摘要:

INS'I'ITUTE OF CHEMISTRY OF GREAT BRITAIN AND IRELAND. REPORT OF A CONFERENCE ON THE ETHICS OF PROFESSIONAL CHEMISTRY, Eeld Wedmsday, December 8th, 1881. $IYnban : PRINTED BY A. P. BLUNDELL & CO.,26, GARLICK HILL, E.C. I_ 1882. FOR PRIVATE CIRCULATION. INSTITUTE OF CHEMISTRY. A7 PAPER ON CERTAINPOINTSIN THE ETHICSOF PROFESSIONALCHEMISTRY, READ BY PROFESSOR E. FRANKLAND AT TEE CONFERENCE Held Tedrtesdiy, December 8tJ2, 1881. IN asking me to introduce the subjects of this Conference as defined by the Conference Committee, I presume your Council considers it desirable that this duty should be undertaken by some one as ignorant as possible of the opinions and practice of chemists in reference to the matters now to be discussed ; at all events this is the condition in which I come before you on the present occasion, for my experience in any of the six subjectg enumerated has been exceedingly slight, and, such as it was, it occurred long ago, when our profession was very differenb from what it is in its present developed condition.I have always considered that those persons are best worth listening to who thoroughly under- stand the aubject they talk about, and although there may, on rare occasions, be some advantage in hearing the opinions of so- 4 called outsiders on account of their presumed impartiality, I think this is more than compensated by the chance of failure in seizing tlie real points of interest and importance. Without further preface, however, I will proceed to cousider briefly the points to be discassed.1. Shozskd chemists take samples for ana7ys.i~personrclly ? It has always appeared to me that, iu most cases, the tsliing of samples for analysis is of at least as much importance, and requires almost as much intelligence, as the performance of the analyses themselves. Commercial articles requiring analysis are rarely honiogeneous, and UI~I~SSdue proportions of the hetero- gerieous parts be mixed, the analysis of the sample must be misleading. With the best intentions as regards fairness? persons ignorant of the requiremeuts of scientific exactness may, and I believe frequently do, take improper samples. Again, if the article to be examined be a merchantable one, and the seller takes the sample, it can scarcely be expected that he will not select as fayourable a specimen as possible ; whilst on the other hand, if the buyer samples, an inferior specimen is likely to be sent for analysis.The analyst ought to consider how easily the character of his profession may be thus imperilled, and he ought, therefore, to guard himself, by every means in his power, against being made the tool of interested parties ; and one of the best means of doing this is, in my opinion, to take samples himself, whenever prac- ticable. Of course I am aware that the observance of such a rule is often difficult, or practically impossible, and I am, there-fore? far from recommending that chemists should decline to undertake the analysis of any samples they have not themselves collected; but I do desire to express my dissent frotn the pro- position, ‘‘ That it is uizdesirable that chemists should take samples personally.” When, however, both parties to a bargain agree upon a sample, the chemist is relieved of all responsibility in the matter.2. Should fhe conditions of analysis, and the method eniployed, be stnted in the report, where there are di$erent processes in use known to gh~edzfeerent results ? 5 In reporting, the chief o5ject of the analyst ought, I conceive, to be to make known to his employer, and frequently to others as well, the truth about the thing investigated. If, therefore, the conditions under which the analysis was made are such as to rpquire a knowledge of them in order that the analytical numbers may be appraised at their true value, then those conditions ought to be described in the report.Still more ought the method of analysis to be clearly stated if there are several processes in me known to give different results, provided always that the analytical data do not, in themselves, clearly reveal to experts the particular method employed. 3. Under w?mt circwnstunces are nizalystsjust$ied in employing a commercial method prescribed by a client, even when it is knozotz to give i?zaccurnteresults ? In reply to this question, T think it is quite legitimate for an analyst to employ any method prescribed for him-howerer inaccurate it may be-provided that he gives his client fair warning that the results are not trustworthy, and stipulates that no use shall be made of them unless accornp,anicd by the analyst's statement that he considers them inaccurate.Rut whilst such work would, under these conditions, be justifiable, the circum- stances must be very rare indeed under which a chemist woiild willingly undertake it. He ought, moreover, to be very careful that there is no sinister intention of making other than a legiti- mate and straightforn-ard use of his results. 4. The employment of a way of stating results zchi2h is mis-leading. On this point I should not' have imagined that there could be two opinions, although it is of course possible that there may be two practices. I can only conceive of the employment of a mis-leading may of recording results being in some degree justifiable when the recorder is ignoraut that his statement is misleading.The statement of all analytical results ought to be as clear and precise as possible and in order that they may be so, the best known methods of analysis ought to be employed, even if they involve much more labour. The cases involving misleading G statements with which I have become acquainted have alniost invariably resulted from the employment of imperfect methods by the analyst, followed by his guesses at data which he ought to have ascertained by careful experiment. The losses in these cases have generally fallen upon the client, who thenceforward retains a very undesirable opinion of the capacity of chemists in generaI.5. Whether the custom of buying or selling &y sample as analysad by some analyst named in the contract should be countenanced ? There may be evils or disadvantages connected with this practice which are unknown to me ; but, so far as my knowledge extends, I cannot discover any tangible objection to it. Moreover, if the proceeding were deemed undesirable, I do not see how it could be effectively discountenanced. 