossLcy. ~ ~
Reccived .41igurf 21, 1912.
The accompanying illustration shows a form of support for apparatus which has been found very useful in this laboratory. It consists of inch rod and pipe fittings. The footing pieces are screwed into round plates and fastened to t h e bench. The size of rod is such as to suit the usual retort stand fittings. It has the advantages of lightness, firmness, adaptability, and cheapness. I t does away with the heavy undergrowth of retort stand footing. Any pipe fitter can make such apparatus very quickly. Other forms and uses will readily suggest themselves. The apparatus shown is carrying three
vertical condensers and apparatus for Kjeldahl distillations, a Liebig condenser and a Jones reductor, with space for other work, taking the place of five retort stands and several tripods with their accompanying risk of breakage. MONTBEA,,,
OBITUARIES "rnnnrr r n m n -ur.mzo IIULD:
Y.
a,,saac.
1
typhoid fever and double pneumonia, after an illness of eighteen .. days. He was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, Hay 23, 1863. l ~ , , ~I,&,~ i ~ a in speakine of I -ish I might have had timc i o choose m; \s.ordS with more deliberat&. His nature showed itself always in such a refinement as to command its tracing only with the most delicate touch. Tender
.4-YD E?/’GINEERING C H E M I S T R Y . is the wound in losing a friend in science whom I had known for nearly twenty years-in fact, since the time he was the Secretary of the Section of Chemistry of the American Association a t the Brooklyn meeting. At that time he was participating in the great task of habilitating the American Chemical Society, with the history of which no doubt all here are familiar. I wish I were able to fittingly tell you of the spirit actuating him a t that time, as it proved an inspiration to me then, and afterwards served to cement a friendship into a closer personal relationship. Born and reared in wealth, a great plan in the business world ready for his acceptance, while gaining a broad culture a t Harvard, he inhaled the breath of Wolcott Gibbs’ scientific spirit, which carried him to Hofmann a t Berlin. Three papers were published by him while a t Berlin, the last being his dissertation.’ All dealt with carbonyl chloride and its conduct with various amidines. This work was interesting and possessed that normal importance to the candidate for a degree; but Loeb was not satisfied. That was in 1887. The roving ardor of an awakening of physical chemistry was in the air. I t carried him to Heidelberg and then to Leipzig to be with Ostwald, who had just made Arrhenius a real power. By the advice of Ostwald, Loeb undertook to study the molecular weight of iodine in its solutions by the vapor-tension method.* His experimental results led him to conclude: “ I t seems very probable that iodine in its red solutions has a molecular weight corresponding to I,, while in the violet solution in carbon disulphide there is a less complex aggregation, giving a value between I, and 13.” He found that the m e t h o d of determining molecular weights by the depression of the freezing point is preferable to the method by vapor tensions. He lacked a liquid which would solidify MORRIS and also dissolve iodine with a pure violet color; but he endeavored to obtain what corroborative evidence he could by experimenting on the freezing points of iodine in acetic acid and in benzene, although he was eventually forced to give up the attempt by the very slight solubility of iodine in these menstrua a t low temperatures. The molecular weight of iodine as calculated from various series of observations seemed to increase continuously with the concentration, so that there was no point in the narrow limits between extreme dilution These papers were “Ueber die Einwirkung von Phosgen auf Aethenyldiphenyldiamin,” Bey.. 18, 2427 (1885) ; “Ceber Amidinderivate,” [bid., 19, 2340 (18861, “Das Phospen und seine Abkommlinge. nebst einigen Beitragen zu deren Kenntnis,” Inaug Diss., 15 Marz, I. Chem. Labor d . Berlin Cniv.; Chem. Zentr., 58, 6 3 5 (1887). 2 “Euber den Molekularzustand des gelosten Jods,” 2. bitysik. Chem., ‘A. 6 0 6 ; “The Molecular \Veight of Iodine in Its Solutions,” T Y R T Z Cltem. S. S o c . , 53, 8 0 5 .
847
and saturation a t which the molecular weight would appear constant and could be accepted as trustworthy. This was later confirmed by Paterno and Nasini.’ With the intention of testing the then latest views on electrolysis, work in which field he had begun with Gibbs, while still a t Leipzig, Loeb, with Nernst, carried on a study of the kinetics of substances in solution.2 From determinations of Hittorf’s ratios of transference and the conductivity of a number of silver salts, they calculated the ionic velocity of silver, according to the principles laid down by Kohlrausch. The constancy of the value obtained from observations with eight different salts gave satisfactory evidence for the truth of the theory, the numbers varying only within very narrow limits. Loeb and Nernst also gave the calculated values for the velocities of the other ions, and it further appeared from a comparison with the temperature coefficients of the velocities that they decrease as the velocity increases. 3 Loeb then felt ready to come back to the master who had changed his course in life and to tell him what they were doing in Europe. So in 1888-9 he returned as voluntary assistant to Gibbs, who had retired from Cambridge to his private laboratory a t Newport. After a year, Gibbs realized Loeb’s power as a teacher and made him go to Clark University a s docent in chemistry.
