CHEMICAL NEWS, Dec. 19, 1913 Gallium in Aluminium. 305 compounds of the rare earths in the incandescent gas- | (see Mendeleeff's "Chemistry," ii., 403). Holmium mantle and other industries. Moreover, the very numerous (see gadolinium, previously considered) probably fits the suggestions which have been made for other uses are gap beyond tellurium or iodine, when the method of classi: noticed and their practicability discussed. These sug-fication is adopted as given in the CHEMICAL NEWS, Xci⭑:; gestions are grouped according to the property of the com- 283. Osmium, ruthenium, and manganese are perhaps pound upon which the application is based, and the related to the halogens very much as gold, silver, and systematic arrangement of the text compensates to a copper are related to the alkali metals, only in a kind of certain extent but not entirely for a full index. CORRESPONDENCE. GALLIUM IN ALUMINIUM. QUATERNIAN Series. To the Editor af the Chemical News. SIR,—Mr. Ramage's letter in the CHEMICAL NEWS (vol. cviii., p. 280) gives information that I should have included in my paper referred to therein. Much of the work mentioned on gallium is given in Roscoe and Schorlemmer's "Treatise on Chemistry," in which Hartley and Ramage are quoted as follows:-" It occurs, for example, in a large number of iron ores, from which it passes into the iron prepared from them, so that Middlesbrough cast-iron contains as much as I part of gallium in 33,000 parts, and is the richest source of this element Its wide distribution in very minute quantities is also mentioned. Browning, in" Introduction to the Rarer Elements," cites instances of its wide distribution, and likewise mentions the work of these experimenters. It is interesting to note, nevertheless, that Boulanger and Bardet find that commercial aluminium contains I part of gallium in about 5900 parts, 17 kilogrms. of aluminium yielding 0.3895 grm. of gallium oxide. known." I take this opportunity of adding a few notes. Referring to the CHEMICAL NEWS (cxviii., 247), if the sets of elements are arranged vertically in the order specified, it will be seen that those containing the halogens Cl, Br, and I, alternate between the sets containing Mg, Mn, Ru, and Te, and that the sum of the secondary differences (a+b, or a+b+c in one case) is 28 in each series containing a halogen. The remaining series give corresponding values 3.82, 7:00, 17'49, and 45:27. The following table suggests a certain degree of regularity amongst all these values: No series has, however, been given in which a+b=o. I now find that two or three series are possible which fulfil this apparent requirement, and which take up some outstanding elements analogous to those already appropriated. The members for these three extra series (which may be conveniently placed in another vertical column, so that they will stand opposite the others containing Cl, Br, and I) are:-C = 12, O=16, F 19, Na 23; ??68-88, Rh=102.83, Ho=163.30, Au = 197 25 ; Xe 130 77, Nd=144 28. Os 190 50, T1 = 204 01. There may be Ti and T., differing slightly in atomic weight and chemically non-separable (see Soddy, CHEM. NEWS, cviii., 168), but it is hardly safe to assume, or even suggest as probable, that all the elements, especially those of low atomic weight, are thus compounded (using this word in its generic or general sense). The parallelism in properties is fairly good. Oxygen has the same characteristic valency as beryllium and nickel, for example, and has a high positive magnetic susceptibility at very low temperatures (compared with such elements as manganese, chromium, palladium, titanium, and rhodium), thus in one respect linking itself up with the iron group. Rhodium resembles iron reverse sense. In conclusion, I wish to thank Mr. Ramage for calling attention to the incomplete statement I made, and for the further data supplied.—I am, &c., F. H. LORING. INSTITUTE OF CHEMISTRY CONFERENCE. To the Editor of the Chemical News. SIR,-May I, as an outsider, be allowed to remark on the opinions expressed at the recent Conference of Professors of Chemistry re the Institute of Chemistry. entrance are too narrow, being more accessible to the These mostly agreed that the present conditions of University chemist, to whom entrance is in many cases comparatively easy, than to the technical man, for whereas the latter is often a technical-academic chemist and therefore more qualified for the Institute of Chemistry, the former is usually only academically trained. That whereas the Institute wish to get all properly trained chemists under their regime, the present duplication of examinations and in some cases autocratic conditions of entrance are keeping away many who would do the Institute benefit. Also that research work should be a part of chemists' training, but only after he has acquired a good ground. work of scientific knowledge, such as the taking of a degree in chemistry. concerned may I put forward the following:As a suggestion for your readers' opinions and those 1. That the F.I.C. should bear the same relation to the A.I.C. as the D.Sc. does the B.Sc. And whereas the D.Sc. is the highest criterion of academic qualification, the F.I.C. should stand for technical skill together with a high scale of academic groundwork of scientific knowledge and some original research. 2. That a Membership of the Institute of Chemistry (M.I.C.). new qualification be considered, i.e., a 3. That the gaining of any degree in chemistry, with or without honours by day or evening "internal" work should qualify for the Membership of the Institute of Chemistry (M.I.C.). In the case of evening work, only from Institutes under the strict supervision of the Institute of Chemistry. 