PRESENT PROBLEMS 687 



problems in pure chemistry and studied in accordance with recog- 

 nized methods of modern research by men fully trained in pure 

 science. If these men are also chemical engineers the ultimate solu- 

 tion of the problem is proportionately hastened; but they are first 

 of all men trained in the spirit and methods of scientific research. 



In general, an investigation may be prompted by either or both 

 of two incentives; either by the pleasure to be derived from achieve- 

 ment and the love of scientific study for itself, or by the hope that 

 from the investigation some immediately useful result may be 

 obtained. Yet between the product of the first motive pure 

 chemistry - - and the ultimate result of the second - - technical 

 chemistry - - a difference does not necessarily exist. The fact that 

 a piece of work is undertaken and carried on with the predeter- 

 mined purpose of applying the results to a practical or commer- 

 cial end does not in itself render it any the less a study in pure 

 chemistry. The method of thought and action employed will be 

 that of the investigator in pure science, whatever the ultimate 

 object may be. To make the result of the work an achievement in 

 technical chemistry an important contribution must then be made 

 by the chemical engineer, in order that the conditions forming the 

 definitions of the term "technical chemistry" as already stated 

 may be fulfilled. In trying to point out some of the important prob- 

 lems in technical chemistry, no attempt will be made to distinguish 

 between the part which must first be played by pure chemistry 

 in their solution, and that which will still remain to be done by 

 the chemical engineer to make this contribution utilitarian. 



There is always a tendency to measure the importance of a sub- 

 ject by the extent of one's knowledge of it and the depth of the 

 interest one has in it. In order, therefore, that we may obtain a 

 proper perspective, we must consider a problem important in pro- 

 portion as it affects the greatest number of people; of moment ac- 

 cording as the results of its solution will be far-reaching in their 

 effects, or be but of local benefit. 



From this point of view the first industry to demand attention is 

 the manufacture of fertilizers. In the last ten years the product of 

 this industry in the United States alone has increased from 1,900,000 

 tons to 2,900,000 tons, an increase of over fifty per cent. This 

 increase is probably more marked in America than in the older 

 countries of Europe, because the necessity of replenishing the virgin 

 soil was there reached long ago, w r hile with us it is only begun. The 

 magnitude of the industries which are dependent directly or in- 

 directly upon agricultural products is so well recognized that it 

 needs no discussion here. That the supply of crude material from 

 which plant-life derives its nourishment should be maintained is 

 therefore a source of responsibility for the present, as well as for 