In a report on “Osmotic Pressure and the Determination of Molecular Weights, Loeb discussed Raoult’s law, the matured papers of van’t Hoff on osmotic pressure, the measurement of o s m o t i c pressure, and the methods of determining the molecular weight from the vapor tension. At this time (1890) experimental data to show the value of Beckmann’s method had not been published, but Loeb predicted that it would play as great a part as the freezing poinit LOEB. method introduced in its most convenient form by the same chemist. Shortly afterwards, in a review, Loeb sketched Arrhenius’ hypothesis, with some of its logical consequences.6 He discussed the physical and chemical objections known in 1890, leaving “ the task of judging i t . , . . to those readers who will compare the mass of experimental material and will convince themselves
”‘
B e y . , 21, 2 1 5 3
” “Zur Kinetik der in Losung befindlichen Korper.
Zweite Abhandlung. Ueberfuhrungszahlen und Leitvermogen einiger Silbersalze yon Morris Loeb and W. Nernst.” 2. physnk. Chem., 2 , 948. Loeb also published in this year a paper on the “Use of Aniline a s an Absorbent of Cyanogen in Gas Analysis,” Tuans. Chem. Soc., 63, 8 1 2 (1888).
A m . Chem. J . , 12. 130-5. o ‘The Electrolytic Dissociation-Hypothesis
Ibid., 12, 506-16.
of Svante Arrhenius.”
T H E J O U R N A L OF I N D U S T R I A L A N D E N G I N E E R I N G C H E M I S T R Y .
848
of the simple relations which the various phenomena appear to bear toward each other. As far as this test is concerned, Loeb maintained, “the hypothesis will be found to fulfil its purposes. ” I n the exact measurement of electric currents, employing the method wherein the determination of the amount of silver *deposited from a neutral solution of a silver salt is made, the source of error, particularly where weak currents are concerned, arises from the imperfect adhesion of the silver upon the cathode. T h e latter is generally a platinum crucible, and Loeb’ found that a Gooch crucible with asbestos felting over the holes was a far better form of cathode, providing an arrangement was adapted to hold the solution during electrolysis without leaking. He attained this very satisfactorily by replacing the ordinary platinum cap with a glass siphon of special form. Then, when but twenty-eight years of age, he was called to the Chair of Chemistry a t New York University. He published a paper entitled “Apparatus for the Delineation of Curved Surfaces, in Illustration of the Properties of Gases, etc.”* Professor Loeb thought that, just as an electric system is affected by its approach to or removal from a magnetic field, a reaction which made a system more or less amenable to magnetic action might show evidence of acceleration or retardation by the magnetic force. H e concluded that if this effect were appreciable, the relation between magnetic force and affinity would be established, and data could be obtained for calculating the real value of magnetization. His experimental results, however, were negative, and he was led to believe that no such relation exists, unless it was so slight that his means of observation were inadequate.3 It was shortly after this that I met Morris Loeb. He was fired with the zeal of those captain teachers and his own lighted torch he passed on by students of his who now reflect in many responsible positions that spirit of the eighties. Soon the very heavy responsibilities of a large inheritance fell upon him. Filial duty of meeting those responsibilities, professorial obligations, and research aspirations required the sacrifice of one of the three. The last was sacrificed for a dozen years, The irksome strain of being “ b y bells directed” began to tell, for to meet them he found it necessary to have his secretary travel with him. One morning he asked me to go with him to the University. We talked things over and he said he would have to give up the professorship, but would equip a private laboratory in the old Chemists’ Club, where he would be nearer his philanthropic obligations and might do some research, and “other things” perhaps as useful to chemistry as teaching. I n 1905 he published a research on “The Crystallization of Sodium Iodide from Alcohols. He found that apparently the molecular proportion of alcohol assimilated by sodium iodide decreases as the series ascends. The addition products determined were: NaI.3CH,O, NaI.C,H,O, and sNaI.&H,O. I n 1908, ever keeping abreast with the advances in physical chemistry, in a paper on the “Hypothesis of Radiant Matter,”6 Loeb enumerated the objections which might be urged against the views which then obtained respecting radioactive processes. I n 1909 he assumed the duties of Chairman of our Section. The task of maintaining the high standard of the meetings set by his predecessor was no mean one, for Baekeland, with his customary enthusiasm, had raised the New York Section to its greatest efficiency. Loeb devoted himself to the welfare of the Section with unremitting energy. I am keenly appreciative of what he did for the Section, as it fell to my lot to take up the 1 “The Use of the Gooch Crucible as a Silver Voltameter,” J . A m . Chem. SOC, la, 300. 2 Ibid 1 3 , 263. 3 “ I s Chemical Action Affected by Magnetism!” Am. Chem J . , 13, ~
145-53. 4
J . A m . Chem. SOL,27,
6
Pob. Sct. Monthly, 73, 62-60.