4. That a M.I.C. should become qualified for the A.I.C. on the acceptance of a piece of original research work by the Institute. By research should be meant every branch of independent chemical investigation, either commercial or purely academic. Care would have to be taken to prevent this research developing into a species of postgraduate work, and research work under more technical experience-gaining conditions should be encouraged, since it was pointed out that even the honours and researched academic chemist still did not necessarily ensure the right professional qualifications. 5. That the somewhat mechanical step from the A.I.C. to the F.I.C. be changed and the F.I.C. be made more analogous to the qualification for Membership of the Institute of Civil Engineers. Thus an A.I.C. would be qualified for a Fellowship after, say, three or four years continuous practice in a responsible position in the chemical profession, and that very strict attention should be paid to the consideration of the manner in which the time has been spent. It is certain that the entrance door to the Institute must be considerably widened if it is going to admit the true technical chemists. At present a man who for any reason does not wish to spend three continuous years at least at a recognised University is almost debarred from entrancepresumably for autocratic reasons of social distinction. NOTICES FROM FOREIGN Berichte der Deutschen Chemischen Gesellschaft. Oxidation of Nitrogen in the Electric Discharge.— A. Koenig and E. Elöd.-The authors have investigated the oxidation of nitrogen during the electric discharge, using the experimental arrangement of Fischer and Hene, and their results have led them to the conclusion that there is no warrant for regarding the oxidation as due to the activation of the oxygen. Their experiments with continuous current arcs indicate that the chemical action of the gases mixed behind the arc is due to the fact that in consequence of the active motion of the gases in the region of discharge fresh quantities of gas are always being acted upon by the discharge. Such men who are gaining actual professional or technical | CHEMICAL This is quite right in extreme theory, but does Sir W. Tilden think that all evening classes and part-timers are composed of laboratory boys, and that the admittance of the best of these "most worthy, most industrious, very intelligent" students necessitates them representing the Institute on public occasions and in the eyes of the world? We do not want the door opened wide so that all may flock in, but we do hope for a ray of light and hope, for at present there is almost none, and the way is so long and dreary as to not make it worth the ambition and perseverance required!—I am, &c., King's College, University of London. C. W. WOOD. Literary Intelligence.-Messrs. J. and A. Churchill are about to publish the following new books and new editions:-"A Manual for Masons," by J. A. Van Der Kloes, Professor in the Science of Materials of Construction, Technical High School, Delft; revised by Alfred B. Searle. "Modern Steel Analysis," by J. A. Pickard, B.Sc., Honours London A.R.S.Sc., A.I.C., F.C.S., Carnegie Research Scholar of the Iron and Steel Institute. "The Story of Plant Life in the British Isles," by A. R. Horwood, Member of the British Botanical Society, Ecological, Conchological Societies, &c.; illustrated with seventythree photographs. "Materia Medica, Pharmacy, Pharmacology, and Therapeutics," by W. Hale White, M.D., F.R.C.P.; 13th edition. "Elementary Practical Chemistry" (Part I.), by Frank Clowes, D.Sc. Lond., and J. Bernard Coleman, A.R.C.Sc.; Sixth Edition; with seventy-six illustrations. "The Medical Directory, 1914." "Who's Who in Science," 1914; with over 9000 Biographies. Influence of Foreign Substances on the Activity of Catalysts.-C. Paal and Arthur Karl.-The authors have already shown that when palladium is precipitated on metallic Al, Fe, Cu, Zn, Ag, Sn, or Pb, it loses its power of rendering hydrogen active, and thus hydrogenating unsaturated compounds. The metals have the same effect in the form of oxides, hydroxides, and carbonates. This is specially noticeable in the case of basic lead carbonate, which completely prevents the catalytic action of palladium precipitated on it. On the other hand, the oxide of a metal such as magnesium, which does not influence the catalytic action of palladium, increases its activity owing to its greater surface. Ammonium Peroxides.-J. D'Ans and O. Wedig.When dry NH3 is led into an absolute ether solution of pure H2O2, cooled to -10°, clear crystals separate after a short time. If more of the gas is passed in the crystals melt, and a thick oily liquid collects at the bottom of the vessel. The ethereal layer contains NH3 and traces of H2O2. The crystals first formed are NH4O2H. They melt and decompose at about 14°. The oily layer solidifies to a crystalline mass at about -40°, and analysis shows that its composition corresponds to the formula (NH4)2O2 (ammonium peroxide). New Method of Preparation of Colloidal Sulphur sulphur and selenium solutions the powdered element is and Selenium.-Julius Meyer.