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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 S G I N E E R I X G C H E M I S T R Y .
t h e saponification and t h e neutralization numbers and t h e high acetyl value, all show the partial decomposition of t h e sample examined. The bitter taste of t h e oil is probably also due t o this decomposition. Should this decomposition be t h e result of careless handling, then there is every reason to believe, that, with proper handling and through modern methods of refining, this oil could be made t o equal in quality the average cotton seed oil. s. LOXIANITZ. DIVISION OF CHEMISTRY, CENTRAL AGRICULTURAL STATION, SANTA JULIA, U. F., MEXICO.
LECTURES ON THE SMOKE PROBLEM. I n t h e fall of 1911 the Department of Industrial Research of the University of Pittsburg was provided by a Pittsburg business man with funds for a thorough investigation of the smoke nuisance. At the present time the investigation is being conducted by a staff of twenty-five specialists, of which seven a r e giving their entire attention t o this task. Some of these men are studying the effect of smoke and soot on the atmosphere, on the weather, on plant life, pn buildings, and on the public health; some are investigating the economic damage done by smoke and soot; others are making a detailed study of t h e mechanical devices for preventing or abating smoke; and still others are inquiring into the chemistry and physics of smoke and soot, into t h e laws concerning t h e smoke nuisance, and into the history of the subject as a whole. Recognizing t h e interest in t h e smoke problem manifested by a large number of American cities, and in response to inquiries t h a t have been made, the Department announces t h a t t h e members of its staff are prepared to lecture on the following phases of this problem: “The Smoke Nuisance” (a general presentation of the main phases of the subject). “Smoke and the Public Health.” “Smoke and t h e Cost of Living.” “Smoke and Plant Life.” “Methods and Means of Smoke Abatement.” “The Effect of Smoke o n Buildings and Building Materials.” “The Psychology of Smoke.” “The Smoke Nuisance and the Housekeeper.” These lectures will be given any place east of the Mississippi, provided the expenses of the lecturer are assumed. For further particulars apply to Dr. R. C. Benner, Department
Aug., 1912
of Industrial Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pa.
DETECTION OF FORMALDEHYDE IN FOODS. Editor of the Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry: In view of the introduction of a mixture of nitrite and formaldehyde with the object of masking the reactions of the latter when used as a food preservative, the following experiments may be of interest. A sample of fresh mixture was divided into four portions and treated as follows: I . A small amount of commercial formaldehyde solution was added. 2. Small amounts of formaldehyde and sodium nitrite were added. 3. A small amount of sodium nitrite was added. 4. No addition was made. Portions of each of these were tested with Rimini’s test (phenylhydrazin hydrochlorid, sodium nitroprussid and sodium hydroxid). Prompt reactions for formaldehyde were obtained in I and 2 ; negative results in 3 and 4. Other portions of t h e samples were tested with t h e well-known test for nitrite (sulfanilic acid and alphanaphthylamin). The response of 2 and 3 was prompt and distinct. No color was produced in I and 4. The original mixtures were allowed t o stand 24 hours at room temperature and the tests repeated with the same results as obtained a t first. I t seems, therefore, easy to unmask nitrite and formaldehyde HENRYLEFFMANN. in the presence of each other. PIIILADELPHIA, June 8. 1912.
LABORATORY GENERATOR FOR HYDROCHLORIC ACID GAS. A simpler form of apparatus t h a n the one shown in THIS JOURSAL, 4, 452, was devised by the late Dr. Thomas M. Drown and myself about 1875 and has been used in this laboratory ever since. I a m not sure whether i t was published. The flask used was half filled with sulfuric acid. The funnel tube with the opening in the end reduced so t h a t a pin will barely pass by, holding t h e extreme end in the flame of a Bunsen burner, is used for introducing t h e hydrochloric acid which is dropped in from a burette. A very steady current of gas is obtained. EDW.4RD HART. LAPAYETTE COLLEGE.
EASTON, PA.
BOOK REVIEWS An Introduction to the Study of Fuel. By F. J. BRISLEE,D S c . One of a series of text-books, “Outlines of Industrial Chem-
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M.A., M.Sc. xx istry,” edited By GUY D. BENGOUGH, 269 pp., with 62 illustrations. D. Van Nostrand Co., New York, 1912. Price, $3.00 net.
The preface states t h a t this book is written for the purpose of bridging the gap t h a t exists between t h e elementary textbooks on chemistry and t h e large treatises dealing with the details of combustion, design of coke ovens, producers, etc. The general chemical principles of combustion are given, together with calculations of air required for combustion, weight and volume of products of combustion, calculation of combustion temperatures and heat losses. One chapter is devoted to analysis of fuel and flue gases, and another chapter to calorimetry and determination of the heating value of a fuel. Both of these chapters are largely descriptive and not only lack details, but are devoid of t h e suggestions and precautions which are so needed by persons just taking up this line of work and for whom the book is intended.
The method of coal analysis is not in conformity with good American practice, and only a passing comment is made on the method of securing a representative sample of coal, although t h e need of i t is mentioned elsewhere in the book. Many different fuel calorimeters are described and conclusions drawn t o the effect t h a t the constant pressure, bomb, and sodium peroxide types are all equally accurate. The necessity of having calorimeter thermometers accurately calibrated is not so much as mentioned. The heating value of naphthalene is given as 9668 cal., while t h e U. S. Bureau of Standards give 9610. Considerable trouble has already arisen from the use of t h e high value of naphthalene instead of t h e correct one. The chapter on high temperature measurement is covered in detail with description of many types of pyrometers, together with precautions in regard t o their use and method of calibration. The chapters on natural and artificial solid fuels give t h e usual characteristic composition of the various fuels, some average analyses of English coals, and a description of the methods of making charcoal and coke.
