Industrial and Engineering Chemistry
News
Edition
Published by the American Chemical Society
Vol. 3, N o . 15
AUGUST 10, 1925
Meeting of the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry at Bucharest B Y GERALD L.
The sixth annual conference of the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry, held in Bucharest, Roumania, June 22 to 25, with excursions extending through another week will undoubtedly stand out for years as the happiest and socially as the most entertaining of these gatherings. The entertainment offered to the hundred-odd delegates was nothing less than royal and the Roumanian committee, under the direction of Prof. Stephen Minovici of the University of Bucharest, cannot be too highly commended. Probably no scientific meeting has ever received such recognition by the lay public. King Ferdinand, Queen Marie and Prince Carol received the heads of the visiting delegations at a luncheon in the royal palace at Sinaia. Crown Prince Carol presided at the opening session of the conference and in his graceful welcoming speech acknowledged, or even urged, the importance of chemistry in a modern state; General E. Nicoleanu, prefect of police, attended in person the meetings, entertain-
fnS
:--•
>V :J
A
-\
. /
',-3 > ' 5 N ^
v
[ . /A
-/ •• £ . •
*"
A:
*.r|\
American Delegates t o M e e t i n g of I n t e r n a t i o n a l Union of Pure a n d Applied Chemistry, Bucharest, J u n e 22 to 25, 1925 Left to right: Edward Bartow, C. P. Smyth, Miss E. P. Carr, partially hiding W. A. Patrick, J. F. Norris, A. M. Patterson, C. L. Parsons, G. Lansing (Bucharest), Atherton Seidell, M. Burdon (Chile), G. L. Wendt (J. B. Ekeley missing)
2
INDUSTRIAL
AND ENGINEERING
especially fortunate in having as guide and spokesman, Mr. G. Lansing of the Societe de lYtrole Roinaiia-Americana. a Standard Oil subsidiary, who made himself invaluable by his knowledge of Roumanian, French and German and his familiarity with Bucharest and native customs, and finally by entertaining most of the delegations a t his home for a night after a special visit to the great refinery of the Americana a t Ploesti where Mr. Schmeidler, general manager, acted as guide. Jvlevcn American delegates attended the conference. The six members of the council were J. I 7 . Norris, C. L. Parsons lulward Bartow, YV. A. Patrick, A. M. Patterson and G. L. Wciidt. Atherton Seidell, J. B. Kkeley, C. P . Smyth, Miss P . V. Carr and G. Lansing completed the delegation. Dr. Carr was one of three women delegates, the others being Mile. K. Thaulow of the University of Copenhagen and Madame Marussia Bakunin of the Poly technical School of Naples, Italy. Six ladies accompanied the Americans: Mrs. Patrick, Mrs. Kkeley, Mrs. Bartow, Miss Virginia Bartow, Miss Rachel Talbot and Miss A. P. Comstock. Mrs. Patterson and Mrs. Wendt were detained in Paris by the illness of their children with measles and were unable to attend. Prom the time the ladies were greeted with bouquets of flowers as they stepped from the train until the "an revoir" at the end of the last banquet two weeks later, the hospitality of the Roumanian women was unparalleled. They shared all the entertainments of the men and in addition took the visiting ladies on shopping trips, on visits t o rhe royal palace, to the Greek Orthodox Cathedral with its splendor of gold, silver and tapestry ornamentation, to the many new schools established on an ambitious scale since the war and to numerous public buildings. P'verywhere the reception was arranged with care and with an eye for beauty and the picturesque distinction of Roumanian costume and custom. The friendship and hospitality of the Roumanian women cannot be forgotten. THE
OFFICIAL SESSIONS
The conference was opened on Monday in the auditorium of the splendid Athenee Roumaine by Crown Prince Carol. His address of welcome was followed by an official welcome by Dr. C. Angelescu, minister of public instruction, who has done so much to modernize t h e Roumanian schools, giving especial emphasis to practical instruction in agriculture. Prof. S. Minovici, chairman of t h e committee on arrangements, thanked the prince and the government for their assistance and welcomed the foreign delegates. Dr. J. Costinescu, mayor of Bucharest, and Prof. Krmil Pangratti, rector of the University of Bucharest, added their emphatic welcomes. Sir William Pope, president of the International Union, replied for the foreign delegates. On Monday afternoon the Council of t h e Union held its first meeting at the headquarters in the "Foundation Carol," followed by a plenary session. Details of organization and committee membership were completed and the secretary, M r . Jean Gerard, proposed for discussion the resolution discussed a t Copenhagen m 1924 and postponed to the 1925 conference, namely, that: "The International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry recommends that the International Research Council so modify its statutes as to permit every country which enters the League of Nations eventually t o be admitted to the Unions affiliated with the International Research Council." M . Biilmann, representing Denmark, urged the complete separation of purely scientific from political consideration and moved the elimination of the phrase "which enters the League of Nations." This was seconded by Dr. J . F. Norris, representing the United States. After a spirited discussion a vote was