-To prepare colloidal dissolved in a few cc. of hydrazine hydrate, and the solution is energetically shaken. When a saturated solution If a few drops of this solution are added to some litres of has been made a syrupy dark coloured liquid is obtained. solution is obtained, and with sulphur a whitish yellow water, stirring thoroughly with selenium, a red coloured solution. The selenium solution is exceedingly stable, and can be boiled for some time without undergoing any change. It can be kept for months. When it is allowed to stand for some time a small quantity of red selenium solution is not so stable as the selenium solution. The sulphur separates, but it disappears on shaking. Isomeric Forms of Anhydrous Sodium Acetate.— D. Vorländer and Otto Nolte.-Two isomeric forms of The one which appears anhydrous sodium acetate exist. first when the amorphous melt cools may be called Ï., and the one appearing at a lower temperature II. monoclinic and the second rhombic. II. passes over into I. at 1989; the transition is enantiotropic. When sodium acetate crystallises from absolute ethyl or methyl alcohol the salt II. is always obtained, whichever salt was This salt II. is a very good conoriginally dissolved. densation agent; it abstracts water more rapidly than I. MEETINGS FOR THE WEEK. The first is SATURDAY, 27th.-Royal Institution, 3. (Christmas Lectures, adapted to a juvenile auditory). "A Voyage in Space," by Prof. H. H. Turner, D.Sc., F.R.S., &c. General Statement of Valency from the Periodic point | Electricity as a Conditioning Agent (i.) in the Proof view. Some suggested Cross Relations between Extreme The Valencies of Zinc, Cadmium, and Mercury A Periodic Classification of the Elements based upon Geometrical Regularities, and the idea of Branches at certain Places. cesses Operative in certain Chemical Changes, and (ii) in certain Primary Forms of Matter The Study of some Special Groups or Classifications of the Elements in Compounds. A Note on the Valencies of Vanadium and Bismuth. A few statements of the Theory of the Atom based upon Experiments in Molecular Physics. With Tables and Diagrams. Post free from any Bookseller, 2s. 8d. "The author has evidently carefully studied the literature of the theories of valency, and he shows much skill in stating briefly the gist of an argument and ingenuity in pointing out the directions in which fruitful research may possibly be undertaken."— Chemical News, October 3, 1913. London: SIMPKIN, MARSHALL, HAMILTON, KENT, and CO., Ltd, NOW READY. iii GENERAL INDEX TO THE CHEMICAL NEWS, Vols. 1 to 100 (1860 to 1909). Pp. 712. Price £2. (Carriage extra, weight 3 lbs. 9 ozs). PRESS OPINIONS. "The Index under review is one that will be necessary to every reader of the Chemical News, and, indeed, will be useful to all chemists, giving, as it does, references to so many subjects, such as university intelligence, &c., which are found in perhaps no other chemical journal."-Nature, June 19, 1913. "A great service has been now performed for the active chemist in making this mass of material easily accessible through a general index. It is evident that no pains have been spared to make this work as complete and All those interested, particularly in chemistry and chemical industry, will be grateful to the management of the Chemical News for bringing to completion this great work."--American Journal of Science, July, 1913. accurate as possible. "The Index seems very complete, and forms an interesting survey of he period covered by it. It should be of great value to chemists who possess files of the Chemical News "Journal of the Franklin Institute, July, 1913. "It is not merely a compilation of all the volume indexes, but is much more elaborate. Every possessor of a set of the Chemical News, whether complete or partial, will do well to add this most valuable volume to his library.”— Journal of the American Chemical Society, August, 1913. "Although the Index contains two thousand one hundred and thirty-six columns, the book is of a convenient size, and is only an inch and five-eighths thick. All chemists should show their appreciation of the enterprise of the Chemical News by adding this valuable Index to their library."-Knowledge, November, 1913. This Index covers all material in the issues of the Chemical News for the first fifty years, and should be of inestimable value to every working chemist, whether a subscriber to the Chemical News or not."-Journal of Indus rial and Engineering Chemistry, November, 1913. "The value of the Index is obvious Cons derable pains have been taken to render it a trustworthy source of reference, and the plan has been adopted of including in it both subjects and authors. This has rendered it a somewhat large volume, but the method facilitates reference, for it sometimes happens that the name of the author escapes memory, or the subject connected with his name may be forgotten. Since the references go back so far, the Index enables the reader to trace the development in many cases of industrial science, analytical processes, and so forth."-The Lancet, November 22, 1913. Orders should be sent to CHEMICAL NEWS, 16, NEWCASTLE STREET, FARRINGDON Street, LONDON, E.C. FREDK. JACKSON & CO., Ltd.. 14, CROSS STREET, MANCHESTER. GENERAL CHEMICAL APPARATUS, HEMPEL and ORSAT GAS ANALYSIS THE LONDON GAS REFEREES' GAS BURETTES OF VARIOUS KINDS. ORSAT GAS ANALYSIS APPARATUS. ILLUSTRATED PRICE LISTS FREE ON APPLICATION. THE ALCHEMICAL SOCIETY was formed in 1912 for the study of the early history of Chemistry and the works and THE JOURNAL OF THE ALCHEMICAL SOCIETY. Edited by H. STANLEY REDGROVE, B.Sc., F.C.S. (Author of "Alchemy: Ancient and Reprints of the 1913 Address of the Honorary President, Prof. JOHN FERGUSON, LL.D., &c., on "Some English Alchemical Books," may be obtained from the Publisher at 1s. net per copy. The Annual Subscription to the Society is 10s. 6d. 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