6. Tho question of rt?ferencein casos of discrepmacies. This appears to me to be a, very difficult question to answer in a definite manner. In most cases, I should think that the two chemists onght to confer together before recourse is had to a referee, and for this reason I should be inclined to deprecate the appointment of a referee beforehand.It would, in my opinion, be far better that both parties should agree upon an analyst, whose report mould then be more likely to be impartial than a result arrived at by the cumbrons and expensive process of em-ploying two analysts and a referee. Moreover, the settlement arrived at by the three would probably never be so satisfactory to either party as the verdict of a trustworthy man eniployed by both. THEPRESIDENT: The question having been raised in the Council of the Institute some little time since whether it might not be very useful to have a discussion amongst the Members of the Institute of several points relating to the practices of analytical and consultiiig chemists, in the pursuit of their profession, a committee was appointed to consider what subjects might be practically dealt with in this way.The Committee framed six questions which appeared to afford scope for very useful discussion, and to include a variety of topics of general interest to the pro- 7 f2ssion. The difficulty, however, was to determine how best to open a discussion on these subjects, and we naturally sought among our members one who, occupying an independent position, would be likely to bring before us the questions without bias, and to lead us to discuss them from various points of view. We thought our choice could not fall upon a better man than Dr. Frankland, and he kindly consented to deal with the subject.No doubt all of us have perused his Paper carefully, and what I would suggest to you is, that -ive should not now at once deal with the whole Paper, short as it is, but that me should take up seriatim the questions, with what Dr. Frankland has got to say upon each one, and discuss them in this way, 80 as to arrive in as brief a period as possible at some conclusions. THE SECRETARYthen read the first question, with Dr. Frankland's remarks thereupon. THE hmsrDENT having invited discussion, DR. VOELCKERsaid : Dr. Frankland thinks that if the seller takes the sample it can scarcely be expected but that he will select as favourable a specimen as possible ; while a similar remark will apply in the case of the buyer. What I mould ask is this: If two parties, one for the buyer and one for the seller, watch each other, is it not likely we shall obtain a fair sainpIe ? It is quite true that if we have to deal with a new commercial article of vhich we know but little, a chemist might be of some assistance in devising a proper plan of sanipling ; but in a recognised articIe of commerce a man accustomed to sampling might be up to the tricks of trade, and so sample better than a qualified chemist.On the whole, I am inclined to think that sampling might be left to those who are interested in the matter, and for whose interests the sampling is made, and the responsibility of the chemist should terminate in turning out accurate results. He should confine his attention to making the analysis, and should not undertake a special duty which he could not personally perform, but would have to leave to his assistant, nith the probability that this assistant m-ould not be so well up, in my opinion, as a man traiued to taking samples.8 REDWOODPROFESSOR said: I have not much to offer upon this subject. I agree generally with the remarks of Dr. Voelcker, and in addition would say that, in my opinion, there are two perfectly distinct classes of samples which chemists are called upon to analyse. These two classes call for distinct and different modes of collecting. In regard to com- mercial samples, I think what has been said by Dr. Voelcker directly applies, and that we are accustomed to look for the collection of such samples by persons interested both in behalf of the seller and buyer, and these persons, as far as my ex-perience goes, are accustomed to take fair and proper samples: the responsibility that rests on the analyst is to make a correct return of the real value of such samples.There are, however, many other cases where it devolves upon the analyst to take samples personally : this applies, for instance, to samples of water, where the fitness of such water for drinking purposes is in question. There are circumstances connected with the natural history of the water, its source, and the surroundings of this source, of which no person can form an adequate opinion so well as the analyst who is called upon to express an opinion on its salubrity. It appears to me, therefore, that under those two different classes of circumstances, the mode of proceeding should be distinct and different.MR. DAVIDHOWARD: I do not know that I can say much on the subject, excepting so far as my own experience is concerned. That experience is confined to well-known customs of trade, and may throw a certain amount of light upon this subject. There are two quite distinct points, as Professor Redwood has said. In certain cases a chemist is more of a consulting chemist than a referee ; and in such cases, if he can bring his skill to bear in taking a sample, it is desirable he should do so. The majority of commercial samples, however, are of two classes-those which are sampled by an independent person, and those sampled by the buyer and seller together, or OT by the seller only.A very large class of goods Thich come iuto the London prodlice market-known as (‘The Lane”-are sampled in the dock or rharf. It requires 9 years of experience, and very great skill and care, to sample properly ; so much so, that I invariably take, if possible, a sample by a skilled man. It is exceedingly tempting in sampling-especially if it is something you think you know a good deal about-to take a sample which strikes your eye. For this reason, I rarely take samples with my own hands. As a matter of fairness it is not desirable that a sample should be drawn by any one skilled in the special goods, so much as by one skilled in the art of sampling.If it were known that the sampling at any wharf or clock was not well performed, there wwld be a great objection to bny goods from that wharf or dock. In these cases it is most undesirable that a chemist should interfere, for he mould certainly not do the work as well as a man receiving wages not quite representative of the value of a chemist’s time. In the case of a seller’s samples, it is most undesirable that a chemist should have any responsibility: if the samples of buyer and seller do not agree, he cannot be blamed ; but if he had drawn the samples himself, the responsibility would be thrown on his hands. The ordinary custom where samples are not drawn at the wharf or dock is, that the buyer and seller, or their repre-sentatives, should agree to