May, 19511 ANNUAL REPORT OF THE COUNCIL 251 Annual Report of the Council: March, 1951 THE roll of the Society numbers 1562, an increase of 15 over the membership of a year ago. HoNouRs-During the year Professor R. A. Morton has been elected a Fellow of the Royal Society, and the Council offers him its congratulations. DEATHsThe Council regrets to have to record the death of the following members- E. E. Billington G. M. Hills W. J. Rees N. P. Booth E. C. Keeley T. Rendle B. S. Evans J. H. Lane F. W. Richardson E. M. Hall G. Lawson F. R. Stephens C. A. Hallas K. S. MacManus W. H. Thorns John Hanley A. H. Mitchell Muter H. G. Tribley J. A. Heald Billington graduated with honours in Chemistry and Botany at Liverpool, and then went to McGill University, taking his M.Sc. degree in Engineering.He practised engineering in Canada and the United States of America. On the death of his father he returned to this country and became a director of Edward Billington & Son, of Liverpool. From then he studied chiefly nutrition, especially of animals, and as director of this firm and of Criddle & Co. and Wright, Crossley & Co. he built a reputation as a chemist and scientific adviser of the first rank. He was three times President of the Liverpool Seed, Oil, Cake and General Produce Association, and for some years acted as European representative of McGill University. He was a Fellow of the Royal Institute of Chemistry and a Justice of the Peace. He joined the Society in 1928, and was 61 when he died. Booth was educated at King Edward VI Grammar School, Camp Hill, and Mason College, Birmingham.He worked in the laboratories of the Worshipful Society of Apothecaries of London from 1898 to 1901, when he became the first qualified chemist to be employed by Cadbury Brothers Ltd. In 1911 he set up the research laboratory for that company, and he was appointed managing director and chairman of Cadbury - Fry - Pascal1 Ltd., at Hobart, Tasmania, in 1923, holding these posts until his retirement in 1938. He became an Associate of the Institute of Chemistry in 1901 and a Fellow in 1903. He joined the Society in 1900. Evans received his early education at the Grammar School, Faversham, Kent. He worked in the laboratories of L. Taylor, Public Analyst for Hackney, and Briant and Harmon, Consultants. In the 1914-18 war he was awarded the Military Cross for gallantry and was severely wounded at Arras.He was invalided from the Amy and undertook research in the Ministry of Munitions, Chemical Warfare Department, for which he was awarded the M.B.E. In 1919 he was appointed to the Analytical Section, Metallurgical Branch, Armament Research Department, Woolwich, where he remained until his retirement on account of ill- health in 1948. He became a member of the Society in 1917, served as Vice-president from 1937 to 1939 and was an active member of the Publication Committee from 1929 until his death in his 70th year, in December, 1950. (Obituary, Analyst, 1951, 76; 188.)252 ANNUAL REPORT OF THE COUNCIL [Vol. 76 He was educated at Lucton School, Herefordshire, and Birmingham University. His first appointment was science master at Blundells School, and he later became assistant chemist in the Department of the Government Chemist.In 1919 he joined the laboratory staff of the Olympia Oil and Cake Co., Selby, and shortly afterwards was appointed chief chemist. In 1941 he transferred to the British Oil and Cake Mills Ltd., Hull, to take charge oE the Hull laboratory, and also became chief chemist to the Oil Mills Executive, Lever Brothers and Unilever Limited. He was elected an Associate of the Institute of Chemistry in 11917, and joined the Society in 1950. Hallas obtained the fellowship of the Royal Institute of Chemistry in Branch E ; he joined the Society in 1947. He had been chemist at the Royal Institute of Public Health and later became chemist to James Pascal1 Ltdl.Since 1929 he was chemist at the British Association of Research for the Cocoa, Chocolake, Sugar Confectionery and Jam Trades. He was educated privately and a t University College, Liverpool, and became a student in the laboratory of Norman Tate under Watson Gray. He joined J. Bibby & Sons Ltd. as a chemical engineer in 1896. He did much pioneer work for the firm and was their chief chemist for many years, retiring from that post in 1936. He carried on a consulting practice from his retirement until during the war. For many years he was Honorary Treasurer of the Committee of Learned Societies of Liverpool. He became an Associate of the Institute of Chemistry in 1894 and a Fellow in 1901. He was a member of the Institution of Chemical Engineers; he