D. CHEMISTRY AND METALLURGY. 207 



as severe, however, as that by a mixture of solid carbonic 

 acid and ether. 



Sparkling wines apparently increase more in volume on 

 cooling than still wines; and half or even two thirds of 

 wines containing eleven to twelve and a half per cent, of 

 alcohol can be frozen, the portion remaining liquid being at 

 first turbid, but becoming clear by standing. The wine thus 

 obtained is found to keep better, to be richer in alcohol and 

 extractive matter, to possess an intensified aroma and color, 

 and to lose, by fermentation and precipitation, albuminous 

 matter and salts. Contrary to the conclusions of Boussin- 

 ganlt, it was ascertained that perfectly pure water could be 

 separated from the wine by freezing it ; and the freeing of 

 the ice formed from the adhering and inclosed wine in various 

 ways could be best effected by centrifugal action, while the 

 wine retained all the alcohol and mixed ingredients. Over 

 forty per cent, of water, for example, was separated from 

 Burgundy wine ; and it is suggested that, on a large scale 

 and with suitable apparatus, wines could be improved in this 

 way. The character of the resulting wine can, however, only 

 be ascertained for any particular case by a trial. But it 

 seems established that many Burgundies may be adapted for 

 transportation in this way, so that in bad years, or with 

 weak wines, it will not be necessary to resort to the addition 

 of alcohol. The two methods for the improvement and pres- 

 ervation of wines namely, by heating and freezing may, if 

 desirable, be employed with the same article. 13 C, August 

 1,1873,975. 



JACOBSEX's APPARATUS FOR EXTRACTING GASES FROM 



SEA- WATER. 



Among the finer articles used in the prosecution of deep- 

 sea researches is an ingenious apparatus invented by Pro- 

 fessor Jacobsen for the extraction of the gases from sea- 

 water, and their transfer to appropriate receptacles without 

 loss. The usual apparatus for this purpose, as heretofore 

 adopted by Professor AVyville Thomson and others, is not 

 considered satisfactory, the gas escaping in large quantity 

 when the water is brought to the surface, in consequence of 

 the reduced pressure. 



Shortly before the Challenger left England, Jacobsen's ap- 