sample together. The analyst is thus perfectly free from responsibility, and if a mistake is made, it is not his.Of cours2 I am now speaking of the class of articles with which I am acquainted. If I am to analyse a sample, I would prefer it drawn by a man who has the specific knowledge of sampling, because I believe he will do it mechanically, and theref ore better. MR. MAXWELL LYTE: I think that sampling is as much a business to be learnt by a chemist as any other branch of his profession. He ought, at all events, to know how to sample. He ought not to be considered to be obliged to trust to a man in the docks to collect his samples. A chemist ought always to assist if he can, and if not, he should, if possible, employ some qualified agent to assist.It should not be a recognised thing that achemist does not kiiow how to sample. In the next place, I would s3y that the rsponsibility of the chemist map be too limited. Ti1 10 France this responsibility is very much greater than it is here. A chemist who makes an assay of gold or silver has the respon- sibility of that assay thrown upon him, and is legally liable both to the vendor and the purchaser-within the limits of allowable error4f any loss accrue from his assay ; and although it might happeE he was not proceeded against, still the responsibility is legally his, and he could be sued in a court of law. If there was more responsibility here attached to the chemist, 1believe it would tend to raise the standard of the profession, and his condition would be considerably improved.DR. PAUL:In addition to the remarks of previous speakers, with most of which I agree, I might say there are, no doubt, cases in which the identification of the samples by a chemist becomes a matter of importance-in poisoniiig cases, for instance ; or in cases of nuisance, and where it is necessary to give evidence in relation to sanitary matters, but in ordinary trade affairs the only point to be considered by the chemist is that his analysis should be accurate, and the statement of his results precise. When a sample is put into his hands, it is of very little .importance to him whether it represents the bulk of the article or not ; so long as his work is properly done, he is free from all responsibility on that score.The most satisfactory couditions under which samples are taken is where the buyer and seller agree upon the sample to be analysed ; and if in that case the bulk does not agree with tlie sample, it is the samplers who are to blame. An objection is put forward by Dr. Frankland that when a sample is supplied to the chemist by the seller, the latter is likely to take a favourable sample. I do not think that is tenable. A man who has to offer a material for sale on the basis of an analysis would naturally desire as correct a certificate as he could get. If he has sold according to sample, and certified goods as being of a certain value, he lays himself open to an action for damages, or to make good the difference in value, if the good3 turri out to be iuferior.A pei*son bnying, on the other lmnd, would take care to haw as correct a sirlnple RS possible. I believe what is con-sidered the most s:\tisf:tctory p?an is for buyer ;inti seller to hare 11 their respective representatives-generally, the better class of workmen, earning, say, 22 a week, and perfectly able to draw a satisfactory sample; in this way everything that the chemist requires is supplied. Another objection to the chemist interfering with sampling is that it is qnite impossible for him to give the time required for this work. It is sometimes necessary to go a distance-to Liverpool or Cornwall-and it would interfere greatly with his professional work if he were compelled to do this, besides involving him in responsibility that does not properly appertain to him as a professional man.MR. TYRER: I think the whole question of sampling is pretty well indicated in the concluding sentence of the third paragraph : -“ When, however, both parties to a bargain agree upon a sample, the chemist is relieved of a11 responsibility in the matter.” One cannot help thinking there may be circumstances in which the chemist may very natnrally be called in to decide where “ doctors differ,” particularly when a sample has been drawn from a part of the material different from that whence another sample has been taken. With regard to sampling at the docks, having had some slight experience in the matter, I am bound to say I must heartily agree with Mr.Howard as to the mechanical accuracy-may I call it?-of these samples. The chemist has not the technical knowledge necessary to do the work properly, and I have found that in comparing the samples which the men have taken with those taken on my own independent judgment, that in almost every instance my sample was not so fair as that taken by the purely mechanical man. Of course, if the chemist had the time to do the work himself, he would derive benefit from it wider acquaintance with raw products, of which he does not know, perhaps, so much as he ought ; but if a man of extensive pactice be called upon to analyse a substance, and gives the result, I do not se3 how he can be asked to undertake sampling, which, after all, is rather a mechanical matter than a scientific OllC.NR.JANES BET,L: In the Soiiierset House Laboratory we never, except under yery exceptional circumstances. draw snmpIes for 12 analysis ourselves. We take this course to avoid being placed in a false position should complaints arise of unfairness in the taking of the samples. Such complaints, according to our experience, do occa- sionally occur, and, when second samples are taken, acknowledged to be fairly drawn, the results of the analysis sometimes differ materially from those obtained from the samples firat taken. Not having been concerned in the taking of either of the samples in such cases, we can with every confidence report the analytical results in both cases, whether they agree or not, without fear of being charged by either side with birts or prejudice.No analyst could expect to be always successful in draffiug fair, average eamples, and if he were compelled to convict himself in an error in the performance of one duty, it is clear that this would be likely to create a doubt in the niinds of those employing him as to the accuracy of his analysis. The samples submitted to us for analysis are taken by persons entirely outside our control, and, consequently, in undertaking the analysis our minds are wholly unhiassed, and free from doubts and fears as to the unfairness or otherwise of the sample, and we find this system to work so well that I should recommend all analysts, whenever