INSTITUTE OF CHEMISTRY THE OF GREAT BRITAIN AND IRELAND. FOUNDED 1877. INCORPORATED BY ROYAL CHARTER 1885 JOURNAL AND PROCEEDINGS. 1928. PART 111. Issued under the supervision of the Publications Committee. RICHARD B. PILCHER 30 RUSSELL SQUARE LONDOX W.C. 1. Regisfrar ami Secretary. Jw e 192 8. Publications Committee 1928-29 JOCELYN F. THORPE (Chairmaw). ARTHUR SMITHELLS (President) P. E. BOWLES A. J. CHAPMAN F. D. CHATTAWAY W. CLAYTON J. C. DRUMMOND LEWIS EYNON W. H. GIBSON C. M. W. GRIEB G. G. HENDERSON H. H. HODGSON PATRICK H. KIRKALDY (Treasurer) A. W. KNAPP A. G. G. LEONARD W. MARSHALL B. G. McLELLAN C. A. MITCHELL H. E. MONK D. F. TWISS J. A WATSON A. W. M. WINTLE. 129 Proceedings of the Council.APRIL-MAY 1928. Canadian I n s t i t u t e of Chemistry.-A message of cordial congratulations and best wishes to the Council and Fellows and Associates of the Institute on the celebration of its Jubilee has been received from the Council of the Canadian Institute of Chemistry. The message concludes “What you have accom- plished for the Chemical Profession and the pioneer work you have done have been of the greatest assistance to Institutes of a similar nature in other parts of the Empire.” Sir Alexander Pedler Lagacy.-The Council has decided to utilise the income derived from the legacy bequeathed to the Institute by the late Sir Alexander Pedler for the provision of a Pedler Scholarship of the value of E250 per annum and has appointed a Special Committee to report on the proposal.The Committee consists of the President Mr. Patrick H. Kirkaldy Honorary Treasurer Messrs. H. G. Colman G. G. Henderson E. Hinks T. Macara T. Slater Price E. K. Rideal and J. F. Thorpe. The University of London and t h e Institute.-At the Annual General meeting held on xst March last the Honorary Treasurer announced that the University of London had acquired a large site including that occupied by the premises of the Institute and expressed his hope and confidence that the good relations which had existed between the Institute and the Bedford Estate would continue with the new landlord. The University being desirous of closing Keppel Street on which the premises of the Institute abut notified the Institute and sought to do this by means of the London County Council General Powers Bill.As the rights of the Institute were affected the Council were obliged to enter a formal petition against the measure pending an agreement which has since been effected. 130 All existing rights of light and air enjoyed by the Institute will be preserved and respected by the University and there will be free and unrestricted access for all persons and vehicles requiring to enter leave or visit the Institute along that part of the north-east end of Keppel Street on which the premises of the Institute now front; but a gateway or other suitable barrier will in the course of time be erected at the line of the houses in Russell Square at the north-east end of Keppel Street and will be under the control of the University and the University will maintain the roadway.There will be a right of way at all times and for all purposes with or without carts and carriages to and over the reserved road from and to Russell Square in such manner generally as access or exit is allowed to pedestrians and carriages respectively over any other road or roads within the University site and no conditions will be imposed that may be prejudicial to the reasonable convenience of persons visiting the Institute. There will also be a right of way at all times (but on foot only) over the roads and passages within the Univer- sity site at such times subject to such conditions and such manner generally as access or egress is allowed over such roads and passages respectively to the University buildings.The obligations of the University only commence when the University closes Keppel Street. These proposals have been embodied in a formal agreement with the approval and concurrence of the London County Council Professional interests.-The attention of the Council has been directed to a circular letter issued by a research associa- tion inviting its members to submit problems with a view to their solution in the laboratories of the Association provided they were approved as being of sufficient general value to the industry concerned. The circular added however that problems of interest to individual members might if the general work of the laboratory at the time allowed be undertaken at a fee appropriate to the work entailed.As it would appear that the Association was thereby liable to encroach on the sphere of private practitioners the attention of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research has been directed to the matter with an expression of opinion that since these Associations are sub- sidised by public funds they should not offer to do any type of routine work which could be undertaken by a private consultant. Gas Examiners.-A question has been raised regarding the powers of local authorities in connection with the appointment of Gas Examiners. A Local Authority may appoint a Gas Examiner to test gas supplied within its district by a Company. Section 4 (3) of the Gas Regulation Act 1920 is permissive in that the word “may” cannot be construed as equivalent to “must” or “shall,” because the first words of the next sub- Local Authority .. .” It would appear also that the Board section are “Where no Gas Examiner is appointed by the of Trade have no special power under this Act to intervene; and it is unlikely that either the Board or the Ministry of Health can intervene under their general powers. Section 4 (4) of the Gas Regulation Act provides other machinery for the appointment of a Gas Examiner where no such officer has been appointed by the Local Authority viz.-appointment by Quarter Sessions on the application of not less than five consumers. The latter method is normally applicable to the making of the appointments where the gas undertaking is owned by the Local Authority though there are some instances of a County Council appointing with the consent of the Borough (not being a County Borough) Council which owns the gas undertaking.There have been comparatively few cases in which five consumers have spontaneously applied to Quarter Sessions to make the appointment but there have been many instances in which the Local Authority owning the gas undertaking has inspired five consumers to apply because the Authority desires the reports and certificates of the independent Gas Examiner as a proof that the statutory obligations to the consumers are being fulfilled. It is understood that new legislation is contemplated amend- ing and supplementing certain provisions of the Gas Regulation Act and this may give an opportunity for incorporating further powers in regard to the appointment of Gas Examiners.It would be rather difficult however to satisfy Parliament that they are called for if the consumers who are directly interested do not think it worth while that five of them should go to Quarter Sessions to ask for an appointment to be made. If the applicants were responsible for the payment of the Gas Examiner’s fees their reluctance to come forward might be appreciated but the Act provides that “the remuneration and expense of the Gas Examiner up to an amount approved by Quarter Sessions shall be paid by the Local Authority.” It should be more generally 132 known to consumers that the Act gives them this right to secure the appointment of a Gas Examiner in cases where the Local Authority is unwilling to make or is precluded from making it.Chemists in t h e Beet Sugar Industry.-The Report of the Council submitted at the Annual General Meeting on 1st March contained a brief reference to the conditions of employ- ment of chemists in the beet sugar industry. The number of chemists employed in the beet sugar factories has risen from 17 in 1924-25 (three factories) to 142 in 1927-28 (xg factories). This may be taken as an indication that the industry realises the value and the necessity of accuracy and of scientific control of its processes. A certain number of British chemists have been able to acquire sufficient knowledge and experience of the industry to be appointed to permanent positions on the tech- nical staffs of the factories but the majority have been employed only for the duration of each campaign (three or four months).These temporary chemists are variously referred to as “shift chemists ” and “ campaign chemists.’’ The evidence obtained goes to show that in some factories it has been found possible so to organise the work that no chemist is employed on a shift longer than eight hours while in other factories chemists have been engaged to work for twelve hours a day seven days a week and (about once a fortnight) even eighteen hours continuously -during the change from day to night shift. There has also been in some factories insufficient facilities for employees to take their meals regularly.Apart from the fact that such conditions are very unsatis- factory and prejudicial to the health of the workers it is felt that no chemist would accept them unless he were obliged to do so owing to the difficulty in obtaining other employment; they are also unsatisfactory from the point of view of the efficient working of the industry since the accuracy of analyses is liable to suffer when those engaged in it are expected to work without regular and sufficient periods for refreshment and recuperation. The Council of the Institute has made representations to the British sugar companies and has urged that before the beginning of the next campaign the conditions affecting the employment of chemists should be improved so that those who are seeking experience may be advised that they need not fear to apply for appointments in this industry and that the 133 feeling of dissatisfaction which has existed regarding the treat ment of such chemists may be removed.From the nature 0 the replies which have been received from the companies ir is evident that the representations of the Council are receivinf serious at tention. District Member of Cou nci I .-Colonel Sidney Waterfield Bunker D.S.O. has been elected Member of Council for District XII-The Overseas Dominions and Abroad-in the place of Dr. Frankland Dent who has completed his term of office in that capacity. Dr. Dent has received the thanks of the Councij for his services. Examiners.-Dr. Gerald Roche Lynch O.B.E. has been appointed Examiner in Therapeutics Pharmacology and Micros- copy in the place of Sir Frederick Gowland Hopkins who has retired from that post having held it in the aggregate foI eighteen years.The thanks of the Council have been accorded to Sir Frederick for his services. Dr. J. J. Fox O.B.E. has been appointed an Examiner for the Associateship in General Chemistry in the place of Mr. G. Nevill Huntly; and Dr. F. L. Pyman as Examiner for the Fellowship in Organic Chemistry in the place of Professor F. E. Francis. Mr. Huntly and Prof. Francis had each completed four years’ service as members of the Board of Examiners and have received the thanks of the Council for their services. Food and Drugs (Adulteration). - Viscount Gage introduced in the House of Lords on ~ 3 r d May a Bill intituled “An Act to consolidate the Sale of Food and Drugs Acts,” which was read for the second time on the 12th June.The Bill is under the consideration of the Public Appointments Committee although it is understood that the Government is adverse to receiving amendments to a consolidation Bill. 134 Local Sections. Belfast.-On the 29th February at a meeting of the Section held in the Royal Belfast Academical Institution Pro- fessor Wren gave a lecture on ‘‘ Problems in Stereo-Chemistry.” Mr. A. P. Hoskins presided. Dr. Wren dealt particularly with the fundamental ideas connected with the structure of sugars starch cellulose and artificial silk expressing his satisfaction at the rapid progress that was being made by British chemists particularly with reference to the chemistry of sugars.A hearty vote of thanks was accorded Professor Wren on the motion of Mr. J. H. Totton seconded by Mr. J. C. A. Brierley Honorary Secretary . On the 26th March in the Royal Belfast Academical Institu- tion-Dr. W. H. Gibson in the chair,-Mr. J. R. Bainbridge gave a delightful account of a long holiday which he spent last year in North America. The lecture was illustrated by lantern slides from photographs taken by Mr. Bainbridge providing an excellent idea of the country its people and their mode of life. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded the lecturer. On 24th April the members visited the laboratories of the Linen Industry Research Association at Lambeg. They were received by Dr.Gibson who explained the various phases of the work carried on in the different departments. On the motion of Dr. Robertson a vote of thanks was accorded Dr. Gibson for a most enjoyable and instructive evening. The following have been elected Officers and Committee for the session 1928-1929 :- Chairman Dr. W. H. Gibson; Hon. Treasurer Dr. W. Honneyman; Committee Messrs. A. P. Hoskins R. F. Blake F. Dickinson J. W. E. Haller; Hon. Secretary J. C. A. Brierley. 135 Birmingham and Midlands.-Members of the Section met in the Lecture Theatre of the Department of Bio- chemistry The University Edgbaston on a3rd February when a lecture was delivered by Mr. J. F. Liverseege City Analyst on “ Food Adulteration in Birmingham.” He said that the people of Birmingham had little to fear with regard to adulteration of foods and illustrated from examples in a long and varied experience the great improvements which had been effected in the standard of foodstuffs of all kinds although in the past the adulteration of food had been very general and practised with impunity at the present time the way of the fraudulent trader was a hard one.In addition to showing slides which illustrated the lecture Mr. Liverseege passed round a number of specimens of adulterants which he had investigated in the course of his career. An interesting discussion took place and hearty votes of thanks were accorded to the lecturer and to the Committee of the University Biochemical Society under whose auspices the lecture was held.On 5th March a business meeting was held at the White Horse Restaurant Birmingham when various matters of interest to the Section were discussed. The desirability of Associates being eligible as members of Council was the principal subject of debate. It was pointed out by several speakers that the Associates now outnumbered the Fellows; the reason for this lay in the fact that in the majority of cases the Fellowship was unattainable without examination. Especially was this so in the case of a candidate who was unable for various reasons to present an account of his work. Most Associates under the present regulations preferred to remain in that category rather than take a further examination for the Fellowship and many of them now occupied responsible positions.One speaker referred to the anomaly which might arise if a Fellow of the Institute were appointed to a position in which he had to work under an Associate. The general feeling seemed to be that there were considerable difficulties in the way of an Associate desirous of becoming a Fellow quite apart from considerations of experience standard of qualifications etc. If these extraneous difficulties were removed a greater number of Associates would become Fellows and thus the problem of the election of Associates to the Council would not arise. A brief discussion followed. After a short musical programme the meeting then adjourned. 