joined the Society in 1925.Heald was educated a t Sedgebrook Grammar School, Grantham, and University College, Nottingham, where he graduated under the late Professor S. S. Kipping. He enlisted in the Royal Engineers, and served in “E” Special Company in France, being mentioned in despatches and awarded the Military Cross. He joined Levinstein Ltd. in 1919 and in 1922 was appointed a chemist in the Department of the Government Chemist. He obtained the Fellowship of the Institute in Branch E in 1925 and was called to the Bar in 1933. At the time of his death, in his 57th year, he was a Principal Scientific Officer and was seconded for special advisory duties to the War Department, where he was head of the Laboratory Services dealing with the Royal Army Service Corps supplies.Hills was drowned in his 38th year while bathing. He was educated at the Central Secondary School, Sheffield, and Corpus Christ i College, Oxford, where he obtained second class honours in Chemistry and was awarded the degrees of B.Sc. in 1934 and of M.A. in 1937. After working for a short time in the Medical Chemistry Department of the University of Edinburgh he went, in 1934, as personal assistant to Professor E. C. Dodds at the Courtauld Institute of Biochemistry. He held a’ Mackenzie - McKinnon Fellowship of the Royal College of Physicians from 1936 to 1939, and then joined the Medical Research Council Unit for Bacterial Chemistry under Sir Paul Fildes. He later worked in the Department of Bacteriology in the University of Sheffield and in the Microbiological Research Department at the Experimental Station (Ministry of Supply), Porton. He was a Principal Scientific Officer a t Porton up to the time of his death. He became an Associate of the Institute of Chemistry in 1934 and a Fellow in 1947.He joined the Society in 1948, and was a member of all the three Groups of the Society. Keeley died in his 48th year. He was educated at Maidstone Grammar School and King’s School, Canterbury. He was a pupil of the late P. A. Ellis Richards from 1921 to 1923, and then entered King’s College, London, where he graduated B.Sc. in 1926. The following year he obtained an appointment with Bovril Ltd. as analyst, and in later years was on the research side. He became an Associate of the Institute of Chemistry in 1927, and joined the Society in 1925.He was educated at Raine’s School, Stepney, and a t the Finsbury Technical College. He subsequently obtained the degree of BSc. (Lond.), with first class honours in Chemistry. In 1910 he went into partnership with Lewis Eynon as Consulting Chemist and Andyst. He became a Fellow of the Institute of Chemistry in 1910. He joined the Society in 1924, became Assistant Editor of The Analyst in 1936, Secretary of the Society in 1937 and Editor of The Analyst in 1945. (Obituary, Analyst, 1951, 76, 250.) Lawson was in his 41st year when he died. He was educated at Newmilns Public School, Galston Higher Grade School and Kilmarnock Academy. In 1930 he entered the Royal Technical College, Glasgow, qualifying as a pharmaceutical chemist.He was later demonstrator in botany and in organic chemistry at this college. In 1936 he became chief Hall died at Hull on February 6th, 1951, aged 58. Hanley died in his 80th year. He joined the Society in 1934. Lane died on March 9th, 1951, at the age of 68.May, 19511 ANNUAL REPORT OF THE COUNCIL 253 chemist to Cumming, Parsons Ltd., and was later general manager and director of the company. He was elected an Associate of the Institute of Chemistry in 1937, and joined the Society in 1944. McManus worked for many years in the Powell Duffryn Laboratories at Ystrad Mynach, and was later appointed chief analyst for the South-West Regional Coal Board. He joined Bowmans Chemicals Ltd. in 1947 as head of the Chemical Research Department.Muter was educated in Germany and at King’s College, London. He became assistant to his father, Dr. J. Muter, an early Editor of The Analyst, and on his father’s death in 1912, was made Public Analyst for the Metropolitan Boroughs of Lambeth and Wandsworth and for the Parts of Lindsey, Lincolnshire. In 1936 he became Public Analyst and Official Agricultural Analyst for the Parts of Holland and Kesteven, Lincolnshire. He was made a Fellow of the Institute of Chemistry in 1899, obtaining the certificate in Branch E in 1903. He joined the Society in 1893. Rees joined the Society in 1934. He became an assistant in the Physics Laboratory at Mason College, Birmingham, in 1896; he studied chemistry at the Royal College of Science, London, in 1899-1900 and resumed part-time study in Birmingham in 1901.In that year he became senior assistant