206 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. 



A method of sampling and one for the electrical determination of copper as 

 used by the author are given. 



The detection of traces of hydrogen cyanid, G. D. Lander and A. E. Walden 

 {Analyst, 36 {1911), No. 423, pp. 266-270).— As the picrate test is a very sensi- 

 tive test for hydrogen cyanid, although, according to some authors, it is a 

 typical reduction reaction and can not be considered specific for hydrogen 

 cyanid, the authors sought to compare it as regards sensitiveness with potassium 

 ferrocyanid. The experiments show^ that the ferrocyanid test is equal if not 

 superior to the picrate test, and that it may be applied with certainty for the 

 detection of minimal quantities of hydrocyanic acid in the brains of poisoned 

 animals. 



The method of procedure and the limits of sensitiveness are given. 



Salt in cyanids, G. E. Colby and G. P. Gray (Calif omia 8ta. Circ. 72, pp. 

 3). — As the presence of common salt in commercial cyanids intended for fumi- 

 gation worli brings about a decomposition of some of the hydrocyanic acid con- 

 tained in the cyanid salt (E. S. R., 25, p. 314), the authors sought to determine 

 whether the method used for liberating the gas has any influence upon the 

 amount of hydrocyanic acid decomposed. 



The results show that the amount of hydrocyanic acid decomposed is far 

 greater with the " wet " than with the " dry " method. It is concluded that 

 although " cyanid in solution suffers very great decomposition during generation 

 when chlorids are present, the commercial cyanids now being used are good for 

 fumigation purposes even if they contain the largest amount of common salt 

 yet found, provided the hydrocyanic-acid gas is generated by the method usually 

 followed in practice." 



Analysis of creosotes for the preservation of wood, R. Estor {Matieres 

 Grasses, 4 (.1911), No. 36, pp. 2209, 2210; ads. in Jour. Soc. Chem. Indus., 30 

 (1911), No. 10, p. 610). — ^The specifications of the French industrial societies 

 for creosote are presented in detail. 



The creosote on the market for impregnating wood used for railway ties, etc., 

 was found to contain from 15 to 20 per cent of phenols, chiefly cresols, a little 

 naphthalene in solution, and various hydrocarbons of unknown composition. 

 These were found to distill almost completely between 150 and 300° C, and 

 had specific gravities in the neighborhood of 1.055 at 15° C. The most common 

 adulterant found was green oil. 



The characteristics of creosote and tar oils available for wood preservation, 

 C. N. Forrest (Jour. Soc. Chem. Indus., 30 (1911), No. 4, pp. 193-196).— A 

 detailed discussion in this regard. 



The action of oils and tars in preventing mold growth, J. M. Weiss (Jour. 

 Soc. Chem. Indus., 30 (1911), No. 4, PP- 190, 191). — ^A comparison was made 

 between oils and tars in regard to their value for preserving wood. The points 

 established were that coal-tar creosote ix)ssesses greater antiseptic properties 

 for mold than water-gas tar distillates, the ratio as regards efliciency being 

 about 6 : 1. This relative efficiency also holds good for undistilled tars. 



Some recent publications on creosote oil, S. R. Church (Jour. Soc. Chem. 

 Indus., 30 (1911), No. 4, pp. 191-193, charts 3). — A review and critical discus- 

 sion of the literature in regard to the valuation of creosote for impregnating 

 wood and other materials. 



A method for the complete destruction of organic matter for the purpose 

 of detecting mineral poisons, P. Breteau (Convpt. Bond. Acad. Sci. [Paris], 

 152 (1911), No. 4, pp. 199, 200). — The organic matter is first treated with sul- 

 phuric acid (specific gravity 1.84) and then (through a glass tube which runs 

 to the bottom of the combustion flask) with nitrous vapors and the aid of a 

 gentle heat. The colorless or slightly yellow solution obtained is finally evap- 