136 On the 27th April an exhibition of films of general scientific and chemical interest was given under the auspices of the Section in the theatre of the Midland Institute Birmingham before a very large audience including members of kindred societies and students.Professor A. R. Ling Chairman of the Section called upon the Registrar of the Institute who by way of introducing the films gave an address emphasising the importance of chemistry in industry and in everyday life. It was necessary he said to stress the importance of the work of the chemist because it was not so obvious as that of other professional men although it was equally essential to the well-being of the community. The engineer the architect and the medical man and even the lawyer and the accountant looked to the chemist and metal- lurgist to provide them with reliable materials and the farmer relied on him to obtain suitable fertilisers for the soil.Many foods were manufactured under scientific control and the food supplies were safeguarded by public analysts appointed by the county and borough authorities who also employed water examiners and gas examiners. Manufacturers of all kinds required his services. Films had been selected illustrating work based upon chemistry and engineering although in some cases the industries existed before the science underlying them was fully understood. Experience slowly accumulated throughout centuries had done much-indeed wonderful things ; but science had brought about great changes to meet the needs of our time with its changed conditions. To chemistry and engineering we must look for the main advances in future.The manufacture of the films themselves was a highly tech- nical chemical industry. The films which were kindly provided by the Gaumont Company and through the courtesy of the Federation of British Industries included those dealing with the Oxford University Press Cable Making Modern Lighting the Oil Industry Tin Plate Industry Malt and Hops Nitrate of Soda. The Registrar referred briefly to the work of the chemist in connection with each of these industries. These he said were however only a few examples. Chemists were employed in Government departments on railroads and in shipyards and arsenals in mines in mints and on sewage disposal works. Their services should be better understood and more fully appreciated and the public should understand that in all great productive films.137 industries there were research chemists steadily advancing every day a step into the unknown unravelling problems which might at any time lead to new processes and new industries. Much re- search of fundamental importance was also conducted in the universities and colleges and in other research institutions. In addition to chemists employed as analysts and research chemists process managers and directors there was a considerable body of independent chemical consultants chemical technologists and chemical engineers whose services were available to manu- facturers and traders who did not retain chemists on their staffs but had need of specialised assistance and advice.Finally he referred to the education of the chemist the status of the Institute and its objects. On the motion of Dr. J. Newton Friend seconded by Mr. F. H. Alcock a vote of thanks was accorded to the Registrar for his address. The Registrar in reply congratulated the Committee of the Section on the arrangements made for the exhibition, which had evidently been highly appreciated by the audience. From 5th to 8th May members of the Section had the op- portunity by courtesy of the Chemical Society of the University of Birmingham of attending a series of lectures on the Electro- chemical Oxidation of Organic Compounds by Professor Fr. Fichter of the University of Basle a Past President of the Swiss Chemical Society. The syllabus included the electrochemical oxidation of aromatic hydrocarbons ; electrochemistry and bio- chemistry; and the history of the development of chemical in- dustries in Switzerland.Several lectures were illustrated by On 12th May members of the Section attended a meeting of the Biochemical Society by kind invitation of the Committee. During the morning,' the new building at Edgbaston was in- spected and later about thirty members lunched in the Refectory of the University. The party then returned to the new Bio- logical Block and the numbers increased to about fifty for the meeting. Papers were read by Mr. S. H. Edgar Dr. Smedley- Maclean Mr. Walker Professor Ling Dr. Norris and Mr. A. G. Norman. 138 Professor Ling and Professor Schryver shared the duties of chairman; a short discussion followed each paper and at the conclusion of the meeting the party adjourned for tea.The proceedings were published in abstract form in Chemistry and Industry 18th May 1928. Bristol and South-Western Counties-At a meeting of the Committee of the Section held in Bristol University on 10th May Mr. Edward Russell City Analyst for Bristol was elected Chairman of the Committee and of the Section in succession to Sir Ernest Cook. The committee also made arrangements for holding a summer meeting in Exeter on 16th June including visits to the Activated Sludge Works at Heavitree and to the New Buildings of the University College of the South- West of England. Cape.-On 4th May members of the Section participated in a visit of the Cape Chemical Society to the Cape Explosives Works at Somerset West in order to celebrate the centenary of the synthesis of urea by Wohler.Mr. E. H. Croghan President of the Society occupied the chair and addresses were given by Prof. Van der Riet on “Wohler His Work and its Immediate Influence”; by Prof. H. Tietz on ‘‘ The Progress of Synthetic Chemistry since Wohler ’’ ; and by Prof. D. F. du Toit Malherbe on “The Modern Large- scale Synthesis of Urea and its Industrial Significance.” Edinburgh and East of Scotland.-The sixth ordinary meeting of the session was held jointly with the Local Section of the Society of Chemical Industry on zznd March in the Pharmaceutical Hall Major Bruce presiding when Dr. W. T. H.Williamson read a paper on “Recent Advances in the Chemistry of Soils.” He said that during recent years a great deal of work had been done on the subject of absorption of soluble substances by soils. I t had long been ,known that when a fertiliser like sulphate of ammonia was applied to a soil the ammonia was absorbed while the sulphate ion passed to the drainage water combined with an equivalent amount of lime or some other bases. Similar phenomena occurred with other fertilisers such as the variouscpotash manures. The retention of such substances by soils was greater the higher the proportion of clay or organic matter in the soil and the seat of the absorption 139 was therefore generally considered to be in the matter present in the colloidal condition in the soil.This had led to the con- ception of the soil particle concerned in the absorption as con- sisting of or having a coating of colloidal matter of an acidoid nature which had various bases such as lime magnesia potash and soda combined with it and situated on its surface. These were known as " replaceable '' or " exchangeable " bases and were not readily washed out of the soil by means of pure water but could be displaced by other bases applied in the form of fertilisers. Thus when sulphate of ammonia was applied to a soil an exchange of bases took place between the " ammonium " dissolved in the soil water and the bases situated on the surface of the soil particles. The ammonium became attached to the sur- face of the soil particle and lime magnesia potash and soda became dissolved in the soil water and ultimately appeared in the drainage.This was well shown by the results of the drainage tank experiments carried out at Craibstone Aberdeen and at Rothamsted where after a heavy dressing of sulphate of ammonia practically no increase was found in the amount of ammonia in the drainage water; but a large increase in the amount of lime in the drainage water was observed together with a con- siderable increase in the quantities of magnesia potash and soda all of these being accompanied by an equivalent increase in sulphate. Similar results were obtained with potash f ertilisers. By repeatedly treating a soil in the laboratory with a fairly concentrated solution of an ammonium salt it was possible to remove all the exchangeable bases present in the soil their place being taken by the ammonium.In this way it was possible to estimate the total amount of exchangeable bases which a soil contained and this had now become a regular practice in the laboratory examination of soils. The total amount of exchangeable bases was a fairly definite quantity for any one soil but varied very much from soil to soil. The quantity was greatest for soils containing a large amount of clay and organic matter. For soils of the same type those soils containing the largest proportion of exchangeable bases were in general the most fertile. As regards the proportions of the different ex- changeable bases lime was by far the most abundant in normal soils in this country constituting generally 80 to go per cent.of the total. Magnesia came next while potash and soda were present in small amounts. 140 It seemed likely that the supply of certain food constituents available to the plant was related to the amount of exchangeable bases in the soil. The physical condition of the soil depended greatly ,on the kind of exchangeable bases present. When lime was replaced by soda in a clay soil puddling resulted. This was the case when a soil was subjected to repeated flooding by sea-water and might explain the deleterious effect of the continued use of nitrate of soda on the texture of the soil. Much valuable information had been obtained from the study of exchangeable bases in connection with the reclamation and cultivation of alkali soils which occurred so extensively in some countries.In certain cases the total amount of exchangeable bases in a soil might be very low and their places on the surface of the soil particles might be partly taken by hydrogen. This resulted in the soil becoming acid and many instances of this kind werc to be found in Scotland. Such soils in extreme cases were referred to by farmers as being “sour” and were charac- terised by failures in the barley and clover crops by a tendency to finger-and-toe disease in turnips and by the prevalence of certain weeds such as spurry and sheep’s sorrel. It was generally found that these soils had a low content of exchangeable lime and that their condition could be improved by the application of lime in some form or other.It was evident that since the application of sulphate of ammonia results in a displacement of lime from the soil the continued use of this fertiliser would tend to depletion of exchangeable lime. This depletion of the reserves of the soil would also be brought about by the continued use of other artificial fertilisers except such as contain calcium. In order to maintain the fertility of the soil these losses of lime should be made good. If the wastage remained unchecked for many years the fertility of the soil was reduced and signs of actual “ sourness ” might develop. The application of dressings of lime should be just as much a part of the regular practice in agriculture as was the application of fertilisers con- taining nitrogen phosphate and potash.A discussion followed in which the following members took part :-Dr. Lauder Dr. Kermack Dr. Stokoe Messrs. Williams Ingham Stewart Hart and Dow. The meeting concluded with a hearty vote of thanks to the lecturer . 141 Edinburgh and Glasgow.-A joint meeting of the Edin- burgh and Glasgow Sections of the Institute with the Scottish Sections of the Society of Chemical Industry was held on 25th- 26th May at St. Andrews. Opening the proceedings Major Bruce thanked Principal Sir James C. Irvine for his interest in the meeting and for the facilities given by the University. He then invited Principal Irvine to address the members. Principal Irvine in welcoming the gathering commended the Societies upon their choice of St.Andrews in which to hold the first Joint Scottish meeting. He said that since the three main reasons for a visit to St. Andrews were to play golf to see the City and the University and to study carbohydrates and since the former two attractions were to be reserved for them till later he had no option but to speak to them of the last. Sir James then gave a review of that part of the study of carbohydrates which had ultimately led to the elucidation of the structure of cane sugar and to the synthesis of that substance. He showed firstly how prior to the introduction of acetylation and methylation in these studies all that was known of the sucrose molecule was that it gave glucose and fructose on hydrolysis with the characteristic inversion and that it was unlike them non-reducing.An important step was the recog- nition that the sucrose molecule contained eight hydroxyl groups and that there were four of these in each half of the molecule. Both glucose and fructose were shown to have five hydroxyl groups and whilst the main structure of the glucose molecule persisted in the disaccharide it was also clear that since the union of the two simpler sugars involved loss of reducing power as well as disappearance of a hydroxyl group in each the old aldehyde and ketone formulae would not suffice and hence the ring-ether type of formula was adopted. Although these discoveries threw remarkable light upon the structure of sucrose new difficulties were next encountered.Isomers of the methy- lated glycose were found to exist these being explained as position isomers of the ether-ring linkage unstable and stable modifications being possible. It being recognised that probably fructose would show similar isomerism the final solution and the synthesis of sucrose depended upon the preparation and union of the correct pair of one form of glucose and one of fructose. Whilst the glucose half of the molecule was derived from ordinary 142 glucose the other half proved eventually to be an unstable form of fructose and so the ordinary fructose obtained by inversion was not really a proper substance to use. The prepara- tion of the required fructose form entailed considerable difficulty owing to the labile nature of the substances and furthermore when both of the necessary ingredients were available for the purpose the final union to form a sucrose molecule was by no means easy to control.It so happened that at St. Andrews where the greatest care has been taken to prepare pure specimens of the ~equired glucose and fructose derivatives the two had not yet been shown to give sucrose and partly at any rate they gave another disaccharide. Pictet on the other hand with less pure materials had isolated a sucrose derivative. Principal Irvine gave full credit to Pictet for this remarkable achievement but in discussing the mechanism of the synthesis pointed out that there was still much to be done particularly in finding the best conditions for carrying out the various operations.In the discussion which followed Dr. Cranston and Dr. Kermack and others voiced their appreciation of the address and after Principal Irvine had replied the chairman in moving the vote of thanks expressed the hope that the share of the labours in this field which were world-known to the credit of the laboratories of St. Andrews would have their crowning success in a yet more perfectly devised synthesis of this most important of the sugars. The meeting in the University was followed by a dinner in the Alexandra Hotel at which Principal Irvine was a guest and there were present also Professor Read and members of the staff of the Chemistry Department of United College. In a brilliant af ter-dinner speech Principal Irvine traced the history of the University of St.Andrews and discussed some problems of the autonomy of the Scottish Universities. He spoke also of the importance of a wise choice of Rector for a University and drew attention to the value of the appeal to the student mind of men such as Sir James Barrie Nansen and Kipling who had held the Rectorships of St. Andrews in recent years. The morning of 26th May was spent in visiting the University itself. Through the kindness of Professor Read a very interesting tour of the laboratories was made. Leaving the United College the visitors were next shown the Chapel where the students meet daily for morning prayers a building full of interest and 143 associations. Finally at the older buildings the University Library was seen.Before leaving the thanks of the Societies and of those present were expressed to Dr. G. Robertson of United College who had made the local arrangements for the two days’ meeting and to whom its success was largely due. Huddersfie1d.