in the laboratory of Chance Brothers & Co., Ltd., Smethwick, and in 1907 he was made chief chemist t o the company. He was appointed lecturer on refractory materials in the Department of Applied Science, University of Sheffield, about 1918, graduated B.Sc.Tech. of the University, and later proceeded to M.Sc.Tech. and D.Sc.Tech. He received a Sir George Beilby award in 1932 and after his retirement from the University practised as a consultant. He was elected a Fellow of the Institute of Chemistry in 1917 and acted as a special examiner in Branch G, Industrial Chemistry. He spent two years in the laboratories of A. Boake Roberts & Co., Ltd., and a year as assistant to B. E. R. Newlands, and he was then chief assistant to A.R. Ling for eight years. He was appointed chief chemist to Hargreaves Brothers & Co. in 1911, but returned to A. Boake Roberts & Co., Ltd. in 1916 as chief chemist and works manager. He went back to Hargreaves & Co. in 1921, and in 1924 went to Chivers & Co., Ltd., Histon, as chief chemist and senior technician. He was senior technical manager of the company at the time of his death. He became a Fellow of the Institute of Chemistry in 1940. He joined the Society in 1925, and was a member of the Council from 1940 to 1941, and a Vice-president from 1942 to 1943. Richardson attended the Hull Grammar School and, a t the age of 18, became pupil-assistant to Rimmington, Public Analyst to the City of Bradford.Subsequently, in partnership with Adolf Jaff6, he founded an important consulting practice and held several appointments under the Food and Drugs Acts as Public Analyst. He joined the Society in 1888 and died in December, 1950, at the age of 90. (Obituary, Analyst, 1951, 76, 190.) He received his early education at the Bristol Grammar School and Sidcot School. His scientific training was obtained in the laboratories of the Pharmaceutical Society, King’s College, Finsbury Technical College and the Birkbeck Institution. He gained the Ph.C. Diploma in 1893, and F.R.I.C. in 1918. On completion of his scientific training, he joined Idris Ltd., of Camden Town, London, as assistant to the late Dr. W. H. Symons, whom he succeeded as chief chemist. He remained with Idris throughout his career, and latterly became a director.He joined the Society in 1897. Thorns was educated at the Clapham School, London, and he became an apprenticed pupil to the late Dr. F. W. Passmore in 1894 and attended classes at the School of the Pharmaceutical Society. In 1898 he became assistant to Dr. Passmore and was from 1907 to 1918 his chief assistant. He then entered into partnership with Dr. Passmore, and after the latter’s death he carried on the analytical and consulting practice. He was elected a Fellow of the Institute of Chemistry in 1928. Tribley was educated a t Boyle’s School, Yetminster, Dorset, and Foster’s Grammar School, Sherborne, and at the Finsbury Technical College, obtaining the diploma of the latter in 1919. After being assistant for a short time to the County Analyst for Worcestershire, he became chemist to the United Chemists Association Ltd., at Cheltenham.He later became chief chemist to this company and remained so until his death. He became an Associate of the Institute of Chemistry in 1920 and a Fellow in 1943; he joined the Society in 1944. (An obituary notice will appear later.) He was awarded an O.B.E. in 1944. He died in his 71st year. Rendle was educated a t the Carpenter Company’s Institute. Stephens died on December 7th, 1950, in his 81st year. He served in the chemical section of the R.N.A.S. from 1915 to 1919.254 ANNUAL REPORT OF THE COUNCIL vol. 76 ORDINARY MEETINGS-Five Ordinary Meetings of the Society were held during the year and the following papers were communicated and discussed- “The Determination of Bromine in Brine.” By J.Haslam, M.Sc., F.R.I.C., and G. Moses, A.M.C.T., F.R.I.C. “The Bromine Content of the Cheshire Salt Deposit and of Some Borehole and Other Brines.” By E. C. Allberry, B.A., J. Haslam, M.Sc., F.R.I.C., and G. Moses, A.M.C.T., F.R.I.C. “Survey of the In-shore Waters Round the Coasts of Great Britain, with particular reference to the Bromine Content.” By R. 0. Gibson, D.Sc., F.R.I.C., and J. Haslam, M.Sc., F. R.1 .C. “The Analysis of Bromine and Compounds containing Bromine.” By J. Haslam, M.Sc., F.R.I.C. “The Testing of Atmospheric Conditions in Theatres and Cinemas.” By J. F. Clark, M.Sc., A.R.C.S., D.I.C., F.R.I.C., F.A.C.I. “Determination of Fluoride by Etching.” By H. Amphlett Williams, Ph.D., A.C.G.F.C., F.R.I.C.