postponed until a special session on Wednesday, on the objection of the French delegation that the delegates of Belgium and of Switzerland had not arrived. At t h e Wednesday session after a somewhat heated discussion, M. Bulmaim withdrew his motion. On a vote as to whether the present statutes should be modified there was then an eighty per cent favorable majority. Thereupon the original motion as quoted above was unanimously carried. I t should have come before the Research Council in Brussels on July 8. The invitation from the United States to hold the seventh conference in Washington in 192G was accepted. The meeting marked the end of the second three-year administration and new officers were elected for a three-year term, as follows: President, Frnst Cohen, Holland; Vice presidents, Messrs. Bertand (France), S. Minovici (RoumaniaJ, Nasini (Italy), Norris (U. S. A.), Pictet (Switzerland), a n d Swartz (Belgium); Secretary-General, Jean Gerard, France. THIS COMMITTEE SESSIONS
Nine committees m e t in Bucharest, in each one of which there was an American representative. Most of the committee business is transacted b y correspondence and extensive reports had been printed prior to the meeting. These were discussed and further actions of t h e committees were as given below. It is noteworthy t h a t the criticism of lack of cooperation and interest in committee work, and too frequent change in t h e personnel of committee membership was directed chielly at the
CHEMISTRY
News Edition
United States. Several committees postponed important actions for another year because reports from the American members had not been received*. CONDENSED SUMMARY
OF T H E R E P O R T S OF COMMITTEES
1. The Reform of Biochemical Nomenclature. Acting Chairman, K. Yotocek, Prague; American representatives: Atherton Seidell and J. F . Norris. Before consideration of the following proposals, attention was called to the changes in the rules of the Union, now under consideration, according to which all new proposals shall a t first be adopted tentatively. It was, therefore, on this basis that the following propositions were unanimously adopted by all except the American delegates who did not vote, due t o pending changes in the organization of the American Committee on Reform of Biochemical Nomenclature. The name glucoside was proposed to designate those glucides which on complete hydrolysis give one or more glucoses either with or without other accompanying products. The group of glucosides was subdivided into Jiologlucosides and heteroglucosides. The former designates the glucosides which give only glucoses on hydrolysis, and is synonymous with the present saccharide. The latter refers to glucosides which on hydrolysis give one or more glucoses accompanied b y nonglucidic substances. The hologlueosides are subdivided into di-, tri-, tetra-, and polyglucosides according to the number of glucoses formed on hydrolysis. The classification of t h e protides was referred to the Seventh Congress. The basis of discussion will be the Anglo-American plan. 2. Analytically Pure Reagents for Research. Chairman, A. Kling, Paris; American representative: Miss H- P. Carr. The committee discussed the preliminary code formulated b y its chairman and accepted it for study during the coming year. Detailed criticisms of those interested should be forwarded t o the chairman with a view to final acceptance of the code at t h e Seventh Congress. The preparation of a second portion of the code under the supervision of the chairman '.vas authorized. The committee agreed to undertake the study of the methods of analysis applicable to important industrial mineral products. The committee requested M. Setlik, Czechoslovakia, to prepare a detailed report on standard industrial chemical products for submission to members prior to the next congress a n d for action at that time. 3. Annual International Tables of Constants and Numerical Data in Chemistry, Physics and Technology. Chairman, F. Swarts, Belgium; American representative: A. M . Patterson. The committee discussed the progress of the fund for t h e publication of the International Tables of Constants and acknowledged the important subscriptions made by the governments of Chile, Japan, and Switzerland. I t is extremely desirable t h a t the committee in charge of t h e annual tables be given maximum security, which would be ideally obtained through the formal support of the governments of all countries. The work of t h e committee was given formal recognition by the British government in 1909 when all governments represented in t h e Congress of London were notified of t h e appointment of t h e committee. The International Research Council is therefore requested t o call an international conference at which the status of this committee can be definitely established and subscriptions to t h e international fund can be accepted. 4. Solid Combustibles. Chairman, M . Huybrechts, Liege; American representative: J. B . Ekeley. The committee discussed t h e preliminary compilations of t h e secretary. The study of the determination of moisture in coal should be the iirst in a series. The committee also expressed the desirability of a rather permanent constituent membership in order to expedite t h e transaction of business. 