-A joint meeting with the Local Section of the Society of Dyers and Colourists was held in the George Hotel Huddersfield on 27th May 1928. Dr. L. G. Paul who presided cded upon Mr. J. A. Strachan to address the meeting on “Activated Carbon-some Industrial Applications.” Mr. Strachan dealt with the methods of pre- paration and the chief technical applications of activated carbon -for decolourising sugar edible oils and fats chemical products generally and for gas purification. It found considerable application in gas masks during the war and was still extensively used with distinct financial gain in solvent recovery processes in the artificial silk explosives dry cleaning and rubber indus- tries.The lecture was illustrated by lantern slides. The meeting closed with a vote of thanks to Mr. Strachan. Mr. H. S. Pink has been appointed Honorary Secretary of the Section $ro tern. in the place of Mr. Percy Calm who has resigned from the office owing to pressure of work. Irish Free State.--Dr. James Bell Trinity College has been co-opted a member of the Committee and appointed Honorary Treasurer in succession to Prof. Sydney Young who has held that office since the formation of the Section. Liver poo I a n d tq ort h - Weste r n .-At the eighty-first ordinary meeting of the Section held on 8th March Mr.Neville Simpkin Director of Research of the Lancashire and Cheshire Coal Research Association read a paper on “The Production of Oil from Coal.” He said that the production of liquid organic products from coal was influenced by the type of coal used. Coals varied in composition and could be classed roughly into peats lignites and brown coals bituminous coals and anthracites. There was a gradual transition throughout this series. The products were 144 obtained by distillation or other chemical processes. The temperature of distillation also had a great effect; up to 200° C. water and a very small quantity of gas were produced from bituminous coal; up to 350" C. oil became apparent and more gas was evolved; from 40O0-5OO0 C.a large quantity of tar was produced. At higher temperatures the yield of tar decreased. Carbonisation at such high temperatures was exemplified by gas works practice and metallurgical coke production. The coal carbonised in coke ovens yielded about 11 gallons of tar per ton while at lower temperatures it might give 20 or more gallons. The composition of the tar products varied greatly. Retorts might be classified into typical high temperature retorts and coke ovens and low temperature retorts which varied considerably in design and method of heating. The efficiency of low temperature carbonisation depended upon the rapid heating of the coal and the removal of the liquid products from. the hot zone. Some retorts were heated ex- ternally; others internally by the passage of hot gas through them; some were made to revolve or fitted with internal agitators.Hydrogenation was used to produce a higher yield of oil than could be obtained by distillation. It was not a new idea but had been used for producing lighter products from heavy oils in the petroleum industry. Dr. Bergius was one of the chief in- vestigators on this subject. A plant had been designed in Germany for treating ZO,OOO tons of bituminous coal per annum. Work had also been carried out in England and a small plant installed at the Fuel Research Station. This plant consisted of four parts a coal mixing and compressing plant a hydrogen generator hydrogenation bombs and a condensing plant. The charge consisted of finely powdered coal to which was added 5 pe.r cent.of ferric oxide and 40 per cent. of tar from the previous run. Temperatures and pressures were increased through the series of bombs. A different type of process was the Fischer-Tropsch in which carbon monoxide generated from coal was allowed to react with hydrogen. Profound changes resulted in the formation of aliphatic bodies. This process has not yet been tried on a large scale. Mr. A. E. Findley said that Germany was in advance of us in this subject because she was short of light oil. The idea of 145 using pulverised fuel appealed to him. He quoted Lord Balfour as saying “If we have coal air and water we need fear no foe for from these three we could get any of the chemicals needed for war.” Mr.Shepherd also took part in the discussion and the lecturer replied. The Chairman who proposed a vdte of thanks to Mr. Simpkin mentioned that he had been much impressed on his last visit to Germany with the fact that owing largely to their inferior coal supply they were well ahead of us in the scientific use of fuel. At the eighty-second ordinary meeting of the Section held on 12th April-Professor C. 0. Bannister in the chair-the members of the Section made acknowledgment of the services of Mr. John Hanley the late honorary secretary by a gift of wireless apparatus. In making the presentation the Chairman reminded the members of the founding of the Section in which Mr. Hanley was one of the prime movers and emphasised the great amount of work he had done during the nine years of his secretaryship.He recalled his own happy association with Mr. Hanley from the first day he came to Liverpool from London and asked him to receive the gift as a recognition of his valuable services. Dr. Brislee Professor Roberts and Mr. Smetham- all Past Chairmen of the Section-added their own tributes. In thanking the Section Mr. Hanley said that he was glad that the success which had been attributed to his efforts was really due to the support which he had received from the members of the Section he had been only a secretary a recorder. He had felt very strongly that he owed a duty to his profession his efforts at the inception of the Section and since had afforded him an opportunity of carrying out that duty and consequently the work had always been a source of happiness to him.Dr. F. J. Brislee was then called upon to read a paper on “Some Aspects of Modern Research.” He said that research had never been more popular than at the present time. There were Research Associations in most branches of industry and any firm which hoped to keep in the forefront of the world’s markets must maintain a research laboratory in which new methods could be evolved and tested and every raw material and finished product examined. Dividing research into two broad classes-pure and applied-it was very 146 noteworthy that despite the large output of work and the skill and ingenuity of the workers results obtained in the field of applied research were more often than not inconclusive and this because of the lack of knowledge available from the domain of pure research.He gave several instances from his own experi- ence to show how an apparently simple problem might on closer examination develop the most unexpected and complex rami- fications. Such was the investigation into the failure of “loco- motive firebox stays,”-copper rods which support the water and steam spaces in a locomotive firebox. It was found that the head of the stay rapidly wasted away allowing water to creep through after which breakdown was rapid. After an examination of many factors it was discovered that one of the prime causes was variation in water supply. So serious was the position at first that it had been estimated that if the research saved the replacement of only one stay per engine per annum the saving would cover more than double the cost of the in- vestigation.Efforts were made to design a modified stay which finally met with considerable success. This was an example of a problem which ultimately required the co-operation of the chemist metallurgist and engineer. Another interesting example of an unexpected difficulty was met with in copper produced from a particularly pure ore which after annealing shewed a red fused oxide surface. Extensive experiments revealed that the probable cause was the entire absence of silver in the particular ore. As an instance from the organic side the behaviour of mineral oils under electrical stress could be cited.A material is formed which has been called “X” or “Cheese,”-an inert amorphous substance which when freed from the unchanged oil has a com- position closely approximating to (C,H,O),. Its formation apparently depends upon the presence of paraffin wax dissolved in the oil and it is hoped that a fuller knowledge of its character will go far to explain the causes of failure of extra high voltage transformers and cables. In conclusion Dr. Brislee urged the need for more work on fundamentals. This was beginning to be realised although in industry it was often necessary to seek a partial solution to relieve an immediate need. One of the difficulties to be faced was that the business man was in some respects an unreasoning optimist. He still clung to belief in magic; the wand of research 147 had only to be waved once to bring an immediate solution.He still preferred the lucky shot to patient logical work yet it was only from the last that he could hope for real results. In the discussion which followed Mr. Hanley said he was much interested in the question of pure metals. It seemed to him that in the case cited by the lecturer it would have been worth while to introduce the small percentage of silver into the copper. Dr. Tait instanced a case of gold containing a minute im- purity-probably bismuth-which made rolling impossible. Mr. E. H. Rideout complained of the apparent irrelevancy of much of the “pure” research. Dr. Turnbull and Mr. G. H. Knowles said their experience had been similar to Dr.Brislee’s. The research chemist was fre- quently called in to explain faults in materials only to find that the mistake lay in the method of using them. Replying Dr. Brislee informed Mr. Hanley that to introduce silver would have meant re-processing entirely. With regard to “pure ” research he might make his meaning clearer by quoting some work done on the atmospheric corrosion of metals. The great initial difficulty in this investigation was to define and measure what corrosion was. This was done and it was found that they were a long way on towards a solution of the whole problem. The Chairman said he was sometimes tempted to think that in the last few years the metallurgist was getting products which were too pure. Certainly some remarkable and entirely unex- pected results were encountered in cases where exceedingly pure metals had been produced.He agreed in the main with what had been said about materials and methods in this con- nection it was strange how often the water supply was the cause of defect or complaint and how seldom the chemist thought of blaming it. He could support Dr. Brislee in his statement as to the valuable work done by the research associations also as to the tremendously difficult problems which many of them had to face. If they had five or six variable factors the number of com- binations possible was well nigh countless. Generally speaking the greater the number of variables the greater the need for fundamental research. He was sure the meeting would agree 148 that they were greatly in Dr.Brislee’s debt for his most in- teresting paper and proposed a very hearty vote of thanks which was carried unanimously. The casual vacancy on the Section Committee arising through the resignation of Dr. E. D. Kamm has been filled by the election of Mr. F. J. Smith B.Sc. A.I.C. London and South-Eastern Counties.-Professor J. C. Drummond presided at a meeting of the Section held on 21st March when Dr. Ezer Griffiths of the National Physical Laboratory and Dr. Thomas Moran and Dr. Franklin Kidd of the Laboratory of the Food Investigation Board discussed some problems in the preservation of foodstuffs. Dr. Griffiths dealt with engineering problems in connection with the refrigerating transport of apples giving a brief survey of experimental work carried out in the course of a voyage from Australia to England and of subsequent experiments at the National Physical Laboratory.The overseas transport of apples presents interesting problems in refrigeration since usually the fruit is not pre-cooled and the ship has to serve the dual function of pre-cooler and carrier of the apples. Four representative systems of ships’ refrigeration were studied and on each of four ships an installation of distant reading electrical thermometers was fitted so that the actual temperatures in the fruit cases could be determined as well as humidity carbon- dioxide-content of the atmosphere etc. The data obtained demonstrated the great difficulty in cooling down uniformly and without freezing a compactly stowed mass of fruit.One of the problems which has since received study is the various systems of dunnage that will permit of (a) rapid initial cooling and (b) uniformity of temperature distribution. A novel scheme of vertical air ducts has been devised and the system of dunnage required for rendering practicable this system of vertical channels has been worked out. The second problem considered was the ventilation of a ship’s hold to remove the carbon dioxide produced by the respiration processes of the fruit. Calculations were made to show the quantities to be dealt with and the amount of moisture deposited when air of ordinary atmospheric humidity and temperature was cooled down to the temperature of the hold.149 The third problem was that of the design of instruments suitable for use in connection with the transport of fruit. AS the result of experience gained on the voyage modifications in the temperature measuring outfits now in use in land installa- tions were suggested so as to adapt them for use on ships. The design of junction boxes etc. for marine work was considered and a modification proposed. ,4 robust form of resistance thermometer had been developed in which the coil is fastened between two sheets of thin mica cemented to the internal surface of a cylindrical brass tube. This type of thermometer is found to have a small time lag and to permit of the use of a larger