practicable, to follcw the same course.So thoroiighly are we convinced of the advantages of this system, that when requested to draw our own samples we allnod invariahly decline, and even in any exceptional case, where we rnay deem it necessary or advisable for us to do so, we are careful to have the analysia made by a different analyst to the one who took the sample. MR. C. T. RINGZETT:Apart from the iesirability or unde-sirability of samples being taken personally by analysts, I should like to ask some of the Fellows whose opinions we have heard, what there is in this perfection of mechanical skill attained by nnprofessional pemons that defies chemical science. To ensure fa,ir samples, it is only requisite to take fair quantities of any number of rnaterialr which rnay be placed before one.and I alto-gether fail to see why chemists, trained as they are in the matter of quaxiti ties arid technical knowledge, should not carry out such 13 operations more satisfactorily than untrained and scientifically- ignorant persons. 1 should certainly prefer my own samples to those taken by a wharfinger, or other similar person. For certain classes of work, such as the analysis of, say, asphalte pavements laid under contracts, it is extremely desirable that the samples should be taken by the professional chemist employed, although, doubtless, for many purposes such a precaution is not necessary. MR. NORUN TATE: I came here rather to listen than to speak, but being largely engaged in the examination of commercial pro- ducts, I may say that my own impression is, after some jears of experience, that sampling and analysis form two different classes of work.Yet I cannot but think that a chemist should be familiar with every mode of sampling, in order that he may judge whether his sample fairly represents what it is said to represent. Mr. Kingzett asks what makes sampling so difficult. I can only say I should be very sorry to trust a chemist unaccustomed to sampling to take a sample. I will mention a case in point : There was a dispute in relation to the strength of some caustic soda-ash, and it was referred to a chemist to sample and analyse, but he simply scraped off a portion of the upper surface of the contents of one of the casks, put it in a bottle, and analysed this sample, and the result was, o€course, totally wrong.I think it is necessary that a chemist should be accustomed to sampling work, because if the buyer and seller, or their representa- tives, both take samples, it is often a matter of dispute as to how much “ good” or “bad” shall be put in. This is constantly taking place. It really comes to this, that the man who samples must be a man who is daily engaged in sampling, and who knows the sort of goods he has to sample. Very much depends upon technicalities. For example, in the case of palm-oil, certain modes of procedure are prescribed by the trade. A tryer ’’ is run from the bung-hole to the bottom, and what comes out is considered a fair sample of the contents of the cask.But this oil differs ac- cording to weather aud other circumstances, and a different sample may be taken in cold to that taken in warm weather. Then there is generally a cerhin amount of dirt, and the position of this differs according to the position in which the cask was packed. A know-ledge of all these technicalities is necessary, and shows that an experienced man would do better work than a chemist unaccustomed to sampling. MR, F. A. MARNINCIsaid: 1 quite agree with Mr. Howard that the best sampling is that which is the most purely mechanical. In order to secure this, I would have examples taken from portions not exposed to view. In the only branch of sampling in which I have had any ex- perience (the coal-tar products) there is a considerable difference now as to the limits of error allowed.A few years ago manu- facturers and buyers were contented if they found samples to be within one or two units of thc truth. Now they require practically that they should be within half an unit. I attribute the increased exactness obtained in a great measure to the care exercised in drawing and preparing the samples. DR. STEVENSON:I think that in such cases as poisoning it is important that the chemist should take the samples himself, but comnionly they are taken before he hears of the case. To take samples would involve generally such an expense that few persons could afford it. Of course, in occasional cascs, people may call in chemists, but these cases must be mry few in number, and would have little effect on the general principle of sampling.DR. FRANKLAXD,in reply, said : In the first place I must ex- press my thanks to the several gentlemen who hare favoured us with their views on this subject, and for the valuable information I have gained from thein. Their reinarks have confirnied my opinion as to my incompetence to deal it-ith this subject. entirely agree with the observations which fell from Mr. Howard. Wherever the chemist can bring his skill to bear in the collection of samples, he ought, if circumstances permit, to exercise it ; for the chemist certainly ought to be better capable of taking fairer samples than a wharfinger, however well the latter may have been trained.I also agree with the opinion advanced by Mr. Maxwell Lyte, that it would be better if chemists were not 15 treated so much as a mere machine in these matters. Still, I think there are many cases in which they ought not to be taken from their work in order to draw samples of ordinary materials. No doubt it is a difficult question, but I contend that in cases where intelligence is necessary in sampling, it ought to be exercised by the chemist, and that he should, as a rule, take the samples himself. THEPRESIDENT: I think there appears to be a general con- sensus of opinion in regard to this question of sampling. Where the work is mechanical, we all agree that such mechanical work requires great experience and a certain amount of skill, neither of which may be possessed by the chemist, or can be acquired, only by long practice. But there are certain questions in which the chemist mamy usefully exercise his skill and experience-certain spccial subjects in which it devolves upon him to take samples for himself-such, for instame, as the examination of a water in respect to its wholesomeness-certain questions in which some thing more than mere intelligence must be exercised in determining how the sample is to be taken, and in examining into conditions, circum- stances, and surroundings in connection with its collection.It is very satisfactory that the conclusion we have come to is an unanimous one, and that during the discussion most of us have gained some information which cannot fail to be useful to us.Unfor-tunately Dr. Frankland has not much more of his raluable time to spare this evening, and I am doubtful how far we can encroach upon it by taking up the next question for discussion. There is, however, no reason why we should take the questions seriatim, and I think it would be convenient if we were to select one rhich not only bears somewhat upon the question we have just been discussing, but the consideration of which is, moreover, not likely to occupy much time. I would suggest, therefore, that question No. 5 be taken. THESECRETARYhaving read No. 5, MR DAVID HOWARDsaid: I must say that, so far as my experience goes, I fully agree with Dr.Frankland. I do not see how the practice of nominating chemists can be discountenanced. 