“Observations on the Spectrophotometric IZstimation of Vitamin D.” By H. E. Cox, Ph.D., D.Sc., F.R.I.C. “The Analysis of Petrol - Kerosine Mixtures, with Special Reference to the Boiling- Point.” By C. H. Manley, M.A., F.R.I.C. “The Evaluation of Liming Materials for Agricultural Purposes.” By A. M. Smith, Ph.D., D.Sc., A.H.-W.C., F.R.I.C., A. Comrie, BSc., A.R.I.C., and K. Simpson, B.Sc., A.R.I.C. “The Accurate Determination of ‘Phosphoric Anhydride’ by Means of Quinoline Phosphomolybdate.” By H. N. Wilson, F.R.I.C. “The Determination of Potassium in Fertilisers by Flame Photometry.” By L. Brealey, BSc. “Chemical Determination of Magnesium in Cast Iron.” By W. Westwood, B.Sc , A.I.M., and R. Presser. “The Determination of Sodium in Aluminium and its Alloys by Vacuum Distillation.” By W.McCamley, B.Sc., T. E. L. Scott, and R. Smart, B.Sc., A.R.I.C. “The Determination of Lead Oxide in the Presence of Lead.” By R. If. Black, M.Sc., A.R.I.C. “Inorganic Chromatography on Cellulose, Part IV. Determination of Inorganic Com- pounds by Paper Strip Separation and Polarography.” By J. A. Lewis, A.R.I.C., and Mrs J. M. Griffiths. “Inorganic Chromatography on Cellulose, Part V. The Use of Columns of Cellulose in Combination with Organic Solvent Extraction for the Separation of Uranium from Other Metals.” By F. H. Burstidl, MSc., F.R.I.C., and R. A. Wells, B.Sc., A.R.I.C. “Microphotometric Determination of Carbcixyhaemoglobin in Blood.” By H. B. Salt, MSc., F.R.I.C. JOINT MEETING-A Joint Meeting was held on December 6th, 1950, with the Food Group of the Society of Chemical Industry, at which Mr.A. L. Bacharach, Chairman of the Food Group, took the Chair. By H. C. S. de Whalley, F.R.I.C., M.I.Chem.E., N. Albon, B.Sc., A.R.I.C., and D. Gross, Dip.Eng., Ph.D. NORTH OF ENGLAND SECTION-Four meetin,gs have been held during the year at which “The Estimation of Small Amounts of Zinc.” By R. W. Sutton, B.Sc., F.R.I.C., and “Seeing the Invisible.” “Food Standards and Kindred Topics.” By C. A. Adams, C.B.E., B.Sc., F.R.I.C. In addition to the above, a number of matters of professional and scientific interest At this meeting the following paper was presented- “Applications of Paper Chromatographic Methods in the Sugar Industry.” the following contributions have been made- J. Markland, €3 .Sc., F.R.I.C.By H. Baines, DSc., Hon.F.R.P.S., F.R.I.C. have been discussed.May, 19511 ANNUAL REPORT OF THE COUNCIL 255 SCOTTISH SECTION-In addition to the Annual General Meeting, three ordinary meetings were held during the year, one in Edinburgh and two in Glasgow. The Edinburgh meeting took the form of a display of Scientific Films shown by Dr. H. Dryerre. The selection of films included the following: “The Discovery of a New Pigment,” “War Under the Microscope,” “Pattern of Chemistry,” “A Ship Comes from Texas,” “Cracking” and “Ammonia.” At the other two meetings the following papers were presented and discussed- “Microbiological Assay as an Analytical Technique.” “The Polarograph, its tJses and Applications.” By J. C. Speakman, M.Sc., Ph.D., and Mr.R. S. Watson who has been Honorary Secretary of the Section for the last eight years has retired, and the Council thank him for his services. There has been a slight increase in membership of the Section during the year, the total membership now being 91. MICROCHEMISTRY GROUP-Three meetings have been held during 1950; in London, Teddington and Birmingham respectively. The Teddington meeting was held jointly with the London and South-Eastern Counties Section of the Royal Institute of Chemistry, and the Birmingham meeting with the Birmingham and Midlands Section of the Royal Institute of Chemistry. By R. F. Looney, A.R.I.C. J. C. James, B.Sc., Ph.D. The following twenty papers have been read- “Split-Type Micro Furnace.” By G. Ingram. “One-millilitre Syringe Burette and Stirrer Outfit.’’ By G.Ingram. “Heating Blocks for Micro-electrolytic Apparatus.’’ By A. J. Lindsey, M.Sc., Ph.D., “Combustion and Absorption Tube for the Micro-determination of Sulphur and By W. T. Chambers, B.Sc., Ph,D., A.R.I.C. “Simple Pressure Regulator for Micro-combustion Trains.” By W. T. Chambers, “Semi-automatic Micro-combustion Furnace.” By F. J. McMurray. “A Photo-electric Micro-nephelometer.” By A. C. Mason, B.Sc., F.R.I.C. “Micro-magnetic Bar Stirrer.” By M. A. Fill, A.R.I.C., and J. T. Stock, M.Sc., “Vacuum Operated Stirring Devices.” By M. A. Fill, A;R.I.C., and J. T. Stock, “Clamps and Stands for Micro-apparatus.” By M. A. Fill, A.R.I.C., and J. T. Stock, “Improvised Micro-burette.” By M. A. Fill, A.R.I.C., and J. T. Stock, M.Sc., Ph.D., “Hydrogen Sulphide Delivery Systems in Semi-micro Qualitative Apparatus.” By “Apparatus for Conductiometric Micro-titration.” By J.T. Stock, M.Sc., Ph.D., “Paper Chromatography.” “The Micro-mavimetric Determination of Sodium as Sodium Zinc Uranvl Acetate and F.R.I.C. Halogens.” B.Sc., Ph.D., A.R.I.C. Ph.D., F.R.I.C. M.Sc., Ph.D., F.R.I.C. M.Sc., Ph.D., F.R.I.C. F.R.I.C. P. Heath, W. Marshment, and J. T. Stock, M.Sc., Ph.D., F.R.I.C. F.R.I.C. By R. A. Wells, B.Sc., A.R.I.C. its Appkation to the Analysis of Refractories.’’ By A. F. Colson: B.Sc., Ph.D., F.R.I.C. “Micro-analysis in the Oil and Colour Industries.’’ By C . Whalley, B.Sc., A.R.I.C. “Analysis of Organic Fluoro-compounds.” By F. P. Johnson, B.Sc. “Micro-determination of Carbon and Hydrogen in Fluoro-compounds.” By W.T. Chambers, B.Sc., Ph.D., A.R.1 .C. “A Study of the Potentiometric Titration of Fluoride with Lead.” By F. R. Cropper, BSc., Ph.D., F.R.I.C. “Demonstration of a Multiple Apparatus for the Determination of Micro Quantities of Fluorine.” By R. F. Milton, BSc., F.R.I.C. An exhibition of microchemical apparatus was held in London in Januaq, and the Committee hope that this may become an annual event in connection with the Annual General Meeting in London.256 ANNUAL REPORT OF THE COUNCIL [Vol. 76 Three meetings will be held during 1951; the Annual General Meeting in London in January, the Spring Meeting in Edinburgh in April, and the Autumn Meeting at Liverpool. Work has continued on the compiling of a card index showing the special interests of each member of the Group.The papers given at the Nottingham meeting in 1949 are due to appear as a Royal Institute of Chemistry monograph on Micro-balances, the three authors concerned having rewritten their papers in expanded form. In response to a request from Messrs. British Drug Houses Ltd., a Sub-committee on Micro-analytical Reagents has co-operated with that company in evolving specifications for purity of reagents and to recommend what substances should be standardised. The 1st International Microchemical Congress in Graz was held in July, and 18 Group members participated, including 7 Group officers and members of Committee. The Chairman, Ronald Belcher-who also represented the Parent Society at the Congress-was one of the six microchemists on whom was conferred the distinction of Honorary Membership of the Osterreichische Gesellschaft fur Mikrochemie. An illuminated translation in German of the message of greeting from the Microchemistry Group to the Congress was presented to the Osterreichische Gesellschaft fur Mikrochemie.A, total of 623 delegates was present, repre- senting no less than 28 different nations, and upwards of 130 papers were read. These papers are to be published in Vol. XXXVI of Mikrochemie. The Congress was most inspiring to all who took part and marks a definite milestone in the progress of microchemistry. The number of Group members is now‘341, an increase of 32 since the last report. PHYSICAL METHODS GROUP-The Group has held three meetings in London and one each in Cambridge and Poole during the past year.The Cambridge meeting was organised by the Polarographic Discussion Panel. The Poole meeting was held jointly with the Mid- Southern Counties Section of the Royal Institute of Chemistry. All the meetings were well attended. The Group also organised the meeting of the Parent Society on the subject of “Modern Methods of Moisture Determination.” This was held on February lst, 1950. The Polarographic Discussion Panel, which now has 71 members, organised one Group meeting. Mr. J. Haslam is the Chairman of the Panel and Mr. G. A. Wood is Honorary Secretary. The following papers were read and discussed a t meetings of the Group- “The Mass Spectrometer, a Survey of its Applications in Analysis.” By J. G. A. Annual General Meeting, London, November 29th, 1949.Griffiths, B.A., Ph.D., F.R.I.C. Spectroscopy Meeting, London, January 3rd, 1960. “The Determination of Strontium in Sea Water by a Combination of Flame Photometry “A Photo-electric Spectrophotometer for the Visible and Ultra-violet Regions.” By “The Application of the Uvispek Spectrophotometer to Biochemical Problems.” By and Radiochemistry.” R. A. C. Isbell, A.1nst.P. D. C. M. Adamson, F.R.I.C. By A. A. Smales, B.Sc., A.P.I.C. Polarography Meeting, Cambridge, April 21st, 1950. “The Indirect Determination of Aluminium.” By G. Jessop, M.Sc., Ph.D. “The Ilkovic Equation-its Present Status.” By W. Cule Davies, DSc., Ph.D., “An Electronic Polarometer for Metallurgica.1 Purposes.” By C. H. R. Gentry, B.Sc., A.R.I.C. A.R.I.C. Radiochemistry Meeting, London, May 23rd, 1950.