measuring current than is customary with the usual form.A study has been made of simple types of carbon dioxide measuring instruments. The ordinary gas burette type has been modified so as to render its manipulation easier. A robust form of in- strument has been produced in which the diminution in pressure of a sample of gas consequent on the absorption of the carbon dioxide which it contains is shown on a dial gauge. Various forms of hygrometers have been devised to meet special requirements (a) The “fog formation” hygrometer is based on the principle that fog forms in an atmosphere which is adiabatically expanded the amount of expansion necessary for a fog which is just visible is a function of the humidity. (b) A resistance thermometer form of wet and dry bulb hygrometer was described which has an extremely small time lag.Cotton-covered wire carried on a glass frame is periodically dipped in water. The difference in temperature between wet and dry bulb is recorded by a string galvanometer. (c) The portable dew-point apparatus is a differential air thermometer one bulb of which is so designed that it can be cooled by a stream of cold CO,; the dew is observed on a polished portion of the bulb surface. (d) The “cellophane” hygrometer is based on the change in weight with humidity of thin cellophane sheet. (e) Another instrument is a wet and dry bulb hygrometer employing mercury in steel thermometers with both pointers indicating on the same dial. Arrangements are made for drawing air past the bulbs and for maintaining the covering over the wet bulb saturated with water 150 Dr.Moran discussed the freezing chilling and storage of meat. Having stressed the importance of freezing as a method of preservation he pointed out that most colloidal systems and particularly structural systems such as gels and animal tissues when they are frozen undergo changes which are not reversed on thawing. For that reason freezing as a method of preservation has only a very limited use in practice. Taking muscle as an example he indicated the changes on freezing which give rise to the well-known phenomenon of “drip,” and described how far research had been able to explain and prevent these changes. Dr. Moran then briefly reviewed the science of chilling. He pointed out that control of the chilling process was essentially dependent on a study of surface conditions with the object of keeping down mould and bacterial growth.With many food- stuffs it also demanded a study of the factors which give rise to fat rancidity. With both chilled and frozen products there was also the question of evaporation during cooling and sto;age. Apart from the net loss in weight and how it varied under different conditions of humidity and air movement-a factor of obvious commercial importance-the problem had also to be studied from the standpoint of mould growth and surface discoloration or pigment changes. Dr. Kidd dealt with factors affecting the preservation of fresh fruit and storage-a problem of senescence. He referred to the great changes in the world’s commissariat which had focused attention upon a quality in food products not previously greatly valued namely keeping quality.This was especially a feature in the case of fruits. Fruit was nowadays carried half round the world and stored six months out of season on a large scale as a normal procedure. In approaching the scientific study of keeping quality it was immediately obvious that what was being studied was the senescent phase of a life cycle and that this phase could not be understood without reference to and study of the whole cycle. The outstanding features of the life cycle of a typical plant organ were briefly described. The cycle as a whole constituted a two-phase rhythm in the early part of which the metabolic balance was on the side of condensed products such as proto- plasm starch cellulose pectin compounds and polysaccharides 151 and is later on the side of the simple degradation products of hydrolysis.One of the outstanding discoveries of recent years had been that the period of the life cycle rhythm-the rate of living-was related in some way to the pitch of the respiratory activity of the organ or organism. Broadly short-lived fruit had a high respiratory activity and a short pre-maturity phase as well as a short post-maturity phase. The pitch of the respira- tory activity diminishes steadily throughout the life cycle. The main factors influencing the period of the rhythm of the life cycle were enumerated and briefly discussed. They are race factors e.g.species variety stock and environmental factors. The environmental factors during the first or growth phase of the life cycle are mainly nutritional e.g. soil manures climate. In the second or senescent phase; that is during storage the environmental factors of importance are temperature and atmospheric composition. Environmental factors as distinct from race factors may affect the length of the first phase without necessarily proportionately affecting the second. But the second phase is always undoubtedly largely influenced by factors operative during the first. For example the storage life of one variety of apples may vary a hundred per cent. with variation in the locality of origin of the fruit. Dealing with the effect of temperature during the senescent phase in storage Dr.Kidd pointed out that the broad effect of lowering temperature in reducing the metabolic activity and hence in slowing down the senescent drift of change and in lengthening life was generally grasped as being an expression of the well known laws of chemistry and physics. More subtle effects of low temperature upon the life and quality of fruit in storage had however until recently been little appreciated. Metabolism at different temperature levels was not only different in speed but in character owing to an alteration in its balance due probably to differences between the temperature coefficients of specific links in the chain of reactions. Recent work was demonstrating this from many angles and it constituted one of the main problems under study at the Low Temperature Research Station.Many fruits not only did not develop a natural ripeness and flavour at low temperatures but even became physiolo- gically disorganised and died prematurely. Apples bananas pineapples and plums were instanced. The trouble in apples had often been attributed by the trade to freezing. It has nothing to do with freezing and occurred at storage temperatures well above the freezing point. trial. 152 Dealing with atmospheric effects Dr. Kidd stated that these had been particularlv studied at the Low Temperature Research Station. The field was a new one. In the case of apples diminishing the oxygen within limits reduced the respiratory activity and lengthened the life. Moderate amounts of carbon dioxide in the air had a similar effect.In these experiments the atmospheric conditions had to be carefully regulated for just as in the case of temperature by over-stepping certain limits the metabolism of the fruit became so deranged that death intervened. A discussion followed and votes of thanks were accorded the lecturers. On 18th April-Mr. G. S. W. Marlow in the chair-a lecture was given by Mr. C. Ainsworth Mitchell on “Some Notable Trials involving Chemical Evidence.” After pointing out that the reproach that chemistry was a dull science did not apply to its use in criminological work since there it was in constant contact with life the lecturer illustrated this by reference to incidents in various trials with which he had been associated.The scientific evidence given in some of these cases was of a novel character. Thus in the Brinkley poisoning case a forged will was the motive for the crime and it was proved by optical methods that the signatures on the document were not as alleged all written with the same kind of ink. This was the first occasion on which the tintometer had been used in a criminal in the case of Rex v. Pilcher and it was shown that the will could not have been so old as was alleged. In another case (Rex v. Cohefi) proof of the order of sequence in the entries in a In the Camden Town murder case an artist accused of the murder was alleged to have written words on paper burnt fragments of which were subsequently found in a grate. The chemical evidence in that case went to prove that the pigment of a copying ink pencil found on the accused agreed in charac- teristics with the pigment in the writing on the fragments.Evidence as to the probable age of inks on a will was given doctor’s day book resulted in a sentence of imprisonment being quashed. A difference in the pigments of the mk which was demon- strated by the tintometer and by means of photography afforded 153 proof of the fraudulent addition of a final cipher to the figures in a letter acknowledging the receipt of E200 (Rex v. CornwaZZis); whereas in the Howes will case the fact that the ink in parts of the signature showed different colours was proved to be the result of the use of a composite ink made by mixing three different inks bought at a sale.In the latter case the judge had asked for the report to be made to him in Court without prior com- munication to counsel on either side. In the opinion of the lecturer this was an ideal method of presenting scientific evidence in a court of justice. The lecture was illustrated by lantern slides. A discussion followed in which Sir William Willcox Dr. G. Roche Lynch and other members participated and the pro- ceedings concluded with a vote of thanks to the lecturer. The Section is arranging an exhibition of apparatus instruments and books to take place at the Institute on Wednesday 24th October when all Members and Registered Students of the Institute will be welcome. Further particulars will be announced in due course.M a1 aya.-The fourth Annual General Meeting of the Malaya Section was held on the 25th February at King Edward VII. School of Medicine Singapore. Mr. F. L. Okell the Chairman in submitting the annual report showed that the membership was increasing and that the Section had been able to co-operate with the Government in matters of public importance. A commission comprising the Chief Chemist and Agricultural Chemist Federated Malay States and the Government Analyst S.S. had been appointed by the Federated Malay States Govern- ment to enquire into the possibility of framing regulations to insure the public supply of pure toddy. The recommendations of the Commission had been submitted to the Government for inclusion in legislation. A scale of emoluments based on a schedule mainly devised by the Section Sub-committee on Fees had been recommended to and accepted by both Governments.The Section discussed the present method of election of General Members of Council of the Institute and the question whether Associates should be eligible for election to the Council. Except that members living in the Far East were unable to nominate members for the Council the present method of election was approved; but with regard to Associates being 164 members of Council no decision was recorded. Arising from the discussion however a recommendation was forwarded to the Council that entrance to the Institute should be by examina- tion only. The annual report and balance sheet were duly received and adopted.The Report of the Sub-committee on Salaries can be seen at the offices of the Institute by any member contemplating taking up an appointment in the Straits Settlements or the Federated Malay States. At the annual dinner the Section was honoured with the presence of the Honble. Dr. Winstedt Director of Education and Mrs. Winstedt the Honble. Mr. J. Bagnall Director of the Straits Trading Company and the Honble. Dr. Gray acting Principal Civil Medical Officer Straits Settlements and Mrs. Gray. In proposing the toast of “The Institute,” Mr. Bagnall laid stress on the important services rendered to industry by pr9- fessional chemists and expressed the hope that the rubber industry would eventually derive through its new Research Institute as much benefit from scientific control as the tin industry had done.The Chairman (Mr. F. L. Okell) in reply showed how intimate was the relationship between chemistry and industry. Major B. J. Eaton proposed the toast of “The Guests,” to which Dr. Winstedt and Dr. Gray replied. A vote of thanks was accorded to Mr. Willgress the retiring Honorary Secretary who has been succeeded by Mr. V. R. Greenstreet. Manchester and District.-At the March meeting Mr. L. Guy Radcliffe in the chair a lecture was delivered by Mr. F. Twyman F.R.S. on “Absorption Spectrography and some of its Applications to Chemistry.” The speaker commenced by pointing out that of the light lost by reflection diffusion and absorption in passing through a medium it is that lost by absorption which is peculiarly of interest to chemists.For very many years it had been felt by all investigators on the subject that there was a profound con- nection between the amount of radiation absorbed by a sub- stance at each wave length and the chemical constitution of the 155 substance. The conviction that the cause of this “rapport” was in the nature of a resonance of the particles of which the substances were composed (whether electrons atoms or molecules) had grown with the development of modern physics and quantum notions had been applied to absorption with very stimulating effect. To be useful measurements of absorption must be quantitative. That is the measurements of the proportion of light absorbed must be made at each wave-length.The range of spectrGm investigated should be as great as possible embracing the ultra-violet visible and infra-red regions of the spectrum. Lambert’s Law and Beer’s Law and the terminology of the subject were dealt with. Descriptions of instruments for the visible ultra-violet and infra-red regions of the spectrum were given with notes on suitable light sources and methods of using the apparatus. The paper concluded with an account of some of the multitudinous applications to theoretical and applied chemistry. Numerous lantern slides were shown to illustrate the points dealt with. In the discussion which followed Prof. E. C. C. Baly pointed out that much of the development which had taken place in spectrography was due to Mr.Twyman’s skill in designing the necessary apparatus. The introduction of Twyman’s rotating sector photometer placed absorption spectrography on a quan- titative basis for the first time. The slide shown of the absorp- tion spectrum of cobalt chloride in hydrochloric acid photographed by Dr. Brode (American Bureau of Standards) in Liverpool marked a great achievement in technique. The more absorption spectra were studied the more it was found how molecules differed in properties from their atoms. Arising from the work being carried out the speaker thought a new theory of chemical re- activity would eventually arise which would explain not only the reactions of the laboratory but also those peculiar to the living organism and those hitherto inexplicable processes taking place in the development of new stars.Dr. Brode paid a tribute to English-made spectrographic apparatus; even in Germany he had found the best pieces of apparatus to be of English manufacture. Refemng to light sources he pointed out that the resistance of distilled water was about 70 times that of air and that by using under-water electrodes damping occurred and spectra were produced of a nature differing from those obtained in air the narrow lines present in the latter often disappearing altogether. For example in the study of platinum the under-water spark was deficient in a large number of lines but the lines left formed a definite series. He was of the opinion that absorption spectrography had a great future and that in time it would be possible to take an unknown complex substance and actually determine its structure simply by a study of its absorption spectra.Dr. Morton (Liverpool) thought it futile for chemists to think they had achieved a final interpretation of absorption spectra until they had covered a greater range of vibrations there was an enormous range which was only amenable to investigation by means of a vacuum spectrograph. The Chairman Messrs. Hannah Silvester and Dr. Cunliffe also took part in the dis- cussion to which Mr. Twyman replied. A vote of thanks proposed by Prof. Baly and seconded by Mr. Elsdon {who in the course of his remarks pleaded for less expensive spectro- scopic apparatus) was accorded the lecturer. It has been decided to hold the Annual Dinner and Dance on Thursday the 6th of December.The Annual General Meeting of the Section will in future be held in March. South Wales.