1019
Nov., 1912
task where he left it. The opportunities of the office were increased, for he had enlarged the responsibilities, as was well shown in his inaugural address that year.’ He did publish (1910) a paper on the “Analysis of Some Bolivian Bronzes” (with S. R. Morey),2 and he wanted to gratify his great love for research and he did have work in progress in his private laboratory; but, in his characteristic fashion, he sacrificed personal desires to do those things he could do and others could not or were disinclined to do. We are assembled in one of the monumental evidences of this i m m ~ l i t i o n . ~ He made possible the new Wolcott Gibbs Laboratory for Physical Chemistry a t Harvard. In the Proceedings of the American Chemical Society for 1910’ he published a beautiful obituary of Gibbs, affectionately respectful, rich in reminiscence and earnest in diction. In this hall we have an evidence of his affection for the master. Loeb visited the South American countries in behalf of the recent International Congress of Applied Chemistry. He worked long and hard on important committees in connection with the Congress. These were some of the “other things” he found to do for Chemistry. The shock of Morris Loeb’s death still oppresses us; but I am convinced that as time passes, and as we reach a juster evaluation of events, we shall become more and more sensitive of what this man’s life really meant, and learn from it what our profession really means. He sought no office; he sought only opportunities to serve his fellowmen. He did it all with a sweet dignity that spells humility. For “Not in hewn stones, nor in well fashioned beams, Not in the noblest of all the builder’s dreams; But in the courageous man of purpose great, There is the fortress, there is the living state.” CHARLESBASKERVILLE.
RESOLUTIONS PASSED BY THE VARIOUS CHEMICAL SOCIETIES ON THE DEATH OF MORRIS LOEB. THE C H E M I S T S ’ C L U B O F N E W Y O R K CITY.
WHEREASMorris Loeb, the President of the Club, has been taken from US by death, and WHEREAShe was the leading spirit in bringing to fulfilment ambitions and plans that had long been ours, and WHEREAShe was always ready to shoulder burdens and to give help, and WHEREAShe was a man of order, and of integrity in mind and in heart, sincere in scholarship, living without malice or scorn, speaking no evil, and generous in judgment, and WHEREASwe were drawn to him by ties of deep and abiding affection, now therefore, be it Resolved, that we make this minute of our poignant grief a t his passing, and that we cherish his memory as another of his great gifts to science and to humanity. ELLWOOD HENDRICK, CLIFFORDRICHARDSON, WALTERE. ROTVLEY. T H E AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY.
WHEREAS Morris Loeb was a member of the New York Section of the American Chemical Society for twenty-one years, serving it in every official capacity from time to time; and WHEREASMorris Loeb gave generously of his sympathy to all, being especially helpful and stimulative to the younger members, while remaining a cheerful companion to those of his own age; and Sci., 30, 664. J . A m , Chcm. Soc., 3 2 , 652. During 1909-10, Dr. Loeb abstracted the Italian journals for Chemical Abstmcis. 3 See Loeb’s address at the opening of the Chemists’ Club, in M e t . Chbm. E w . . 9, l i 7 (1911). 4 PO. 69-75. 1
2
Nov. 1 9 1 2
T H E J O C R S A L OF Ii\’DUSTRI.4L
WHEREASMorris Loeb labored in and out of season to make the Section a power for well being in behalf of the City; and WHEREASMorris Loeb in his devotion to the Section labored ever faithfully for the welfare of the American Chemical Society, taking constant pride in promoting the dignity and prestige of America in the science of chemistry; and WHEREASthe unselfish service of such a man creates a responsiveness that is real affection; B e i t Resolved, that the Kew York Section of the American Chemical Society record its profound appreciation of Morris Loeb as a scholarly man of science, as a loyal ever unselfish member of the Section with wide human interests. I n his loss we have deep grief; in remembering him, we shall do so with affection. LEO H. BAEKELAND, CHARLESBASKERVILLE, MAXIMILIAN TOCH. THE SOCIETY O F CHEMICAL ISDUSTRY.
WHEREASthe members of this Society have learned with deep sorro~vof the death of their fellow member, Morris Loeb, and WHEREASthey wish to express their high appreciation of his noble and beneficent life,
A-I*D E,‘\‘GINEERI.\‘G
CHEMISTRY.