“Radiometric Assay in Tracer Research.” By F. P. W. Winteringham, A.R.I.C. “The Determination of Potash (in Fertiliser) by Measurement of its Radioactivity.” By D. S. Lees, B.A., A.Inst.P., W. Broomfield and H. N. Wilson, F.R.I.C. “Radib-activation Analysis-Some Glimpses of its Scope.” By A. A. Smales, B.Sc., A.R.I.C.May, 19511 ANNUAL REPORT OF THE COUNCIL 257 Flame Photometry Meeting, Poole, October 6th, 1950. “Flame Photometers-A Description of Two Instruments.” By L. Brealey, B.Sc., and R. E. Ross. “Notes on the Internal Standard Technique (in Flame Photometry), with Special Reference to Liquid Filters.” By T. C. J. Ovenston, B.Sc., Ph.D., F.R.I.C. “The Rapid Determination of Sodium and Potassium in Rocks and Minerals.” By G. H. Osborn, F.R.I.C., A.M.Inst.M.M., and H.Johns, B.Sc. The number of Group members is now 356. This represents an increase of 30 since BIOLOGICAL METHODS GROUP-During the period under review the Group has held four The Annual General Meeting on December 13th, 1949, was followed by an Ordinary “The Microbiological Assay of Riboflavine in Yeast and Yeast Products, using Lacto- bacillus lzelveticus in a 17-hour Titrimetric Method.” By A. Jones and S. Morris, D.Sc. “A 24-hour Plate Assay Technique for the Vitamin B6 Complex of Yeast, with a Note on the Possible Presence in Certain Yeasts of a Fourth Member of the B6 Complex.” By A. Jones and S. Morris, D.Sc. “The Assay of Serum Gonadotrophin by the Ovary Weight Method.” By G. L. M. Harmer. On March 14th, 1950, the Group held a symposium jointly with the Biometric Society (British Region), under the title “The Design and Evaluation of Biological Assays.” Dr.Trevan, F.R.S., was in the Chair for the afternoon session, when the following papers were presented- . “The Graphical Calculation of the Results of Biological Assays with Graded Responses.” “The Estimation of Error in Certain Types of Biological Assays.” By E. C. Wood, “The Problem of Combining the Results of Independent Assays.” By E. C. Fieller, The evening session was something of an innovation, and was devoted to a discussion of problems related to the subject of the symposium that had been submitted by members and announced prior to the meeting. The occasion provided a unique opportunity for practical bio-assayists and statisticians to get together and discuss, quite informally, questions of common interest.The good attendance at the meeting and the favourable comments it provoked were evidence of its success. Dr. S. K. Kon took the Chair for a meeting on May 23rd, 1950, when the subject under discussion was “The Assay of Vitamin B12.” The papers read were- “Assays of Vitamin h2 in Man.” “Chick Assays.” By M. E. Coates, Ph.C. “The Cup-Plate Assay of Vitamin B,,.” By W. F. J. Cuthbertson, B.Sc., Ph.D., “Some Observations on Cup-Plate Assay for Vitamin hZ, using Lactobacillus Zactis By F. E. Larkin and R. E. Stuckey, B.Sc., Ph.D., F.R.I.C., Ph.C. “The Assay of Vitamin B12 by the Turbidirnetric Method, using Lactobacillus leichmanii “A Comparison of Lactobacillus lactis Dorner and Lactobacillus leichmanii for the Assay “Experience with Microbiological Assay of Vitamin K2 in an Analytical and Consulting Finally, on October 24th, 1950, attention was focussed on another subject of topical The following papers By M.Pickford, the last Annual Report. meetings, during the course of which a total of 18 papers have been read and discussed. Meeting, at which the following papers were presented- By N. T. Gridgeman, B.Sc., A.R.I.C. BSc., Ph.D., A.R.C.S., F.R.I.C. M.A. By C. C. Ungley, M.D., F.R.C.P. F.R.I.C., J. T. Lloyd, B.Sc., and H. F. Pegler. Dorner 10697.” 313.” of Vitamin B,, by a Test-tube Method.” Laboratory.” By W. B. Emery, B.Sc., F.R.I.C., K. A. Lees and J. P. R. Tootill. By G. E. Shaw, B.Sc., Dip.Bact. By H. Pritchard, M.Sc., F.R.1 .C. interest, “The Assay of Adrenocorticotrophic and Cortical Hormones.’’ were presented and discussed- “Technique for Hypophysectomy and Adrenalectomy in Mammals.” M.Sc., M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P.258 ANNUAL REPORT 01; THE COUNCIL [Vol.76 “The Adrenal Ascorbic Acid Depletion and Adrenal Repair Methods for the Bio-Assay of the Adrenocorticotrophic Hormone.” By C. J. 0. R. Morris, M.Sc., Ph.D., F.R.I.C. Experiences with the Ascorbic Acid Depletion Method and Comparison with Preliminary Observations on the Use of the Inhibition of Tissue Repair.” By B. E. Clayton, M.B., Ch.B., Ph.D., and F. T. G. Prunty, MA., M.D., B.Ch. “ Adrenocorticotrophic Hormone Assay. “Assay of Cortical Hormones on Small Laboratory Animals.” By M. Vogt, M.D., Ph.D. “Methods in the Evaluation of Adrenocort icotrophic and Cortical Hormones in Man.’’ The growing interest of members of the Society in biological and microbiological methods of assay is apparent from the continued increase in membership of the Group, which has more than doubled in the last four years.Nineteen new members have joined during the year and there have been three resignations and one death; membership now stands at 179. ANALYTICAL METHODS COMMITTEE-A report from the Carotene Panel of the Sub- Committee on Vitamin Estimations on the Determination of Carotene in Green-Leaf Material , Part 1 : Fresh Grass (Analyst, 1950,75,568) has been published, and reports from the Aneurine Panel, Chemical Panel, Soapless Detergents Sub-Committee and Meat Extract Sub-committee have been passed and are to be published in the near future.The compilation of the Bibliography of Standard Methods of Analysis has been completed and the Bibliography has now been published. I t is believed to be the first complete guide to the literature of analytical methods and consists of annotated references to a very wide range of subjects. The text is divided into 3:3 subject groups, classification being based on that used in “British Abstracts.” The activities of the Sub-Committees will produce more work for publication shortly; methods for traces of lead in foodstuffs, for Linalool in certain essential oils and examination . of the Hortvet freezing-point test are among the Sub-committee work showing good progress. has met formally twice and informally on several occasions. Negotiations with the County Councils Association , the Association of Municipal Corporations , the Urban District Councils Association and the Metropolitan Boroughs Standing Joint Committee regarding the remuneration and seivice conditions of Public Analysts have been carried on by correspondence throughout the year.On November 2nd, Messrs. Cox, Taylor, Monk and Sutton met representatives of the various bodies for the first time. A letter has been received from the Ministry of Fuel and Power thanking members of the Committee for the assistance they gave regaxding the testing of commercial (red) petrol. Bulletins No. 7 and 8 have been published and Public Analysts have been kept informed of current matters. LIAISON COMMITTEE-During the year the following appointments have been made- Dr.H. E. Cox, Glycerine Committee. Mr. D. D. Moir, Distillation Apparatus Coinmittee. Dr. K. A. Williams, Sampling of Oils and Fats Committee. Dr. H. J. Stern, Tests for Cellular Rubber Committee. Mr. R. F. Milton, Granular Soda Asbestos Committee. Dr. J. T. Stock, Laboratory Ovens Committee. Dr. R. C. Hoather, Laboratory Autoclaves Committee. Mr. Noel L. Allport, Ampoules Committee. Mr. W. M. Seaber and Mr. A. H. Ward, Dried Grass Marketing Standards Advisory A number of interesting reports have been received from representatives of the Society, and the Council takes this opportunity of thanking all its representatives for the work that they have carried out on the various Committees during the year on behalf of the Society. By E. G. L. Bywaters, M.B., B.S., M.R.C.P., M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P.PUBLIC ANALYSTS AND OFFICIAL AGRICULTC RAL ANALYSTS COMMITTEE-The Committee It is anticipated that a further meeting will take place in the near future. B. S.1 . Committees- Other Committees- Committee of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries.May, 19511 ANNUAL REPORT OF THE COUNCIL 259 HONORARY TREASURER’S REPORT-This is the first year for which the increased sub- scription to the Society has been in operation, and it is pleasing to report that this increase has not zffected the membership of the Society. Furthermore, although the cost of The Analyst to outside subscribers was also increased at the same time as the subscription to the Society, this has not resulted in a drop in the sales of The Anahst. The increase in subscrip- tion rates has now put the Society on a satisfactory financial basis, and although from a financial point of view this has been a bad year for the Society owing to unexpected expenditure as a result of illness, we were able to show a satisfactory balance. As a result of this improved financial position, ,it has been possible to increase the grants to the Groups of the Society in order to assist them in extending their activities.This year has also seen an extension of the Society’s office accommodation, which it is hoped will enable the office staff to keep pace with the considerable increase in the Society’s activities. THE ANALYST-The publication date of The ,4naZyst is now restored to the 16th of each month. I t is to be regretted that a dispute in the London printing trade prevented the simultaneous appearance of “Abstracts C” for several months.The volume for 1950 contained 694 pages, compared with 662 