-On 24th February the Section held a joint meeting with the South Wales Section of the Society of Chemical Industry at which Mr. N. H. Hartshorne MSc. A.I.C. gave an interesting lecture on “The Electronic Theory of Chemical Combination. ” The lecturer pointed out that all theories of chemical com- bination prior to the discovery of the fact that the atom had a structure were failures because they applied only to certain classes of compounds. Any complete theory must be able to account for all of the three types of chemical bond viz. polar non-polar and co-ordinate. A brief survey was then given of the development of our knowledge of atomic structure and the resulting conception of chemical combination as the expression of the tendency of atoms to assume the electronic configurations possessed by the inert gases.After describing the early theories of Kossel and G. N. Lewis on simple polar and non-polar combina- tion between elements one two or three places on either side of an inert gas the lecturer dealt with the elements in the long periods and explained how in them the repetition of positive 157 valency and the characteristic properties of the transitional elements and the rare earths could be accounted for by the process of electronic reorganisation proposed by Bury and Bohr. Co-ordination compounds were next considered and it was explained that the difference between the co-ordinate and normal non-polar linkages was that in the former both shared electrons came from the same atom so that the resulting compound was not limited by the simple valency rule.It was pointed out that in order to account for most co-ordination compounds and some others it was necessary to assume that the valency shell was capable of accommodating more than the eight electrons possessed by the inert gases or else to invoke the “singlet” linkage (non-polar link by means of a single electron) as had been done by some chemists. Reference to such compounds as sulphur hexafluoride showed that the latter plan was un- satisfactory and that it was better for the present to determine the maximum valency shells by the co-ordination numbers of Werner despite the fact that there was little or no physical evidence to support them.If this principle were accepted the peculiar changes of polar valency exhibited by the metal ammine complexes on exchanging complete molecules for atoms or radicals could be very readily explained in terms of electrons. The relative strengths of co-ordinate and ordinary non-polar links and the polarity introduced into the molecule by the former (“ semi-polar bonds ”) were next briefly considered. With regard to organic compounds it was pointed out that the success of the older structural theories in this field was due to the facts that the co-ordination number and valency of carbon were both equal to four and that the majority of the bonds encountered were of the non-polar type.The electronic theory was however able to explain the optical isomerism of the sulphinates and sulphoxides which the older theories could not do. In conclusion the lecturer said that he had confined his remarks to what might justly be described as the triumphs of the electronic theory; it still had however many difficulties to overcome e.g. the problems of water of crystallisation and intermetallic compounds. But he thought that it must be admitted that a great advance had been made. We had at last a theory which presented all kinds of chemical combination 158 as different aspects of the same atomic urge the building up of more stable electron arrangements. After a discussion a hearty vote of thanks to Mr.Hartshorne terminated the meeting. A well-attended meeting was held on 11th May Mr. C. M. W. Grieb presiding. The meeting accorded a hearty welcome to the Registrar of the Institute who answered various questions on matters which had been of particular interest to the Section. He said that most other Sections had shown apathy towards the suggestion that Associates should be eligible for election to the Council and that the Council had therefore concluded that there was no general desire for a change being made in the Institute’s Charter to provide for this proposal. Regarding the insistence on training in organic chemistry on the part of those who specialised in metallurgy the Registrar said that this had been considered by a conference held in January 1925 which had decided that a fundamental knowledge of organic as well as of inorganic and physical chemistry was essential for all candidates for the Associateship.He then referred to the discussion regarding “Chemistry House” and the Institute’s position in that connection. The meeting was then opened to visitors and nearly fifty members and friends listened with great interest to a lecture by the Registrar on “Alchemists in Art and Literature.” Prof. Coates proposed a vote of thanks to Mr. Pilcher for his discussion of Institute business and for his lecture remarking that the preparation of such a lecture required wide reading and years of research. Mr. P. V.’Lloyd seconded the vote of thanks which was accorded with acclamation.159 Institute of Chemistry Students’ Association (London). ON ~ 3 r d February Professor F. G. Donnan gave an address before the Association entitled “The Chemist Himself.” Mr. E. R. Bolton President of the Association presided and there was a very good attendance. In an intimate and friendly discourse Professor Donnan discussed the personality of the chemist and emphasised the importance of the social side of the chemist’s life. He remarked on the humble attitude so often adopted by chemists and the frequent lack of attention to personal appearance as factors which were not conducive to the attainment of success in the work-a-day world contrasted with the inner work of the labora- tory. In industry there was a need for strong+ and cultured personalities and it was very necessary that those on whose work so much depended should be men of character.Professor Donnan also indicated various ways in which a chemist could profitably occupy his spare time. At the conclusion a hearty vote of thanks was accorded to Professor Donnan on the proposal of the chairman. A series of well-attended visits has lately been organised by the Secretary for Works Visits including the following:- 15th February the Daily News and Star Printing Offices; 6th March the British Broadcasting Corporation; 31st March National Physical Laboratory Teddington ; 3rd April Gas Light and Coke Company Tar and Ammonia Products Works at Beckton. The London and South-Eastern Counties Section have arranged to invite Registered Students in the London district to all meetings and lectures arranged by the Section except on special occasions when purely professional matters are under discussion.The honorary Secretary will be glad to receive suggestions from Registered Students regarding the activities of the Associa- tion. Address :-NORMAN STUART junr. 11 Platts Lane Hampstead N. W .3. 160 Appointments Register. IT has been suggested that the system under which the Appoint- ments Register is administered is not completely understood by some members. The facilities of this Register are afforded to all Fellows and Associates and also to Registered Students of the Institute of at least six months’ standing who are in their last term of training for admission to the Associateship and are recommended for the privilege by their Professors or teachers.The majority of the Fellows and Associates who use the Register already occupy appointments but are desirous of obtaining better positions. Lists of vacancies are sent out twice weekly. Endeavours are made to secure information as to vacant appointments from every possible source and all vacancies are notified which are likely to be of interest to chemists whether they refer to senior appointments suitable for experienced men or to junior appointments only suitable for those about to commence their careers or desirous of gaining experience. In many cases the prospective employer does not desire that his name or the name of his firm should be disclosed in the first instance.This confidence is respected because many firms would not be willing to inform such a large number of chemists some of whom may be in the employ of competing firms that they are looking for candidates with particular experience or are contemplating changes in their staffs. In these cases members are asked to forward their applications to the Registrar and all such applications are forwarded to the principals concerned unless any member informs the Registrar that he does not wish his application forwarded to any particular firms in that event only is an application withheld. The interests of members using the Appointments Register are carefully guarded in that the list of names of members on the register is not published or communicated to employers.The officers are debarred from supporting the candidature of any applicant for a particular position but are willing to verify records as to careers of candidates if requested to do so. 161 In some few cases prospective employers will not agree to the issue of a general notice but request the officers to inform them if any member is available who has the requisite special experience. In these cases the officers use their discretion; but every endeavour is made to deal impartially with the claims of all possible candidates. The fact that a vacancy is notified on the Appointments Register must not be taken as implying that the Institute approves of the terms and conditions attaching thereto. The officers make suitable representations with regard to such matters to prospective employers whether these are individuals firms or public authorities but the responsibility for deciding whether it is worth while to apply for an appointment must rest with the candidate himself.Members using the Register are required to pay a small charge towards the cost of postage and other direct expenses involved. Those who are in employment pay 10s. for six months and those without 6s. 6d. The names of members who remain out of employment after the expiry of the six months period are retained on the Register free of charge for a further period of six months if necessary. In view of the fact that the Appointments Register is primarily a service rendered by the Institute for its members and that those who have this service contribute directly towards the cost it would obviously be unfair that others should obtain this information.Those using the Appointments Register therefore are not permitted to pass the information on to any other person and they are expected to abide loyally by this rule. 162 10 April-May Examinations 1928. NO. passed. *. *17 Abstract of the Report of the Board of Examiners. Examinations were held at the times and places mentioned below; the number of candidates examined and of those who passed were :- No. examzned. POT t h A88oc&e8hip- At the Institute General Chemistry 16th- 21st Ap.1 At the Institute Branch (G) Chemical Tech- nology with special reference to Soap **1 Manufacture 16th-2 1st April .* . 0 8 Po?- the FelbWship- At the Institute Branch E. The Chemistry including Microscopy of Food and Drugs and of Water 23+28th April . . At the University Reading Agricultural 14 1 1 qemistry 30th April-4th May * . 20th April At the City Analyst’s Laboratory Liverpool Branch G Industrial Chemistry with special reference to the Chemistry and Bacteriology of Water Supply 16th- - 1 34 - 1 - 20 - * One candidate failed only in the translation of French and German technical literature. Two candidates passed the examination in the translation of German technical literature thereby completing their examination. ** Failed only in the oral examination in General Chemistry.EXAMINATION FOR THE ASSOCIATESHIP IN GENERAL CHEMISTRY. Inorganic and Physical Chemistry The answers to the written papers were in many cases rather poor. In the question asking for an historical account of the experimental work on the combining volumes of hydrogen and oxygen many candidates read the word “volumes” as weights. Some candidates regarded PtC& and H,PtC& as identical. Answers to the question on the contributions to chemistry associated with the names of Davy Faraday Scheele and Gay-Lussac were weak; Davy was some- times credited with the work of Black; Gay-Lussac with that of 163 Avogadro and several of the candidates knew nothing of the work of Scheele. In the practical examination the qualitative work was fairly good; the quantitative work however left much to be desired.Some of the candidates seemed to be insufficiently trained in quantitative inorganic analysis. Organic Chemistry The theoretical paper was rather better answered than usually. A simple question on the benzidine change however produced very indifferent answers and the question on the aromatic iodo compounds was only attempted by a few candidates. The qualitative organic analysis was generally carried out correctly but candidates should pay more attention to writing up results neatly and concisely ; occasionally the final summary of results did not agree mth the data given in the text of the answer. Quantitative organic analysis did not seem to be as well understood as it should be.Several candidates were evidently quite unskilled in either proximate or ultimate analysis of organic compounds. Translation of Technical French and German The translation of the passage from French was with few exceptions done satisfactorily. The majority of the candidates translated the German passage sufficiently well to enable them to have carried out the preparation of thionyl chloride in a satisfactory manner. EXAMINATIONS FOR THE FELLOWSHIP. In the Examination in Branch E-the Chemistry including Microscopy of Food and Drugs and of Water-the work of the candidates as a whole was fairly good especially in the written papers. The practical work of several candidates was however very poor and these showed little knowledge of the composition of foodstuffs and methods of analysis of food and drugs.The microscopical work was generally much better than in recent examinations. The work in Therapeutics Pharmacology and Microscopy was on the whole good although little enterprise was shown in dealing with the identification of a small quantity of chloroform in blood. EXAMINATIONS ABROAD. The Council has also received a report on examinations for the Associateship held in January in India and in South Africa. One candidate was successful and his name is included in the pass list. 164 The following papers and exercises were given:- Examination for the Associateship in General Chemistry. MONDAY 16th APRIL 1928 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (FOUR questions only to be attempted.) 