5. Liquid Combustibles. Chairman, G. Gane, Bucharest; American representative: G. L. Wendt. Discussion centered on t h e question of nomenclature and classification of petroleum products, reports having been submitted by all countries except Great Britain and the United States who promised a full report for the Washington Conference. A classification of liquid combustibles based on two or less characteristic properties will then be attempted. T h e summary of proposed nomenclature and classification made by M . Gane will form the basis of discussion. Denmark submitted a special report on viscosity. T h e question of a classification of products on a basis of their utilization was postponed for a year pending the submissal of a definite project. 6. Ceramic Products. Chairman, G. Capsa, Bucharest; American representative: C. L. Parsons. The committee authorized the publication of t h e report on the technical as opposed to purely scientific expression of analytical results as prepared by M. Granger, and the report on methods of analysis prepared by M. Capsa. M . Barta a n d M. Granger submitted reports on the ceramic industries of Czechoslovakia and of France. The Ceramic Society of Czechoslovakia submitted to the committee two reports, one on t h e
August 10. W25
INDUSTRIAL
AND
ENGINEERING
adoption of the Sedlice kaolin as a primary standard and t h e other on the preparation of a m a p of the primary ceramic materials in Czechoslovakia. The adoption of standard methods of analysis for ceramic products and especially for argiles was referred definitely to the Seventh Congress. The committee will also study a plan for nomenclature for ceramic products as submitted by the Ceramic Society of Czechoslovakia. 7. Bromatology. Chairman, Orla-Jensen, Copenhagen; American representative: J. F. IsTorris. The study of antiseptics, especially benzoic acid and sulfur dioxide and their compounds, will be continued to determine limiting quantities, action on foodstuffs and. on vitamins, submitting a complete report t o the next Congress. The committee also agreed to t h e desirability of a similar study on t h e utilization of nitrates. 8. Scientific and Industrial Property. Chairman, V. Grignard, Lyon; American representative: J. F . Norris. The committee unanimously requested Prince Ginori Conti < Italy) to accept the chairmanship for a period of three years. T h e reports of M . Donker Duyvis for the Netherlands and of M. Vandracek for Czechoslovakia were discussed. Complete reports were requested from each delegate on the activities of all organizations in the respective countries with regard to the protection of scientific and industrial property. 9. Industrial Hygiene. Chairman, C. Lormand, Paris; American representative: Edw. Bartow. The committee emphasized t h e desirability of t h e early appointment of representatives for this committee. In case reports cannot be furnished to t h e committee prior t o the first of May annually the Secretary-General of the Union should be notified. The problem of chemical and biological purification of industrial waste waters was placed on the program for the seventh congress. 10. Nitrogen. After the adjournment of the formal sessions t h e delegation from Czechoslovakia circulated a petition for the creation of a nitrogen committee a t t h e Seventh Congress in Washington. T h e nitrogen symposium in Bucharest aroused so much interest t h a t this petition was signed with practical unanimity so t h a t a separate committee on nitrogen and nitrogen fixation will probably be appointed. T H E S C I E N T I F I C SESSIONS
Three sessions, partly of a popular character, completed the scientific program. T h e symposium on " T h e Nitrogen Problem" aroused the greatest interest. I t wras opened by F . Giordani of Naples, and other speakers were Kugene Burban, Chili; Andre Claude, Paris; Camiile Matignon, Paris; Kai Warming, Copenhagen; D . Staehelin, Bucharest. Prof. Charles Moureu's address on "Autodxidation and Catalytic Phenomena" attracted a very large popular audience. T h e third address was on " T h e Relation between Chemical Constitution a n d Physiological Action"' by Dr. Krnest Fourneau of the I n s t i t u t Pasteur. SOCIAL FUNCTIONS
To list the social functions arranged for the conference taxes the memory, for hardly a n hour of t h e two weeks was left free. A number stand out as impressive however. T h e i e was, for instance, the official visit of the conference to the t o m b of the unknown Roumanian soldier lying before the great military historical museum in t h e magnificent "Parcul Carol"—or King Charles Park—in Bucharest. Memorial wreaths were placed by most of the delegations, including the American. This ceremony was followed by an elaborate out-door banquet on an island in the park, offered by t h e city of Bucharest and presided over by the Mayor, Dr. I. Costinescu. Another impressive event was the laying of t h e cornerstone of the new Chemical Institute of the University of Bucharest in the presence of the metropolitan bishop of Roumania and with addresses by Prof. Al. Zaharia, president of the Roumanian Chemical Society and Director of the Chemical Institute; Dr. C. Angelescu, minister of public instruction; Dr. Ermil Pangratti, rector of the University; Dr. S. Minovici. chairman of the arrangements committee, and Sir William Pope. T h e special reception lu t h e American delegates a t the invitation of Prof. G. G. Longinescu has already been mentioned. The banquets and receptions can only be