16 As a matter of practice the analyst is not asked his leave, and he does not know, even when the sample comes before him. Of course if two parties agree upon an analyst it saves all furtlier question, and it is impossible to raise any dispute, and all vexatious questions of ‘‘high ” and ‘I low ” analysts are set at rest. No doubt the system of naming an analyst throws a good deal of work into the hands of those who have gained a public reputation, but this cannot be avoided. It ip, a very common thing to put down three or four well known names, and to select one. If a, buyer and seller agree to be bound by some one analyst, it certainly has immense commercial advantages.It avoids a difficult question, the question of referees in case of discrepancy. MR. TYRER: Nothing can be more invidious than the position of chemists referred to by Mr. Howard, and reputed as “ high ” or “ low,” and chosen by seller or buyer to be pitted against one another. There is no benefit from this competition, either to the chemist or to the profession. The naming of a particular chemist certainly has its advantages, and I hope this Institute will not forbid its members undertaking engagements of this kind. In my own experience, where questious have bcen referred to A. and B., and to C., in the event of A. and 13. differing, there has been a great amount of anxiety. From a commercial point of view, the system of naming an analyst of repute disposes of t’hese difficulties.DR.VOELCKER:I fully recognise the difficulty of the case, whether you take one side or the other; but it appears to me undesirable to name two chemists unless you also name a referee. No doubt to prevent all disputes the best way is for both parties to choose one chemist, If you choose two chemists, you get ‘4 high ” and ‘‘ lorn ” chemists, and that is the result of naming, and one of its drawbacks. If a buyer or seller wishes for what is called a ‘‘ high” chemist, you might give him the name of a chemist whose analysis one could tell to a half per cent. how he would bring it out. If a seller selects a “ high ” chemist, then the buyer must take a “low” one ; and the consequence of this is that a great deal of the work is left in the hands of buyers’ and sellers’ chemists. In the case of a dispute referred to a referee, the probability is that the decision of the latter is not taken as it is, but the mean of his result and that with which it agrees most closely is taken.As I said before, when two chemists are nanied you are almost bound to name a referee. MR. NORMANTATE:The question is this-Do we wish to see the practice of buying and selling on samples, as analysed by a chemist, discountenanced ? My opinion is, that whether we dis- countenance the practice or not, sales will continue to be made on the basis of tests. Therefore, if samples are to be analysed, it is better the work should be done by a chemist than by an inex-perienced person ; and far better it should be relegated to one chemist only than be placed in the hands of two chemists chosen respectively by the buyer and seller, because we do find differences in results, according as the chemist has to decide for the buyer or seller.In the case There one chemist is employed it is not so much a case of buyer or seller as deciding what is fair for both parties. NR.MAXWELLLYTE: I should submit that this matter is one of commercial convenieuce, and that it is of course natural, in order to avoid subsequent bickerings, in cases of difference, that bu-j-er and seller should agree beforehand to give their work to 80me particular chemist. It is natural, also, that under these circumstances, when certain pkoducts have to be analysed, the work should be given to particular chemists who are accustomed to the analysis of these particular products-super-phosphates, or copper, for instance.DR. FRANKLAND,in reply, said: I do not think I have any observations of importance to make in connection with the dia- cussions. On this question, there seems to be a very general unan- imity of opinion which coincide8 with the brief expressions I gave in the introduction. It has occurred to me that probably there is a feeling among the younger members of the profession that the older are usually selected for this kind of work, and I would suggest whether it is not possible for this Institute to do something by which young chemists could be brought forward.The idea of course is wholly a crude one, but if men laid themselves out for special kinds 18 of work, might there not be a register kept, so that their nnines could be placed before merchants and manufacturers ? No doubt, as Mi. Lyte has said, there are chemists of special attainments better fitted for some Binds of work than are others who hare not so qualified themselves. It is possible that something of the kind I have suggested might be adopted, and might lead to a better diffusion of this work among the profession, especially among the younger members. THEPRESIDENT:I agree with Dr. Frankland so far as to con- sider that it would be very desirable to prepare the mercantile mind for the employment of younger chemists who are well qualified by knowledge and skill for particular classes of work.Dr. Voelcker has held out a strong temptation to rising profes- sionals to become ‘‘ high ” chemists, but to counterbalance the “high ” chemists there ought, of course, to be a few ‘‘ low ” ones (laughter). On the whole, however, it appears that the practice to which this question relates, is one which may very well be left as it is. In conclusion the President said, that as there were four more questions to be discussed, and as it would be a pity to deal with them hurriedly, he would suggest that the further discussion be adjourned until a future meeting, which the Council would fix as speedily as possible. This was agreed to, and the meeting adjourned,