1.Give an historical account of the experimental work on the combining volumes of hydrogen and oxygen. Mention the causes of error in the earlier work and describe in detail one moderndetermjnation. 2. Give the method of preparation properties and most character- istic reactions of three of the following :-Platinum tetrachloride ( PtC14) cobalto-cobaltic oxide (Co,O,) sodium ferrifluoride (Na,FeF,) lead tetra- fluoride (PbFJ boron nitride (BN). 3. Give an account of the phenomenon of thermal dissociation and diecuss one example in detail. 4. Discuss the conditions necessary for accuracy in volumetric analysis. What is the highest accuracy attainable under favourable conditions in the volumetric determination of ( a ) a mineral acid ( b ) a chloride (c) free iodine.5. What are the principal contributions to chemistry associated with the names of Davy Faraday Scheele Gay-Lussac ? 2 to 5 p.m. (Fom questions only to be attempted.) 1. What are the products of the following reactions:-(a) Zinc and aqueous perchloric acid; ( b ) potassium chlorate oxalic acid and water; ( c ) iron and gaseous hydrogen chloride at 500" C.; ( d ) iodine and nitric acid (S.G. 1.53) ? State how the main product of each could be isolated. 2. Give an account of the more important work on the direct quantitative measurement of osmotic pressure since 1909. To what extent do the results obtained confirm the van 't Hoff theory of solution ? 3. Describe the sources mode of extraction and purification of cadmium. Give an account of the uses of this metal and its salts.4. Give an account of either (a) The determination of chromium iron aluminium and manganese in chrome iron ore; or ( b ) The determina- tion of phosphate in bone ash. 5. Write a short essay on one of the following (a) The corrosion of iron; (b) The advances in chemical knowledge resulting from the pro- duction and accurate measurement of high temperatures. TUESDAY 17th APRIL 1928 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (FIVE questions only to be attempted.) 1. Describe two methods for the preparation of aliphatic dihydric alcohols (glycols). Selecting any one of these glycols indicate its behaviour towards the following reagents :-(a) 'Nitric acid ( b ) hydrochloric acid ( c ) oxidising agents. 2. Distinguish between amides and ureides giving two examples of each of these types of nitrogenous substances.Show by an outline of its synthesis that uric acid belongs to the ureide group. What simpler substances of this group are obtainable by the oxidation of uric acid? alcohol.) 165 3. Describe the preparation of benzidine starting from benzene. How may it be demonstrated that benzidine is a derivative of the hydro- carbon diphenyl ? 4. Give two methods for introducing iodine into the aromatic nucleus of benzidine and its homologues. How has iodobenzene been converted successively into iodosobenzene iodoxybenzene and diphenyl- iodinium iodide (CBH,),I.I ? 5. How are the amino acids synthesised and how may they be obtained from proteins ? Describe the preparation from glacial acetic acid of glycine (aminoacetic acid) glycylglycine and betaine.6. Write an essay on the terpenes giving the synthesis of at least one member of this series. WEDNESDAY 18th APRIL 1928 10 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. 1. Identify the two organic compounds in solution A. (A‘ = ethyl oxubte in ethyl alcohol. A“ = methyl oxalate in methyl 2. Estimate the amount of one of the constituents of solution A expressing the result in grams per litre. THURSDAY 19th APRIL 1928 10 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. 1. Report on the nature of the organic substance B. (B‘ = potassium sulphanilate. B = sodium naphthionate.) 2. Ascertain the purity of substance B by estimating the percentage amount of one of its constituent elements. FRIDAY and SATURDAY 20th and 21st APRIL 1928 10 a.m.to 4.30 p.m. each day. 1. Report on the nature of the substance C. (Titanow sulphatte and potash alum.) (This exercise must be compbted on Friday.) 2. D is a solution containing potassium chromate potassium carbonate and potassium sulphate. Determine the chromate (as CrO,) carbonate (as CO,) and sulphate (as SO,) expressing all results as grams per 100 grams of solution. Examination for the Asseciateship in Brench (g) Chemical Technology with special reference t o Soap Manufacture MONDAY 16th APRIL 1928 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. 1. Give an account of the different processes that may be used in industrial practice to separate h e suspended particles from (a) gases ( b ) liquids. 2. What do you understand by the term “waste heat”? What means can be adopted to utilise waste heat and thus to minimise its amount 1 3.Most chemical processes involve the transport of material from place to place during their operation. Describe generally the devices that ere wed for effecting this in the most economical way. 166 4. In a certain chemical process the raw material is dissolved in acid the undissolved portion separated and the final product obtained by crystallisation from the clear solution. Give a general outline of the plant needed to carry this out in its most elementary form and of the additions you would make to secure greater economy in working. 5. What instruments are available for the determination and control of temperature in chemical operations? For what classes of operations would you prefer to use one or other of such instruments? MONDAY 16th APRIL 1928 2 to 5 p.m.(Not mwe than EIUHT questions to be answered.) 1. Describe fully the usual process for refining crude cotton-seed oil. What by-products are obtained? 2. Diacuss the importance to the soapmaker of a knowledge of (a) free fatty acids; (6) saponification value; ( c ) iodine value; ( d ) titre; of his raw materials. 3. Give a detailed account of the Twitchell process of fat-splitting. How do the fatty acids thus produced compare with ordinary commercial fats as soap-making material ? Describe fully the usual process for the manufacture of a toilet milling soap base. 5. State briefly :hat you undErstand by “spent lyes,” “half-spent lyes,” “fitted” soap run” soap curd” soap “nigre.” State where 4.possible the average composition of each. 6. What methods may be used for bleaching soap in the pan? Give details as to how the processes are carried out. 7. What are the usual requirements of a soap to be used in the textile industries ? Why are they necessary ? 8. What methods have been proposed for the rapid cooling of soap ? How does such soap compare with soap cooled in frames. 9. How may transparent soaps be produced? 10. How would you examine a sample of soap in order to determine the composition of the fatty matter from which it is made ? How might the presence of hydrogenated fats be detected ? 11. Describe two methods for comparing the detergent values of soaps. What theories have been proposed to explain detergent value ? 12.Describe the several stages in the conversion of soap lyes into chemically pure glycerin. WEDNESDAY to SATURDAY 18th to 21st APRIL 1928 10 u.m. to 4.30 p.m. each day. 1. Report on the samples of solid caustic soda and tallow as to 2. Report on the sample of olive oil soap (a) as to whether properly 3. Determine the proportions of glycerin silica and borax in the 4. Determine the available oxygen in the soap powder and identify suitability for soap-making. made and (b) as to whether made from olive oil only. accompanying piece of soap. the oxidising substance. 167 Examination for the Fellowship. Branch E. The Chemistry (including Microscopy) of Food and Drugs and of Water. MONDAY 23rd APRIL 1928 10 a.m.to 1 p.m. 1. Describe the construction of the polarimeter and its uses in the analysis of foods and drugs. 2. State (a) the colouring matters prohibited by the Sale of Food and Drugs Acts; ( b ) the colouring matters regarded as harmless which are in general use for food stuffs in this country. 3. How is pure gelatine prepared ? Describe briefly how you would examhe gelatine in order to ascertain its fitness for edible purposes. (Answer in a separate notebook.) 4. Describe the origin and preparation of opium and state how the amount of total alkaloids in a sample of the drug may be determined. Give a list of the B.P. preparations containing opium or its alkaloids and state the medicinal dose of each. 5. Describe the symptoms displayed in poisoning by hydrocyanic acid and discuss what is known concerning its action upon the tissues of the body.6. State the chemical nature and describe the therapeutic use of the following synthetic drugs heroin antipyrin aspirin phenacetin novocaine. 2 to 5 p.m. 1. How may the percentage of butter fat be estimated in a margarine composed of coconut and palm kernel oils cotton-seed stearin and butter fat. 2. Describe briefly the processes employed for determining the fitness of a sewage effluent to be discharged into a stream. 3. How is pure phenol prepared 1 What impurities is phenol liable to contain and how may they be detected? 4. State (a) the provisions of the Sale of Food and Drugs Act 1927; (b) the provisions of Section 6 of the Sale of Food and Drugs Act 1875.5. Describe in detail methods for the estimation of arsenic in (a) cupric sulphate ( b ) potassium nitrate (c) precipitated sulphur. TUESDAY 24th APRIL 1928 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Analyse and report upon the specimen of malt extract with cod liver oil. (Malt extract with equal parts of cod liver oil and l ~ u i d parafin.) (This exercise may be completed to-morrow.) WEDNESDAY 25th APRIL 1928 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 1. Complete the analysis of malt extract with cod liver oil. 2. From a microscopic examination only report upon the specimens By C D E and F. Make rough drawings and name the structures observed THURSDAY 26th APRIL 1928 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The specimen G is claimed to be a real substitute for eggs. Analyse and report upon it.(Rice $our sodium bicarbonate tatrtaric acid with a prohibited dye and &th grain As,O per lb.) 168 (This exercise may be completed to-morrow.) FRIDAY 27th APRIL 1928 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 1. Complete the analysis of the “egg powder.” 2. The packets H are sold as neuralgia powders. Analyse the contents and report upon them on the form supplied. (AcetaniZide ca,,eine and sodium bicarbonate.) SATURDAY 28th APRIL 1928 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. 1. Demonstrate the presence of chloroform in the sample of blood (A). 2. From the same blood prepare slides for the microscope showing haemin crystals and make a preparation showing the spectrum of haemo- chromogen. 3. Examine microscopically the powder (B) and describe its con- stituents.Branch F. Agricultural Chemistry. MONDAY 30th APRIL 1928 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (OnZy FIVE questions to be attempted.) 1. Write short notes on (a) Liebig’s mineral theory of plant nutrition (b) Ville’s theory of a dominant fertiliser and (c) Whitney and Cameron’s ideas with regard to the composition of the soil solution. 2. A curve is drawn to show the total crop yield obtained with increasing supplies of any one constituent of plant food. Discuss the type of curve obtained. In connection with this discussion illustrate by examples what you mean by the term “limiting factor.” 3. Write a short essay on the views now held with regard to the nature of soil acidity. 4. It is found that the most efficient manuring of any crop depends largely on local conditions.Describe how your choice of fertilisers may be affected by (a) the mechanical composition of the soil ( b ) the chemical composition and ( c ) climatic conditions. 5. Describe the origin composition and use as fertilisers of various types of sewage sludges. 6 . How is the partial sterilisation of the soil carried out in practice ? What explanations have been offered of the increased crop yields obtained by this process? 7. How do you determine the “lime requirement” of a soil? To what extent do you consider the figure obtained in the laboratory corre- sponds to the actual need of the soil for lime in the field? 2 to 5 p.m. (Only FIVE questions to be attempted.) 1. What is the “starch equivalent” of a feeding stuff and how is it determined? What differences do you expect to fbd between the “starch equivalent ” calculated from the percentages of digestible constituents wtd that determined experimentally ? 169 2.How should the maintenance ration of an animal be varied with (a) the size of the animal and (b) the external temperature? Detailed arguments in support of your statements should be given. 3. Write a short essay on the proper function of the rough forages in rations. 4. You are required to sample and analyse for sugar a crop of sugar beet. Describe in detail your procedure. 5 . Describe the preparation approximate composition and proper- ties of the following insecticides and fungicides :-Lime-sulphur lead arsenate tar-distillate washes and Burgundy mixture. 6.Describe the factors liable to infiuence the composition of the milk of (a) a single cow and (b) a herd of twenty cows. What are the usual limits of the variation in composition in the two cases? 7. What are the principal chemical reactions which go on in the making of silage and to what extent can they be controlled ? TUESDAY 1st M A Y 1928 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Report on the composition of the mixed fertiliser A and estimate quantitatively three constituents. (Contains soluble and organic nitrogen soluble and insoluble phosphate and potash.) (This exercise may be completed to-morrow.) WEDNESDAY 2nd M A Y 1928 10 am. to 5 p.m. 1. Complete the analysis begun yesterday. 2. The given sample of soil B. has been put through all the pre- liminary operations including the peroxide treatment for mechanical analysis.Complete the analysis. THURSDAY 3rd M A Y 1928 10 am. to 5 p.m. 1. Report on the nature of the given feeding stuff C and carry out a complete quantitative analysis. (Dried milk;,) 2. The solution D is sold for the “pickling” of seed wheat with instructions that it is to be diluted 400 times with water before use. Report on its nature and suitability for the purpose in view. (Either or both these exercises m y be completed to-morrow.) FRIDAY 4th N A Y 1928 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Examine microscopically the feeding meal E and report on its constituents. Branch G. Industrial Chemistry with special reference to the Chemistry and Bacteriology of Water Supply. MONDAY 16th APRIL 1928 10 a.m.to 1 p.m. The Candidate was given the same paper as in Branch (9) for the Associahship (see p. 165). 2 to 5 pm. (FIVE questions to be attempted of which No. 1 is compulsory.). 1. Discuss the significance of B. Coh in water supplies. 2. Describe methods of treatment adopted to reduce plumbo- solvency of waters. ( c ) Organic matter. 