849
to the Society’s Journal for publication, and that a copy be suitably engrossed and forwarded to Mrs. Loeb. Minute: Morris Loeb, chemist, investigator, educator, upright and useful citizen, altruist, philanthropist, generous patron and benefactor of arts, of sciences and of all good works, ever ready to bear more than his share of the burdens of the community and always to be found on the side of righteousness, justice and truth, lived his life of quiet power without arrogance or display, always modest concerning his own distinguished career and many accomplishments, with charity towards all and unkind criticism of none, a courteous, considerate, genial and polished gentleman of high ideals, whose chief aim and purpose was to be of assistance to his fellow man and who realized to the full that the highest reward of servi-e is the privilege of having been of service.
Kow that the temporary scaffolding of life has fallen away, the true nobility of his character stands clearly revealed in all its commanding beauty and dignity, an imperishable monument of a life’s work well done and a worthy inspiration to others. Such manhood is the real glory of any country. The world is the better for his having lived in it, and \ye are the better for having known him. MARSTOX T. BOGERT, CHARLES F. CHANDLER, WILLIAMH. NICHOLS.
Kow, therefore, be it Resolzed that the following Minute be spread upon the records of this meeting, that a copy be sent
CURRENT INDUSTRIAL NLWS
*
PLUMBISM I N NEW YORK CITY. The statement has been made that, compared with foreign countries, there has been and is very little lead poisoning in the United States. The Illinois factory commission, during the years 1908, 1909 and 1910, found 578 cases of lead poisoning in that state alone and last fall a hasty study of lead poisoning in New York City revealed 3 76 cases which had occurred during 1909, 1910, and 1911. These figures, including as they do only the more serious cases, become somewhat startling when we consider that in England during 1910 there were only 5oj cases. P r a t t (Am. Labor Leg. Rea., 2, 2 7 3 ) states that the cases of lead poisoning in New York City during the past three years were distributed among the following industries: white lead, lead acetate, lead oxide, dry colors, use of lead as a hardening agent, scaling paint on battleships, ship-calking, diamond polishing, printing, carpentering, plumbing, tin-smithing and painting. He made a careful study of the cases of the “leaded” ones, and found practically all the various forms of lead poisoning, ranging from light attacks of colic through wrist-drop and paralysis to death. About half of the men were comparatively young and all had received low wages. “ I n the white lead industry not a single man was earning over $14.00 per week, and many of them were earning less than $10 00.” Out of 109 cases, 62 ate in the same room where they worked ; twenty-two never washed before eating and forty-five washed only in cold water; seventy-three, or almost three-fourths, were never given oral instructions of any kind as to the dangers of their work or as to methods of preventing lead poisoning, seventy-six men ne\-er saw any posted instructions where they worked. I t is usually admitted that men addicted to alcohol are more liable to contract lead poisoning, as they are to succumb to most other diseases. But only six of the one hundred and nine men were found to use alcohol to excess; sixty-five were moderate drinkers; and thirty-one were teetotalers Pratt found that painting, especially interior decorating, yielded more lead poisoning than any other industry, not proportionately, but in the total number of victims. He considers
that the builder should safeguard his painters by using zincwhite. \\’ithregard to plumbism in general, heconcludesas follows: “ I n preventing industrial disease, especially lead poisoning, a n educational campaign is, it seems to me, the thing of prime importance-education of the worker and education of the employer. The first step in the education of the employee is a knowledge of the rudiments of English, then the simple rules for the care of health and self which are so effective in preventing lead poisoning. The employer, on the other hand, should be told that there is such a thing as lead poisoning, and then how to prevent it and how to treat it. There are many employers mho are willing and anxious to safeguard their workers. One white-lead manufacturer is spending $zo,ooo on prevention.” Rambousek (Chem. Z t g . , 36, 8 8 2 ) , in a recent report on the hygiene of the German lead-color industry, considers that the most essential problem is the education of the worker to a higher standard of cleanliness. The principal technical precaution is the avoidance of dust, and personal precautions include medical examination, the supply of prescribed food and medicines, the non-use of alcohol, and the use of respirators and special wearing apparel. The attempts a t the control of plumbism date from 1876. The problem has not yet been solved. THE CHEMICAL INDUSTRIES O F FRANCE I N 1911. The following report on the French chemical industries is taken from The Chemtcal Trade Journal, 51, 141: The exports of artificial silk from France continue to grow year by year, the figure for 1911 being 179,200 kilograms as compared with 161,700 kilograms for 1910. The consumption of this product is constantly increasing, and the French firms engaged in its manufacture are unable to meet the demand, especially from Germany, where the weaving industry has taken a great development of late. A process has been invented by a Lyons chemist for manufacturing net and gauze net of cellulose, and works have been erected a t St. Quentin for the