ISSN:0368-3958    

DOI:10.1039/PG882060B001

出版商:RSC    

年代:1882

数据来源: RSC

摘要:

INSTITUTE OF CHEMISTRY OF GREAT BRITAIN AND IRELAND, THE REPORT OF THE COUNCIL ixn B,kLANCE SHEET FOR 1881, 1'OGE'IHER RIIH J?HE ADDRESS OF THE PBESZDENT, PROFESSOR AKEL, C,B,, F,R.S,, kc. $?nabon : PRTNTED BY ,4. P. BLUNDELL & CO., 26, GAHLICR HILL, E.C. -1883. INSTITUTE OF CHENISTRY OF GREAT BRITAIN AND IRELAND, REPORT OF COUNCIL. THE Council has to congratulate the Members, as on former Anniial General Meetings, on the continued prosperity of the Institute. At the time of the last General Meeting there were on the Register 4f2 Fellows and 51 Associates, whilst at the present time there are 412 Fellows and 47 Associates, besides one Fellow and one Associate who have been recently elected but not yet formally admitted.During the past year we have lost one Member by death,. Nr. A. E. Arnold ; five Associates have become Fellows; and five Fellovs hare resigned. The qualifications required of Candidates for admission to the Institute have been carefully reconsidered, with especial reference to the three years’ training required by the Articles, and it has been decided that after October, 1883, every Candidate Fill be required to produce evidence :-That he has passed satisfactorily through a course of three years’ study in any chartered or incorporated Colleges or Schools previously approved by the Council, in the subjects of Theoretical and Analytical Chemistry, Physics, and Elementary Nathematics. That he has passed such examinations in these subjects at such Colleges and Schools as the Council may from time to time direct, or that he has passed the examinations of the Science and Art Department as prescribed by the Council.If the evidence of training is considered by the Council to be satisfactory, the Candidate will then be admitted to the practical examination conducted by the Examiner appointed for that purpose by the Council. Since the last General Meeting, a Conference has been held ‘‘ On certain points in the Ethics of Professional Chemistry,” the subject being introduced by Professor FRANKLAND,but only a few of the questions raised in the paper were discussed. It is proposed to consider the others at an adjourned meeting. In addition to the Conferences, the Council propose that a series of experimental demonshations should be given, illustrative of modern methods of analysis, and of physical operations more immediately connected with our branch of science.The first of these On Modern Methods of Gas Analysis, and the Apparatus employed therein,” has been undertaken by Mr. ROBERT WARRINGTON,and will shortly be delivered. The Council has most carefully considered as to whether it is advisable in the present state of the Institute to publish a journal which should be sent periodically to the Members. Such a journal might contain : 1. Original articles on subjects of professional interest. 2. Reports of Conferences. 3. Original communications. 4. Short reports of Law Cases in which Professional Chemists are engaged as experts.5. Full reports of new and important Analytical Papers pub- lished in foreign journals. 6. Accounts of new or improved manufacturing processes. 7. Chemical Patents. 8. Correspondence. If the services of a competent Editor could be secured, such a journal might be made very useful to the members, so that the 21 question mainly resolves itself into one of cost. At the lowest estimate, a journal of the kind indicated could not be published quarterly for less than between 2,300 and S400 per annum. The balance of the Society’s income over expenditure is, however, but little more than $400, and, considering how important it is for an Institution like ours to accumulate funds, it would, in the opinion of the Council, be unwise to expend the available income upon publications.Dr. C. MEYMOTTTIDY’Sprize of 325 for the best original investigation on “ Special Reactions of the Alkaloids, and their Separation from Organic Mixtures,” has not yet been awarded, and is still open to competition, not only to Associates, but to all persons, except Fellows of the Institute, who shall before the 31st December next have qualified themselves for the Associateship in all respects short of passing the prescribed practical examination. The Institute is indebted to the President and Council of the Chemical Society for the use. of their rooms during the past year, as on previous occasions. IKSTITUTE OF CHEMISTRY OF GREAT BRITAIN AND IRELAND. STATXHENT OF ACCOUNT ANB BALAhTCE SBEET, FROM TO 31ST DECEMBER,1ST JANUARY 1881.2 s. d. 5 s. d. 52 s. d. Cashin hand, 1 Jan., 1881 .. .. 8 15 5 Printing, Stationery and Postage .. .. .. 83 18 3 Balance in London and Westminster Advertisements .. .. . . .. .. 96 13 2 Bank, 1Jan., 1881 .. .. 535 5 8 Bent, Office, and Miscellaneous Expenses . . 76 10 8 --544 1 1 Examiner’s Fees . . .. . . .. .. 10 10 0 7 Entrance Fees at Five Guineas . . 36 15 0 Salaries and Wages .. .. .. .. .. 153 0 0 1 at Ttvo Guineas .. 2 2 0 Parliamentary Agents .. .. . . . . 3 5 69, 4Life Compositions .. .. .. 105 0 0 Purchase of 2500 301, Consols .. .. .. 601 17 6 143 17 0 Cash in hand 31 Dec., 1881 .. $32 11 0 320 Fellows’ Subscriptions .. .. 672 0 0 Balance in London and Westminster N36 Associates’ ,, .. .. 37 16 0 Bank, 31 Dee., 1881 .. .. 508 8 0 XY --709 16 0 540 19 0 Interest on Consols .. .. .. 55 lo 0 ExaminationFees .. .. .. --10 10 0 --$1,466 14 1 ;E1,466 14 -1 ,2J)aaete. SiabiXifita4 31 December, 1881, Cash in hand .. . . .. 540 19 0 31st December, 1881 .. . . . . . . None. 9) ,, 522,500 3 OJ0 Consols. Audited and found correct, RAPHAEL MELDOLA. Jan. 4th, 1882. CUTHBERT G. NEISON. JOHN M. TROMSON. 