170 3. It is found advisable to chlorinate a public water supply for 50,000 people. Give full details of the methods you would adopt for such 4. State what you know of iron bacteria and their significance in treatment. water supplies. 5. Give details of processes to be worked on a large scale for the removal from water of:- (a) Iron. ( b ) Permanent hardness. 6. What am the chief characters you would require in water to be (a) Brewing purposes.( b ) Tanning purposes. (c) Artificial silk manufacture. (d) Mineral water manufacture. used for:- 7. Discuss the value of a microscopical examination of the suspended matter in drinking water mentioning any animate or inanimate objects which are of special significance. TUESDAY to .FRIDAY 17th to 20th APRIL 1928 10 a.m. to 5 pm. each day. 1. Analyse the sample of water A which will be passed through lead service pipes and report upon its suitability for drinking and boiler purposes. 2. Make a bacteriological examination of the sample of water B. Report fully upon your findings. 3. Examine the specimen of sand C and report upon its suitability for use as a filtering medium for a public water supply.4. Examine the lengths of pipe D E and F and report upon their suitability as service pipes for an upland surface water. 171 Obituary. WALTER JOHNSON COOPER died at Paignton on 27th May in his 60th year. He was educated a t Queen Mary’s School and a t the Science and Art Institute Walsall and in 1884 became works chemist to the Arlesey Lime and Portland Cement Co. Ltd. in Bedfordshire. From 1888 to 1891 he was chemist and manager of the Wilderness Portland Cement Company at Micheldon Gloucester and then became Chief Chemist and Manager to the South Wales Portland Cement and Lime Company at Penarth Glam. Of this company he became Managing Director in 1895. From 1912-1917 he was a Managing Director of the British Portland Cement Manufacturers Ltd.He was a member of the Joint Research Committee of the Associated Portland Cement Manufacturers Ltd. and the British Portland Cbment Manufacturers Ltd. since its inception having himself made extensive research in the chemistry of magnesian cements and of pozzolanic and slag cements. He was also a member of the committee appointed by the Portland Cement trade in 1907 to visit Germany in order to investigate a process for the production of cement from blast furnace slag which he was one of the first to produce in this country. He also investigated the effect of sulphur compounds on limes and cements and on glazes for terra- cotta clay. He was elected a Fellow of the Institute in 1919. JOHN FREDERICK WILLIAM HODGES an Original Fellow of the Institute died at Glenravel County Antrim on 29th February in his 80th year.The son of John Frederick Hodges M.D. F.I.C. Professor of Agriculture and Medical Jurisprudence in Queen’s College Belfast he was educated at the Belfast Academical Institution and a t Queen’s College and continued the study of chemistry at Zurich and at the Royal College of Science for Ireland. He then assisted his father until his death in 1899 and conducted a consulting and analytical practice in Belfast holding for several years appointments as public analyst for Carrickfergus and the County of Armagh. For many years he published and edited the Chemico- Agricultural Journal. He was the author of many articles and papers on such subjects as pure milk the culture of flax iron ore and bauxite and his name was associated with several inventions connected with the manu- facture of linen and rope.In later years he devoted himself to scientific farming at Glenravel. He was a member of the Grand Jury of the County of Antrim and was a Justice of the Peace. In his youth he was a remark- able athlete with records of 23 feet 4 inches for the long jump 10 1-5 seconds for the hundred yards and 108 yards for throwing the cricket ball. He won the Gold Cross a t the Irish Inter-Collegiate Sports in 1873. ARCHIBALD KLINU died a t Tunbridge Wells on 20th May in his 66th year. He entered Anderson’s College Glasgow in 1880 and after completing hip course in chemistry and other sciences continued as Assistant to Professor Dittmar until 1888 when he was elected a Fellow of the Institute.Two years later he joined the staff of Messrs. Brunner Mond & Co. with whom he continued as a research chemist until his retirement about ten years ago. BENEDICT KITTO died a t Stroud Green on 13th May in his 88th year. He studied chemistry privately and a t the Royal College of Science. For 8 years he was lecturer to the Miners’ Association of Cornwall and Devon and practised as an analytical chemist a t Camborne holding also the appointment of public analyst for the County of Cornwall. Later he was 172 for five years Manager of the Experimental Laboratory of the Rio Tinto Mining Co. before he established a practice as an analytical chemist and assayer in London which he continued until his death.He was elected a Fellow of the Institute in 1888. EDWARD JAMES HENRY MIDWINTER who died a t Brighton on 21st March in his 76thyear was educated a t the City of London School and a t the Royal College of Chemistry where he worked under Edward Frankland. In 1868 he obtained an appointment as Assistant to Dr. Letheby whom he assisted until 1876 subsequently holding a similar position with Dr. 0. Meymott Tidy Analyst to the Home Office. He qualified in medicine in 1879 but continued in chemistry for some time before he took up general medical practice first at Barnet then at Fleet in Hampshire and Gnally at Anerley until his retirement in 1908. He was elected a Fellow of the Institute in 1880. FREDERICK MOLLWO PERRIN died at Baron’s Court London W.on the 24th May in his 59th year. The youngest son of Sir William Henry Perkin he was educated at Amersham Hall School Reading and studied science a t the Royal College of Science London at Heriot-Watt College and the University Edinburgh at Owen’s College Manchester and at the University of Wurzburg where he obtained the degree of Ph.D. From 1897 to 1909 he was head of the Chemistry Department at the Borough Polytechnic and thereafter established a consulting practice with laboratories at London and a t Harrow devoting special attention to problems connected with electro-chemistry the carbonisation of coal the production of smokeless fuel and the utilisation of peat. He was one of the founders of the Faraday Society of which he was Treasurer from 1903 to 1917 and was a Past President of the Paint and Varnish Society and first President of the Oil and Colour Chemists’ Association (1918-1920).He was Technical Adviser to the Committee on the Production of Oil from Cannel Coal and Allied Minerals Honorary Secretary of the British Science Guild from 1908-1916 and was a member of the Juries for the Franco-British Exhibition 1908 and the Brussels International Exhibition 1910 Turin International Exhibition 191 1 and the Ghent International Exhibition 1913. He was the author of “ Practical Methods of Electrochemistry,” “ Qualitative Inorganic and Organic Chemistry,” “ Practical Methods of Inorganic Chemistry,” “The Metric System,” and a “Textbook of Elementary Chemistry,” in addition to numerous contributions to the “Transactions of the Chemical Society,” the Faraday Society and the Society of Chemical Industry and of Cantor Lectures on Oils delivered before the Royal Society of Arts in 1915.In 1920 he was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire for services rendered to various Government Departments during the War. He was elected a Fellow of the Institute in 1911 and was a member of the Council from 1920 to 1923. ARTHUR JOHN WALKER died from an accident while attempting to ascend Dolly Wagon Pike on Helvellyn on the 19th May in his 28th year. Born at Bramham Yorks. he was educated a t the Leeds Grammar School and a t Queen’s College Oxford where he held the Hasting Scholar- ship from 1919-1923 graduating as B.A.with first-class in the Final Honours School of Chemistry. From 1924 he was a demonstrator in his College and also worked as University Scholar in Physical Science. His researches which were published in the Journal of the Chemical Society gained him the further degree of B.Sc. Subsequently he obtained an appointment at the Rothamsted Experimental Station Harpenden which he still held a t the time of his death. He was elected tin Associate of the Institute in 1926. 173 Notes. Dr. John Augustus Voelcker has been appointed a Commander of the Order of the Indian Empire. The Imperial Service Order has been conferred on Mr. David Allan Gracey Superintending Chemist Government Laboratory. British Association f o r t h e Advancement of Science.- The annual meeting of the British Association will be held at Glasgow from 5th to 12th September under the presidency of Sir William Bragg.Professor E. C. C. Baly will be the Sectional President for Chemistry. Particulars may be obtained on application to the Secretary British Association Burlington House Piccadilly London W.I. Weyman Memorial Fund.-A Fund is being raised to provide for the education of the three children of the late Dr. Geoffrey Weyman Chief Chemist to the Newcastle-on-Tyne and Gateshead Company from 1910 to 1927. The promoters of the fund are making a general appeal to the chemical and gas industries since they desire that it should be regarded as a tribute to his outstanding work in connection with the carbonisation of coal and the purification of gas.The Benevolent Fund Com- mittee of the Institute has been authorised to supplement the Fund and generally to co-operate in the scheme. Lead-Tet ra-Et hyl.-The Committee appointed to inquire into the danger arising from the use of lead tetra-ethyl in motor spirit consists of :-Chairman Sir Frederick Willis chairman of the Control Board ; Departmental represent atives-Ministry of Health Sir George Buchanan; Home Office Dr. Bridge Senior Medical Inspector of Factories; Air Ministry Mr. Pye Deputy Director of Scientific Research ; Medical Research Council Sir Charles Martin Director of the Lister Institute; Sir Robert Robertson Government Chemist ; War Office Major Galwey Director of Experiments in Chemical Warfare; Department of Scientific and Industrial Research Dr.Lander Director of Fuel Research ; non-official members-Mr. A. Chaston Chapman Sir William Willcox and Prof. H. B. Dixon. Lecture.-On the 12th April at 83 Pall Mall the Registrar gave his lecture on “Alchemists in Art and Literature” before the London Section of the Institute of Metals. 174 Books and their Contents. Since the publication of the JOURNAL AND PROCEEDINGS Part 11 1928 the following books have been presented by the authors or publishers and may be seen in the Library of the Ins ti tu t e :- “Cement Works Chemists A Handbook for.” F. B. Gatehouse. Third edition. Pp. viii.+172. (London Charles Griffin & Co. Ltd.). 7s. 6d. Calculation of proportions and analysis of raw materials; analysis of fuel lubricants water and kiln gases; cement analysis; analysis and examination of aggregates cement-sand mixtures concrete etc.; notes on cement testing. “ Chemotherapy the Chemistry of.” J. Malcolm Dyson. Pp. vii.+zp. (London Ernest Benn Ltd.). 32s. 6d. Physiological action and the nature of matter; compounds grouped according to chemical composition rather than according to physiological activity ; organic halogen derivatives; simpler compounds of nitrogen; compounds containing the -CO.NH-group ; ammonium bases ; heterocyclic compounds of nitrogen ; compounds of sulphur selenium and tellurium ; organo-metallic compounds. ‘ Creatine and Creatinine.” A. Hunter. Monographs on Bio- chemistry. Pp. vii. f281. (London Longmans Green & Co.Ltd.). 14s. Discovery synthesis and constitution ; preparation and quantitative determination ; biological distribution ; metabolic significance and the immediate origin of urinary creatinine ; physiology of creatine ; creati- nuria; the origin of creatine; bibliography. “Drugs The Chemistry of Crude.” J. E. Driver and G. E. Trease. Pp. vii. +159. (London Longmans Green & Co. Ltd.). 10s. 6d. An account of the chemistry including the properties preparation and tests for important compounds occurring in drugs aliphatic acids ; fats etc. ; carbohydrates; glucosides; gums tannins; phloroglucinol and anthraquinone derivatives ; colouring matters ; alkaloids ; essential oils ; resins; animal products. JOURNAL REQUIRED.-A copy of “Nature” for July 31st 1926 is required to make up the Institute’s volume for that year but is now out of print.The Council will be glad if any member who has a copy to spare will kindly forward it to the Registrar. 175 The Register. At the meetings of Council held on 20th April and 18th May 1928 6 new Fellows were elected 15 Associates were elected to the Fellowship 60 new Associates were elected and 24 Students were admitted. The Institute has lost 5 Fellows and I Associate by death. New Fellows. Adam William Gordon B.A. (Oxon.) M.I.Chem.E. The Old House Loughton Essex. Cronshaw Cecil John Turrell B.Sc. (Vict.) Alnwick Prestwich Park Manchester. Knowles Frank East Anglian Institute of Agriculture Chelmsford. Osborne Ernest Thomas M.A.(Oxon.) 3 Upton Road Bexleyheath Kent. Parkes Deric William B.A. B.Sc. (Oxon.) 93 Hagley Road Edgbaston Birmingham. Smith Andrew Oakwood Borrowash Derby. Associates elected to the Fellowship. Buist Walter Ferguson B.Sc. (Liv.) 353 Queens’ Drive Stoneycroft Liverpool. Bullock Frederick Cecil B.Sc. (Lond.) St. Helier Parkland Drive Oadby nr. Leicester. Burtt Arnold Wigham M.Sc. (Birm.) Beckingham Rosemary Hill Road Streetly Birmingham. Chignell Guy B.Sc. (Lond.) 2 Milton Road Highgate London N.6. Clutterbuck Percival Walter O.B.E. M.Sc. Ph.D. (Leeds) 50 Wyverne Road Chorlton-cum-Hardy Manchester. Constable Frederick Hun M.A. (Cantab.) Ph.D. (Lond.) St. John’s College Cambridge. Ellis Oliver Coligny de Champfleur M.Sc. Ph.D. (Manc.) 11 Den Bank Avenue Sheffield.Fallows Leonard M.A. (Cantab.) 90 Belgrave Road New Moston Manchester. Halton Philip M.Sc. (Lond.) 9h.D. (Cantab.) Research Association of British Flour Millers St. Albans Herts. Jones Daniel Evans M.Sc. (Wales) Coedhir Dolygaer Merthyr Tydfil. Leather Alfred Norman B.Sc. (Lond.) 423 Old Chester Road Rock Ferry Cheshire. Lowndes; John Chemistry Department? St. Thomas’s Hospital London S.E.l. Milne Geoffrey M.Sc. (Leeds) Department of Agriculture The Univer- sity Leeds. Thomas Fred M.Sc. (Wales) Glenthorne Walmley Road Erdington Birmingham. Walker George Hugh Ph.D. (Liv.) 166 Lord Street Southport. 176 New Associates. Aiyar Swaminatha Subrahmanya B.Sc. (Madras) M.Sc. Ph.D. (Wis.) Mysore Iron Works Bhadravati Mysore State India.Andrews Harry B.Sc. (Lond.) Roselea St. Albans Road Garston Watford Herts. Ballantine Erik Dean B.Sc. (Glas.) 8 Eglinton Drive Glasgow W.2. Bessey George Edward H.M. Building Research Station Bucknalls Lane Brandt Alfred B.Sc. (Lond.) 18 Crosby Road North Waterloo Liver- Browne Leonard Tremellen B.Sc. (WaIes) 21 Kingsland Road Victoria Campbell Malcolm Colin A.C.G.F.C. Park Gate Hotel Bayswater Road Clews Francis Herbert M.Sc. (Birm,) Brendon St. Anthony’s Drive Cooke Thomas Henry B.Sc. (Birm.) 8 Brandwood Road King’s Heath Cox Eric Ernest Chemistry Department University ColIege Newport Garston Watford Herts. pool. Park Cardiff. London W.2. Westlands Newcastle-under-Lyme Staffs. Birmingham. Road Cardiff. Davies Emyr Conwy Pulrose Derby Road Rock Ferry Birkenhead.Deeley. Leslie Norman B.Sc. (Birm.) 72 Nicholls Street %’rest Bromwich Staffs. Doyne Humphrey Cathair M.A. ( Oxon.) Lands and Forests Department Freetown Sierra Leone. Dunn John Thomas B.Sc. (Lond.) 12 Spa Road Melksham Wilts. Dunn Richard Trevor B.Sc. (Wales) Leason Reynoldston Swansea Glam. Elson Leslie Alderman B.Sc. (Lond.) Ivanhoe Heather nr. Leicester. Foster Frank B.Sc. (Leeds) Station Road Brockholes Huddersfield. Fraser Bertie Rodger l3.S~. (St. Andrews) c/o Assam Oil Co. Ltd. Digboi P.O. Upper Assam India. Gaskin John George Noel B.Sc. (Lond.) 18 Grove Parade East Finchley London N.2. Hampton Horace Arthur B.Sc. (Birm.) 13 Arch Hill Street Netherton Dudley Worcs. Hanson Norman William B.Sc.