316 ANNUAL OF SCIENTIFIC DISCOVERS. 



of aUyl, C 6 H 3 I, iodine being set free. The bromid is a heavy colorless 

 liquid which, at a temperature below ten degrees centigrade, crystallizes in 

 beautiful colorless prisms. By the action of this bromid dissolved in acetic 

 acid upon acetate of silver an oily liquid was obtained, boiling at 268 centi- 

 grade, neutral, colorless, and heavier than water. This liquid is triacetine, 

 C 1S H I4 13 . By saponification with baryta- water, acetate of baryta and gly- 

 cerine were formed. The latter was identified by its properties and by 

 analysis. Comptes Rendus, xliv. 780. 



SOLVENT PROPERTIES OF GLYCERINE. 



Advantage is being taken of the solvent and preservative properties of 

 glycerine, in the preparation of medicines, both for internal and external 

 use, and of various essences for culinary purposes. Glycerine approaches 

 very nearly to diluted alcohol in its solvent power. It is supposed to pos- 

 sess the same power of supporting nutrition as cod-liver oil, and to be more 

 easily digested in many cases. This, however, requires the confirmation of 

 experience. Many specimens have been sent us of medicines prepared with 

 it, such as iodide of iron, quinia, iodide of quinia, carbonate of iron, iodine, 

 tannin, perphosphate of iron, etc. The culinary preparations are essence 

 of cloves, essence of cinnamon, lemon juice, lemon flavoring, etc. The 

 flavor is well preserved. It is extremely probable that in many cases glyce- 

 rine will supersede alcohol as a solvent and preservative. Med. Times and 

 Gaz. 



A correspondent of the London Society of Arts, in Guatemala, also re- 

 commends glycerine as an invaluable remedy for insect bites. 



ON THE COMPOSITION OF DISINFECTING POWDERS. 



At a late meeting of the London Society of Arts, Dr. Smith, of Manches- 

 ter, communicated the results of some important researches made by him- 

 self and Mr. M'Dougall on disinfecting agents. An examination of the 

 various bases was first made. Of these, magnesia was found to be the most 

 valuable as a disinfecting agent, forming an insoluble ammoniacal salt, and 

 one which naturally exists in the economy of vegetation. On a similar 

 comparison of the acids, the sulphurous proved the most efficient ; its disin- 

 fectant power equalling that of chloride without decomposing the ammonia ; 

 a natural constituent of the soil being also the result of its action. A com- 

 bination of the base and acid in the form of sulphite of magnesia was next 

 tried with signal success, a slight odor, hoAvever, still ^remaining. The 

 known influence of phenic or carbolic acid (one of the products of coal-tar) 

 led them to combine five per cent, of it with the salt previously employed. 

 By this means a disinfecting powder was produced, which has proved re- 

 markably efficient in all instances where it has hitherto been tried ; in dis- 

 tricts infested with fever, and in cases of far advanced decomposition. 