23 PRESIDENT’S ADDRESS, The President was accidentally prevented from delivering this Address to the Members on the occasion of the Anniversary Meeting. It has been printed in conformity with a resolution of the Council. ALTHOUGHthe year which has passed since it was last my privilege to address the Members of the Institute on the subject of its affairs has not been a very eventful one in the history of this young society, there are some topics connected with, or bearing upon, the labours of the Council during the last twelve months which should possess special interest for us, and in reference to which I may therefore perhaps usefully offer a few observations supplementary to the stamternen t of facts presented by the Council’s Report.The Institute having entered upon a new stage of its existence shortly before the last anniversary, consequent upon the expira- tion of the term during which Fellows could be admitted into the Society without passing through the preliminary grade of Amociate, the newly-appointed Council deemed it one of its most important duties to reconsider carefully the prescribed qualifica- tions of candidates for adinission to the Institute. Strongly im- pressed with the great advantage which the acquisition of some mathematical knowledge, besides sound preliminary training in physical science a,nd in theoretical as well as practical chemistry, must be to young men embracing chemistry as a profession, the Council considered that particular stress should be laid upon the condition, that the admission of a candidate to the practical ex- amination (prescribed as a qualification for the grade of Associate) must depend upon his producing clearly defined evidence of the desired preliminary training.A careful discussion of this subject by a Committee of the Council led to the conclusion that the best evidence which the candidate could be called upon to furnish of his having satisfactorily passed through such training, would be the production, by him, of proofs to that effect in the shape of 24 certificates from the authorities or professors of Universities, or of incorporated colleges or schools recognised by the Council, or of certificates of the Science and Art Department, relating to particular grades of examinations approved of by the Council. Careful consideration is therefore being given to the preparation of a list of recognised colleges and schools for the, information of candidates, which it is contemplated to make as extensive as is consistent with the necessity for guarding against the existence of any foundation for the possible suggestion that individual in- terests connected with educational establishments are favoured by the Institute, and of securing publicly recognised official guaran- tees of the qualifications of candidates.It is perhaps scarcely to be expected that the number of young men presenting themselves annually for admission into the Institute should, for the present, greatly exceed those of the past two years ; at the same time it is probable that the objects of the Society, and the interests of those who may contemplate devoting themselves to chemistry as a profession, would be pro- moted if colleges and other educational bodies were, in their calendars or similar publications, to direct attention to the require- ments of the Institute, and to the special nature of studies which should be pursued by those preparing for the Associateship. The Mason Science College, of Birmingham, has set a good example in this direction, having published in its calendar for 1881-82 a syllabus of the subjects which have been included in recent examinations in practical chemistry of candidates for admission to the Institute, as well as suggestions with regard to the course of study to be pursued by students of that class. The generally scanty attendances at the Meetings or Con-ferences which have been held for the purpose of discussing subjects of special interest to the profession has led the Council to consider whether other means could be resorted to which might prove more successful in securing occasional numerously-attended meetings of the Society.The suggestion vas made by one of their number that many of UB would be glad to have the oppor- 25 tunitg of attending experimental demonstrations of particular analytical processes, or physical operations, not commonly prac- tised by professional chemists, a practical acquaintance with which might at any time prove useful or necessary. The Council considered the holding of such demonstration to be an experiment well worthy of trial ; they have therefore gladly availed them- selves of the valnable services of Mr. Robert Warington, who has agreed to hold the first of these demonstrations on a subject of very general interest and importance.It is intended that a suitable honorarium should be paid to gentlemen undertaking these demonstrations, and several subjects of interest have suggested themselves, which appear likely to afford matter for instructire meetings. I ventured, in the remarks which I offered at the last Anni-versary Meeting, to suggest, as a question worthy of considera-tion, whether it mould be compatible with the primary objects of the Institute, or conducive to their promotion, for the Council to undertake the publication of a periodical, Some observations, afterwards submitted to the meeting by an exponent of the views of a number of provincial Members, demonstrated the desirable- ness of a thorough examination into the subject, and the results of the Council’s deliberations therein are given in the Report which you have heard read.It will, I conclude, be evident, from the statement submitted, that the Council cannot attempt the periodical issue of a publication of a sufficiently useful and comprehensive nature to be acceptable to the Fellows and worthy to be styled the Journal of the Institute, except at a cost which would absorb almost the entire revenue of the Society. Meanwhile, however, active steps have been taken in another quarter for the publication of a new periodical which bids fair to furnish to professional chemists much of the information which could be embraced in the contents of a Journal of the Institute, as sketched out in the Council’s Beport, and which may also become the vehicle for the publication of original conimunications or of correspondence from Fellows.It may therefore be desirable 26 for your new Couiicil to consider whether it might not be agreeable to the Members of the Institute that arrangements be made for the gratuitous supply to them of the “Journal of the Society of Chemical Industry,” of which the first number will shortly appear, that Society having succeeded in establishing a guarantee fund more than ample to cover the first year’s outlay upon their Journal. There is no doubt that this new periodical will deal very comprehensively with matters of special interest and importance to industrial and professional chemists, and that great pains will be taken to make it in every respect a worthy companion to the matchless Journal of Scientific Chemistry and Cheiiiical Physics, published by the Chemical Society, so that the wants of all branches of the professiou are likely to be completely met by these two periodicals, and any special publication which the Council of the Institute can supply to its Members in addition to the new journal just referred to, if this be determined upon, can only consist of matters relating to the transactions and condition of the Society.The foundation of the Society of Chemical Industry, which, though not yet twelve months old, is already in very active and