(Wales) Glenalmond Llanbadarn Fawr Aberystwyth Cardiganshire. Hartley Leonard B.Sc. (Lond.) 136 Duke’s Avenue Muswell Hill London N.10. Heap Tom M.Sc. Ph.D. (Vict.) 120 Church Road New Mills nr. Stockport. Hogg Wilfrid Henry B.Sc. (Lond.) 36 Mayfield Road Wylde Green Birmingham. Hopkinson Gerald A.M.C.T. 38 Second Avenue West Thurrock Grays Essex. Hornby Clement Denton M.Sc. (Leeds) c/o Mrs. Hopkins Berwyn Serpentine Road Poole Dorset. Jones Cyril William Hart B.Sc. (Lond.) 37 Penn Road Holloway London N.7. Khwaja Abdul Hamied B.Sc. (Allahabad) Ph.D. (Berlin) Masud Manzil Aligarh U.P. India. Mansfield Albert Richard 46 Linden Road Bournville Birmingham. McIntyre Joseph 44 Ardoch Crescent Stevenston Ayrshire.Ochse Oscar Lennox New Modderfontein Gold Mining Co. Ltd. P.O. Van Ryn Transvaal S. Africa. 177 Pattle Horace Leonard B.Sc. (Lond.) Wistaria House Cattawade Manningtree Essex. Peachey Cyril George M.Sc.Eng. (Witwatersrand) Onverwacht Platinum Ltd. P.O. Steelpoort Transvaal S. Africa. Peutherer Willison Bryce Hope Cottage Winchburgh. Pike Richard Edwin B.Sc. (Lond.) A.R.C.S. c/o Dr. S. Judd Lewis F.I.C. Bank Chambers 329 High Holborn London W.C.l. Pitter Albert Vincent Ph.D. (Bris.) 19 Hatherley Road Bishopston Bristol. Preece Isaac Arthur B.Sc. (Birm.) 92 Pershore Road Edgbaston Birmingham. Rapps Norman Frank B.Sc. (Lond.) 40 Clifton Road Crouch End London N.8. Raper Cyril Kentish B.Sc. (Lond.) A.R.C.S. 18 Ashlake Road Streatham London S.W.16.Reece William Henry B.Sc. B.Sc.Eng. (Lond.) c/o Leyland and Birming- ham Rubber Co. Ltd. Leyland nr. Preston. Rogaris Edward Stanley Fairfield 1 Ash Grove Seaforth Liverpool. Steele Alfred Raymond B.Sc. (Lond.) University College Nottingham. Strathdee Roy Brown M.A. B.Sc. (Aberd.) Ph.D. (Cantab.) c/o Far- quharson 17 Albyn Place Aberdeen. Swanney. John YViMam B.Sc. (Edin.) 13 Falcon Gardens Edinburgh. Symes Thomas Edward M.Sc. (Lond.) 3 Princes Street North Exeter. Taylor Miss Katherine Frieda B.Sc. (Wales) 3 Woodland Place Penarth Clam. Taylor Miss Sarah B.Sc. (Manc.) 25 High Street Epsom Surrey. Thomson Miss Hilda Grierson B.Sc. (Glas.) 15 Cresswell Street Hillhead Glasgow. Vatchagandhy Jal B.Sc. (Bombay) M.Sc.Tech. (Manc.) 22 Dartmouth Road Chorlton-cum-Hardy Manchester.Venis Reginald Jeremiah B.Sc. (Lond.) c/o Trinidad Leaseholds Ltd. Pointe-a-Pierre Trinidad B.W.I. Wainwright Charles B.Sc. (Lond.) 8 Kingsdown Avenue West Ealing London W.13. Wales Albert Eric B.Sc. (Leeds) 128 Gowthorpe Selby Yorks. Ward Harold George Tresco Cornwall Road Sutton Surrey. Ward Robert 74 Queen's Drive Mossfey Hill Liverpool. Watson Henry Adams Station House Uphall West Lothian. Williams Leslie Henry B.Sc (Lond.) 7 1 Empress Avenue Woodford Green Essex. Wilson James Gilmour B.Sc. (Lond.) A.R.T.C. Netherby Milngavie nr. Glasgow. WTilson Robert B.Sc. (Glas.) 123 Retford Road Handsworth Sheffield. Wilson Thomas Norman Gold Kinver Headrigg Road West Kilbride Ayrshire. Yeates Reginald Leslie M.Sc.(Lond.) 54 Belgrave Road VC'anstead London E.ll. New Students. Balloch Alexander 33 Great Western Road Glasgow. Bateman John Burraston Highstanding Windsor Road Babbacombe Torquay. Booton Joseph 37 Dean Street Hamer Rochdale Lancs. Bradford Bernard William 147 Windmill Street Gravesend Kent. Brasher Miss Dora Mary 3 Chobham Road Woking Surrey. Buchanan George Hotchbiss CFLrrick View Mitchell Place Saltcoats Ayrshire. 178 Duncan John Ronald Macfarlane 9 Norse Road Scotstoun Glasgow. Elwes Eric Vincent 28 Conville Boulevard Bebington Cheshire. Fuller Albert Henry 13 Park View Beeston Hill Leeds. Garton Miss Geraldine Constance 145 Adelaide Road Hampstead London N.W.3. Gernaey August Henri Adolf 74 George Lane South Woodford Essex.Gray Arthur John 63 Frinton Road London E.6. James George Harold Main Street Branston Burton-on-Trent. Johnston Alexander Mount Blow Balfron Stirlingshire. Kirkpatrick William Ford 1 Springvalley Terrace Edinburgh. Leslie Robert Edward 11 1 Broughton Road Edinburgh. Lundie Geoffrey David Merton College Oxford. McLean John 3 Aigas Cottages Anniesland Glasgow. Milner Francis Highgland 7 ~ North Road Highgate Licyrdon N.6. Nisbet Frank Lochbridge North Berwick. Powell Donald Waring 113 Muswell Hill Road London N.10. Rolt William Frederick 12 Sudbourne Road Brixton London S.W.2. Seward-Turner Miss Elsie Caroline Mary Grove Lodge Grove Road Epsom Surrey. Spinks John William Tranter 38 Newtown Thetford Norfolk. DEATHS. Fellows.Walter Johnson Cooper. John Frederick William Hodges. Benedict Kitto. Archibald Kling. Frederick Mollwo Perkin C.B.E. Ph.D. Associate. Arthur John Walker B.A. B.Sc. 179 General Notices. Examinations,-Candidates will be examined for the Associateship and for the Fellowship from the 17th to aand and from 24th to 29th September. The list of entries for the September Examinations will close on Monday the 16th July. Sir Edward Frankland Medal and Prize f o r Students.- A medal and prize for the best essay not exceeding 3000 words on “The Importance of General Education to the Professional Chemist” will be awarded in January 1929 and presented at the next annual general meeting or at a meeting of the Local Section to which the successful competitor is attached.Entries are limited to registered students who are less than 22 years of age at the time of forwarding the essay. Each essay must be sent to the Honorary Secretary of the Local Section of the district in which the competitor resides on or before the 31st December 1928 and must be accompanied by a signed declaration that it is the indefiendent work of the competitor. The Committee of each Local Section wilt be asked to select from among the essays received not more than three considered to be most worthy of the award. Essays will be valued partly for literary style and technique but mainly for the thoughts and ideas contained therein. The essays selected by the Local Sections will be referred to assessors appointed by the Council.On the report of the assessors the Council will decide whether an award be made. The award will not be made more than once to any individual competitor. Enquiries on the subject of the Sir Edward Frankland Essays should be addressed to the Registrar. Meldola Medal.-The Meldola Medal (the gift of the Society of Maccabzans) is awarded annually to the chemist whose published chemical work shows the most promise and is brought to the notice of the administrators during the year 180 ending 3Ist December prior to the award. The recipient must be a British subject not more than 30 years of age at the time of the completion of the work. The Medal may not be awarded more than once to the same person. Further particulars may be obtained from the Registrar.The Council will be glad to have attention directed (before 1st January 1929) to work of the character indicated. The award for the year 1928 will be made in January 1929. Beil by Memorial Awards.-From the interest derived from the invested capital of the Sir George Beilby Memorial Fund at intervals to be determined by the administrators representing the Institute of Chemistry the Society of Chemical Industry and the Institute of Metals awards will be made to British investigators in science to mark appreciation of records of distinguished original work preference being given to in- vestigations relating to the special interests of Sir George Beilby including problems connected with fuel economy chemical engineering and metallurgy.Awards will not be made on the result of any competition but in recognition of continuous work of exceptional merit bearing evidence of distinct advancement in knowledge and practice. The administrators of the Fund are the Presidents the Honorary Treasurers and the Secretaries of the three partici- pating Institutions. Notice to Associates.-The Counril desires to encourage all Associates to proceed to the Fellowship as soon as possible. The attention of Associates elected prior to June 1gz5 who have since been continuously engaged in the study and practical application of chemistry is directed to the syllabuses for the examinations for the Fellowship. Copies of the regulations and forms of application can be obtained from the Registrar.Appointments Register.-A Register of Fellows and Associates of the Institute of Chemistry who are available for appointments is kept at the offices of the Institute. For full information inquiries should be addressed to the Registrar. Fellows and Associates are invited to notify the Institute of suitable vacancies for qualified chemists. 181 Students who have been registered as Students of the Institute for not less than six months and are in the last term of their training for the Associateship may receive the Appointments Register of the Institute on the same terms as Fellows and Associates provided that their applications for this privilege be endorsed by their professors. Lists of vacancies are forwarded twice weekly to those whose names are on the Appointments Register.Fellows and Associates who are already in employment but seeking to improve their position are required to pay 10s. for a period of six months. Members and Students who are without employ- ment are required to pay 6s. 6d. for the first period of six months and if not successful in obtaining an appointment will there- after be supplied with the lists gratis for a further period of six months if necessary. The Institute also maintains a Register of Laboratory Assistants who have passed approved Preliminary Exaniinations and in some cases Intermediate Science Examinations. Fellows and Associates who have vacancies for such Registered Students and Laboratory Assistants are invited to communicate with the Registrar.The Library,-TheLibrary of the Institute is open for the use of Fellows Associates and Registered Students between the hours of 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. on week-days (Saturdays 10 a.m. and I pm.) except when examinations are being held. The Library is primarily intended for the use of candidates during the Institute’s practical examinations. The comprehensive library of the Chemical Society is avail- able by the courtesy of the Council of the Society for the use of Fellows and Associates of the Institute wishing to consult or borrow books from 10 a.m. to g p.m. on week-days (Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.). Registered Students of the Institute are also permitted for the present year to use the Library of the Chemical Society for reference purposes but not to borrow books.Members and Students of the Institute using the Library of the Society are required to conform to the rules of the Society regarding the use of its books. 182 The Director and Secretary of the Science Museum South Kensington has notified the Council that arrangements have been made for the issue of books and periodicals on loan to scientific workers introduced by approved institutions. Students and research workers frequently require books on a variety of subjects other than those of their special study so that books which can be obtained easily from other Institutions would not ordinarily be lent by the Science Library. The Science Library however contains some 360 periodicals specially devoted to chemical science and arrangements have now been made (by means of a form of requisition obtainable from the Registrar of the Institute) for borrowing any of these and the remainder of the 8,000 periodicals in the Library that may not be available in the Library of the Chemical Society or elsewhere.Covers for Journal.-Members who desire covers for binding the JOURNAL (cost about IS. 2d. each) are requested to notify the Registrar of their requirements indicating the years for which they are desirous of binding the JOURNAL. Arrangements have been made with Messrs. A. W. Bain & Co. Ltd. 17-19 Bishop’s Road Cambridge Heath London E.2 to bind volumes of the JOURNAL AND PROCEEDINGS on the following terms buckram case IS. zd.; binding 2s. 9d.; postage and packing 9d.; in all 4s.8d. Lantern Slides f o r Lectures.-A collection of slides is kept at the Institute for the use of members who wish to give lectures. The collection includes a large number of portraits and pictures of alchemists and chemists which are especially useful to members lecturing on various phases of the history of chemistry. The slides have lately been used extensively in many parts of the country. Members are requested to notify their requirements at least 14 days before the date on which the slides are to be used. Changes of Address.-In view of the expense involved through frequent alterations of addressograph plates etc. Fellows Associates and Registered Students who wish to notify changes of address are requested to give so far as possible their permanent addresses for registration. 183 Annual Chemical Dinner 9th November 7 928.- Fellows and Associates of the Institute are invited to participate in the arrangements for the Annual Chemical Dinner which will be held in London at the Connaught Rooms on Friday the 9th November at 7 for 7.30 p.m. Dr. G. C. Clayton C.B.E. M.P. has kindly consented to take the Chair and will be accompanied by Mrs. Clayton. The Dinner will be followed by music and dancing. Further particulars will be announced in due course. Hon. Secretaries. Sections. LOCAL SECTIONS OF THE INSTITUTE Birmingham and Midlands Dr. F. W. Norris A.R.C.S. A.I.C. 91 Witherford Way Selly Oak Birmingham. Bristol and South-Western A. W. M. Wintle F.I.C. 6 Glentworth Counties Road Redland Bristol. Cape of Good Hope Dr. C. F. Juritz M.A. F.I.C. Villa Marina Three Anchor’s Bay Cape Town South Africa. Edinburgh and East of Scotland J. W. Ingham M.Sc. F.I.C. Dept. of Chemistry Heriot-Watt College Edin- burgh. Glasgow and West of Scotland Huddersfield Ireland (Belfast) , (Dublin) Dr. P. F. Gordon F.I.C. Royal Technical College Glasgow. H. S. Pink M.Sc. A.I.C. 18 Longley Road J. C. A. Brierley M.Sc. F.I.C. Brobenadt Dr. A. G. G. Leonard F.I.C. 18 Belgrave H. J. Hodsman M.B.E. M.Sc. F.I.C. Dept. H. E. Monk B.Sc. F.I.C. 27 Kenwyn Huddersfield. North Circular Road Belfast. Road Dublin. of Fuel The University Leeds. Road Wallasey Cheshire. of Chemistry 30 Russell Square London Leeds Area Liverpool and North- Western London and South-Eastern E. B. Hughes M.Sc. F.I.C. c/o The Institute Counties Malaya Manchester and District Newcastle-on-Tyne and North-East Coast New Zealand South Wales W.C.1. V. R. Greenstreet A.C.G.F.C. A.I.C. Dept. of Agriculture Kuala Lumpur F.M.S. Dr. Albert Coulthard F.I.C. 136 Barlow Moor Road West Didsbury Manchester. F. H. Walker B.Sc. A.I.C. 17 Chester Street Newcastle-on-Tyne. W. Rest Mummery F.I.C. Box 2 Aramoho Wanganui New Zealand. Dr. A. G. Ramsay A.I.C. 4 Hawthorne Avenue Uplands Swansea. Ins tit u te of Chemistry Students’ Association (London). Hon. Secretary NORMAN STUART jun., 11 Platts Lane Hampstead N.W.3.