BUEEAU OF CHEMISTRY. 473 



CONTRACTS LABORATORY. 



The greater part of the work of this laboratory will probably con- 

 sist in the testing of miscellaneous materials purchased under con- 

 tract by the Government departments, and the preparation and re- 

 vision of specifications for such materials. The study of paint and 

 paint materials and the investigations of enamel-ware cooking utensils 

 and rubber and platinum laboratory utensils will be continued. 



LEATHER AND PAPER LABORATORY. 



It is proposed to pursue the following lines of work during the 

 coming year : 



(1) The study of unusual paper-making materials, method of 

 cooking stock, and methods for the utihzation and disposal of the 

 wastes of paper making. 



(2) Studies of the service, quality, and suitabihty of leather for 

 various purposes, and experiments to improve its quahty with a 

 view to conserving raw material. An investigation of the weighting 

 of leather, and other harmful or needless processes of leather making 

 to improve methods of manufacture and reduce its cost. The study 

 of native tanning materials, with particular attention to their con- 

 servation. 



(3) Studies on the production, refining, nature, and uses of wood 

 turpentine and of other products obtained by chemical methods from 

 wood. Investigations looking to the improvement of the quality 

 and quantity of rosin; methods of grading the same by the establish- 

 ment of types. Testing of turpentine and rosin for adulterants under 

 the food and drugs act. 



(4) The testing of leather, turpentine, rosin, paper, and the prep- 

 aration of specifications therefor for other departments of the Govern- 

 ment upon their request. 