mentioned. On the first evening, Prof, a n d Mrs, S. Minovici received ail delegates at their home. On Thursday, Prof. N . Minovici entertained a t an elaborate garden party in their suburban villa. On Tuesday t h e "Association of the Roumanian Petrc>leum I n d u s t r y " was host a t a formal banquet in the Hotel Athenee Palace. On Wednesday the Roumanian Chemical Society held a reception for the delegates followed by a banquet a t the Cercul Militaire offered by M . Tancrede Constantinescu, minister of industry and commerce. The Bucharest functions were closed on Thursday by a dinner at the palace of the Bucharest Chamber of Commerce. On Friday the city of Medias and t h e Industrial Union of t h a t city entertained at a dinner. On Saturday the "Nitrogen Corporation" of Dicio-San Martin offered a luncheon to the visiting delegates while on Sunday the arrangements
CHEMISTRY
3
committee entertained at dinner a t the Capsa restaurant at Sinaia. On the succeeding Monday the industries, especially the petroleum refiners of Ploesti, were hosts at luncheon. T H E INDUSTRIAL
EXCURSIONS
In Bucharest there were only two excursions, one to the governmental geological institute, the other to the tobacco manufactories of the state. Other industries were visited on a four-day excursion by special train. The first stop was at Medias in Transylvania, former Hungarian territory, where recent development has been rapid due to the availability of cheap natural gas as fuel supply. An enamel-ware plant, a window glass, and a bottle works were visited, all new and economically planned, operating 1 with plenty of cheap fuel but dependent also on a supply of cheap hand labor, with no provision of modern labor-saving machinery. T h e second day wras spent at t h e gas wells in Saros in the Carpathians and a t the neighboring plant of the "Nitrogen Fertilizer C o m p a n y " a t Dicio-San Martin. This is an efficient modern plant, built before the war and operated by Germans for war purposes in 19Hi—IS. It is now operating at half capacity to produce about 40 tons daily of calcium carbide a n d fifty tons of calcium cyanamide. Other products are ammonia, caustic soda, sodium chlorate and carbon dioxide gas. T h e most notable installation is a Borsig furnace for the production of pure nitrogen by the quantitative combustion of m e t h a n e without excess air. The natural gas at Saros contains 9 9 . 9 % pure methane and makes such combustion possible. This is the nearest approach to the use of this methane as a chemical raw material. After a Sunday rest at t h e resort of Sinaia in the Carpathians of Vallachia, where the splendid royal palace of Peles was the center of attraction, the delegates spent Monday visiting t h e oil fields and refineries a t Campini a n d Ploesti and t h e impressive ancient salt mines a t Slauic. CONSTANTINOPLE
Four additional days were devoted t o an excursion to Constantinople by special train a n d special Black Sea steamer which also served as hotel during t h e two days in the Turkish port. Practically all the delegates and t h e Roumanian hosts took part in this excursion as t h e climax of the conference but each has his own story to tell of Stamboul and the Sublime Porte. The parting word was " a Washington." America will achieve a miracle if the 1926 conference is as happy as that in Bucharest.
Journals Wanted Owing to unprecedented demand, certain issues of this year's journals have already been exhausted. Any donations from members of the journals listed bei^w will be appreciated. Mail to Stock Room, American Chemical Society, c/o lischenbach Printing Co., 225 Church St., E a s t o u , Pa. On request, the Society will pay twenty-five cents each t o cover postage and packing for a n y of these journals so received up to September i, 1925. Chemical A bstracts Volume 18 (1924), Nos. 5, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 Volume 19 (1925), Nos. 6, 8 a n d 11 Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Volume 16 (1924), Nos. 4, 5 a n d 12 Volume 17 (1925), Nos. 3, 4 a n d 5 Journal of the American Chemical Society Volume 46 (1924), Nos. 4 a n d 6 Volume 47 (1925), Nos. 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 C H A R L E S L. P A R S O N S , Secretary
Phosphate Rock in Spain The phosphate rock discoveries in Alhama de Murcia, Spain, have led to the finding of an i m p o r t a n t bed of first-grade lignite coal which is to be used b y a 15,000 kilowatt steam generating plant to be built near by, states a report from Assistant Trade Commissioner James G. Burke. Geologists throughout Spain h a v e been particularly interested in this new find in Murcia for t h e reason t h a t b y some freak of nature very pure phosphorus, potassium, and nitrogen have been found all together in close relation with each other. The Madrid School of Mines has recently analyzed a number of samples from the newly discovered beds. T h e analysis shows a content of 20 per cent phosphate, 6 per cent potassium, and 1 per cent nitrogen. Further investigation of this new discovery estimates it as containing approximately 10,000,000 tons of phosphate. T h e importance of this new bed to Spanish agriculture will be very far-reaching. Spain was second in importance a s a foreign m a r k e t for Florida land pebble phosphate in 1923, t a k i n g 92,326 tons. Shipments during t h e first 10 months of 1924 were 104,151 tons.