pages in 1949, and carried 103 original papers and 38 Notes against 75 papers and 35 Notes in 1949. This increase in the amount of original work published in 1950 has absorbed the space formerly occupied by abstracts of papers from other journals. Nearly 40 per cent. of the total circulation of The Analyst is sent abroad and distributed to 53 different countries. The decennial index for the years 1936 to 1945 is ready for printing as soon as paper, deliveries of which to the printers are still delayed, is available. JUNIOR MEMBERSHIP OF THE SociETu-The Council has discussed a t length the recom- mendation of a Sub-committee appointed to consider the matter that a grade of Junior Membership should be established.The principle of forming such a grade has been agreed upon, and a recommendation will be made to the Society that the Articles of Associa- tion should be altered accordingly. ORGANIsATIoN-~7e very much regret that Mr. Lane’s health did not permit him to resume full-time work as Editor of The Analyst, but he nevertheless attended at the Society’s office whenever it was possible, and the Society was very grateful for the efforts he made on its behalf in trying circumstances. Mr. Lane died just before the Annual General Meeting; his loss will be felt by the Society very much indeed. (Obituary, AnaZyst, 1951, 76, 250.) Mr. Okell has continued as Acting Editor during the year with the assistance of Mr.Attrill. Miss Wilson fell ill soon after she had been appointed Secretary of the Society early last year and was granted sick leave. We are very pleased to record that she has made a very good recovery from a serious illness, and that she resumed work in the office at the beginning of February. MISS ELLIOTT Fum-The Society has purchased a bookcase with a sum left by the late Miss Elliott to act as a memorial to her, and this is now in the Society’s office. INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS OF ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY, 1952-The President of the Society has continued to act as Chairman of the Executive Committee. The date and place of the Congress have now been fixed and it will be held a t Oxford in September, 1952. The Council of the Society has agreed to place The AnaZysyst a t the disposal of the organisers for the publication of the proceedings of the Congress.CENTRAL RIVERS PROTECTION couNcIL-The Society is a constituent body of this Council, which has recently become active in connection with the new Bill on River Pollution. The Council’s objects include the prevention of pollution in rivers and the drawing of the Govern- ment’s attention to such pollution whenever it becomes necessary. The Society has agreed, through its representatives on this Council, to act as its technical adviser. BUREAU OF ABSTRACTS-The Society is a constituent body of the Bureau of Abstracts and during the year has distributed Abstracts C of the Bureau to all members and subscribers to TJze Analyst. We have had the benefit of nominating Dr. J. R. Nicholls to sit on the Board of Directors of the Bureau, and Dr. D. C. Garratt and Mr. H. S. Rooke to sit on the Committee of Abstracts C. Mr. Rooke has resigned from this Committee on taking an appointment with the Bureau.260 ADDRESS OF THE RETIRING PRESIDENT [Vol. 76 BRITISH STANDARDS INSTITUTION-AS is noted above, the Society has nominated a number of representatives to sit on technical Committees of the British Standards Institution. The Council has resolved during the year to continue its support of the B.S.I. on the lines of the agreement negotiated between the two bodies a number of years ago, and means are now being worked out to ensure a proper liaison between the B.S.I. and the Society. FERTILISERS AND FEEDING STUFFS ACT-The Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries and the Secretary of State for Scotland have appo'inted a reconstituted Advisory Committee to advise and assist them with respect to the making of Regulations under the Act of 1926, and the members of this Committee include Mr. Gleorge Taylor, O.B.E., F.R.I.C., and Mr. Eric Voelcker, A.R.C.S., F.R.I.C., both nominated by the Council of the Society. PRESERVATIVE REGULATIONS-At the insta:nce of the Society and the Food Group of the Society of Chemical Industry, the Ministry of Food has set up a Sub-committee of the Food Standards Committee to review the Public Health (Preservative etc. in Food) Regulation and to make any recommendations considered desirable for their amendment. Dr. H. E. Cox has been appointed to represent the Society on this Sub-committee. GEORGE TAYLOR, President. H:. A. WILLIAMS, Honorary Secretury.