DEPAETMENT REPORTS. 8 



hv 



lation. The value of this work is to be measured not alone by the increased 

 familiarity with the subject matter, but also by the dexterity acquired in per- 

 forming chemical experiments, which will be of great use in afterlife, espe- 

 cially if any become teachers of Physical Science. 



During the same term I gave a full course of lectures to the Junior class in 

 Agricultural Chemistry, the subject matter being fully illustrated by experi- 

 ment wherever it admitted of experimental demonstration. In these lectures 

 I endeavored to give full information concerning the applications of chem- 

 istry to agriculture in all its branches, with special reference to the uses of 

 chemistry in farm operations of every kind. 



The instruction during the autumn term is given entirely by lectures, the 

 lecture of each day being reviewed at the opening of the succeeding day's 

 lecture by a terse and vigorous questioning of the class on the subject matter. 



Spring term. — One lecture a day (with ample experimental illustrations) 

 was given to the Sophomore class, finishing elementary chemistry and com- 

 pleting organic chemistry; a few additional lectures on Blowpipe Analysis 

 (determinative mineralogy), and on Quantitative Chemical Analysis by volume 

 (Volumetric Analysis). The class (in two divisions) spent one hour a day in 

 laboratory practice in Blov.-pipe Analysis and in Volumetric Analysis (Acidi- 

 metry, Alkalimetry, etc. ). I thus iiad charge of the Sophomore class for 

 three hours a day for the spring term, but my assistant in chemistry had per- 

 sonal supervision of the class during laboratory work. 



During this term I heard the Junior class in a daily recitation in Ganot's 

 Physics, the subject being very fully illustrated by experiments with excellent 

 apparatus, much of it new. 



Summer tei'm. — The Sophomores spent three hours daily in chemical 

 analysis, making separate determinations of the chemical composition of one 

 hundred substances. In this list were included a large number of commer- 

 cial and technical products. The following extract from the College Speculum 

 exhibits one phase of their work : 



ANALYTICAL RESULTS IN THE CLASS-EOOM. 



The Sophomore class in their work in chemical analysis have combined 

 work and play in the analysis of various substances which at different 

 times have flooded the markets of our State. Some of the results already 

 reached by the class arc given here, with the cost of the article and the price 

 at which it was offered for sale : 



1. Coaline. — Eight ounces of sal soda (carbonate of sodium) in a gallon of 

 water, with a few drops of nitro-benzol to give it an agreeable odor. Costs 3 

 cents a gallon ; retail price 40 cents. 



2. Silver Plating Fluid. — An ounce vial of solution of nitrate of mercury, 

 Avhich will form a temporary silvery coating when rubbed on brass, copper, or 

 silver, which speedily tarnishes when exposed to the air. Cost 3 cents; retail 

 price 50 cents. 



3. Nickel Plating Fluid is the same as X*, except that a little nitrate of cop- 

 per and nitrate of nickel ai-e added to the solution of nitrate of mercury. 

 Cost 3 cents ; retail price 50 to 75 cents. 



4. Fire Test Powders, to prevent explosions in kerosqne lamps, the break- 

 ing of lamps and chimneys, and \\\q danger of burning from the use of low- 

 grade oil. Tliese are pill-boxes containing one or two ounces of common salt, 

 colored with aniline red. Cost 1 cent a boxj retail price 00 cents, or two for 

 a dollar. 