vigorous operation, may be considered as mainly due to the exertions of a number of Fellows of the Chemical Society and of the Institute of Chemistry who have found that the constitution of neither Society was such as to enable it to supply the growing want felt by men engaged in connesion with the great Chemical and allied Industries of this country, of frequent oppoi%unities to exchange opinions and information with their fellowworkers in different parts of the kingdom, and of a good English publication dealing specially and comprehensively with all that relates to technical chemistry. It would appear, although it is not easy to understand how this should have come about, that some few of our Fellows, who are connected with chemical or allied manufactures, had entertained expectations that the Institute of Chemistry should, to some extent 27 at any rate, have fulfilled those wants, and that its Members should, long ere this, instead of accumulating its resources, have devoted all available income to the distribution of some immediate substantial equivalent for the subscriptions paid.I ask to be allowed to remind those Members that the primary object of the original nimers in the establishment of this Society, as put forth in the original proposal circulated, was ‘Lto ensure that persons adopting the profession of consulting chemists, or acting as analytical chemists for reward, are qualified by study and training for the proper and competent discharge of the duties they under- take ’’ (I quote from the circular), and that this subject was very definitely formulated in our Menlorandurn of Association, the wording of which was most carefully considered, and which has been communicated to all who mere about to become Fellows of the Institute.The objects of the Association, as there laid down, are :-(A) To promote and encourage a thorough study of Chemistry and all branches of Science allied thereto in their application to the Arts, to Agriculture, to Public Health, and to Technical 1ndusLr;l.p. (B) To adopt such measures as may be necessary for the advancement of the Profession of Chemistry, and par- ticularly for t’he maintenance of the Profession of the Consulting and Snalptical Chemist, on a sound and satisfactory basis.It may be well also to remind the Fellows, that the movement which resulted in the establishment of this Institute, arose, on the one hand, out of a yery strong feeling for the necessity of furnish-ing a guarantee to the public, that only properly qualified chemists should practice the profession, and, at the same time, of affording some means of protection to qualified practitioners ; on the other hand, it sprang from a feeling of dissatisfaction, because the only title available as some such guarantee to the public, namely, that of Fellow of Chemical Society, Kas not of necessity any 28 indication whatever of the qualifications of the persons using it. It was because most careful discussions of the subject showed that the constitution of the Chemical Society could not, without modifications very difficult to carry out, admit of its supplying the want which had gradually arisen since the profession of the practising chemist had attained a footing corresponding to that of the medical practitioner, that this Institute was established.When the functions of the Institute were most carefully and elaborately discussed and considered, no question was ever raised as to the desirableness of their including any which would be kindred to those fulfilled by the Chemical Society on the one hand, or which on the other hand the Society of Chemical In- dustry (or of Chemical Engineers, as some would have had the new Society called) bids fair to carry into effect. The ‘‘ doing of all ench other lawful things as are incidental or conducive to the promotion and encouragement of the study of Chemistry and all branches of allied science, and the adoption of such measures as may be necessary for the advancement of the Profession, kc.” (these being the objects towards the fulfilment of which the efforts of the Institute should always tend), nzay include the expenditure of some portion of the Society’s funds upon the occasional pub-lication of matters of special interest to the Profession, and the adoption of any means which appear best calculated to promote good fellowship and concordance of opiuion on matters vital to the interests of the Profession ; but it seems obvious that the true functions of the Society, towards the fulfilment of which each Member should willingly contribute, even if only with the com- parative narrow view of a substantial return hereafter, are : The establishment of thoroughly efficient examinations in London and the Provinces; the public promulgation in all directions of the existence of the Institute, and of‘ the position accorded to it by the profession; and the accumulation of such resources as will allow of all possible steps being taken to promote its public recognition, and as x4l, in course of time, enable the Institute to Secure the permanent and elevated social position xhich shonld be 29 its right as the public representative of the interests of the Chemical Profession.Among the very earliest of our original Members there are many men of high eminence as manufacturing chemists, and it must be believed that their joining this Institute, with the objects of which they were made thoroughly acquainted, afforded strong testimony of the feeling entertained by the industrial section of the profession that the want existed of a proper guarantee that its younger Members, who entered upon employment in manu- factories, had received the preliminary training essential to their competence, and that the practising Chemists, whose services it might from time to time be necessary to secure, were duly qualified by experience, knowledge, and character, to fulfil the trust which it was necessary to place in their powers and integrity.These guarantees the Institute now furnishes, and each suc-ceeding year of its existence adds to the importance attained by the qualifications which its Fellowship and Associateship impose and ensure.Each successive year of its existence wili see the prime objects of its promoters more firmly established, and more fully developed arid in due course this Association, working steadily, though for a time it may appear but slowly, for the advancement of the welfare, the dignity, and public recognition of the profession, must, if loyally supported, take its place among the important incorporated Professional Institutions of the United Kingdom.

ISSN:0368-3958    

DOI:10.1039/PG882060A021

出版商:RSC    

年代:1882

数据来源: RSC