954 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. 



tation of the iron. Lime is determined iu the usual way by precipita- 

 tion with ammonium oxalate after oxidation with bromin water. To an 

 aliquot part of the original solution sufficient ammonium oxalate is 

 added to precipitate the lime, which is allowed to settle over night. 

 The solution is then made up to a given volume and an aliquot part 

 taken, without filtration, for the determination of magnesia in the usual 



■^ay. — .T. T. ANDERSON. 



Observations on the oxidation of nitrogen gas, Lord Rayleigu (Jour. Chem. 

 Soe. 1807 Fcl)., pp. 181-1S6, fig. 1). — The apparatus and method used in the oxida- 

 tion of the nitrogen of the air l)y means of the electric spark and the absorption 

 iin<ler normal pressure of the product by an alkaline solution are briefly described. 



Observations on certain properties of the oxydase of -wines, Bouffard ( Compt. 

 Ikiid, 124 (1S97), No. IS, pp. 700-708). 



On the nonidentity of lipases of different origin, ITaxriot {Compt. Bend., 124 

 (1897), Xo. 14, pp. 778-781). 



The action of soluble [enzymic] ferments on starches of different origin, W. 

 E. Stone (Ann. Agron., 23 (1897), No. 4, pp. 109-182).— Tnmslated from Bulletin 34 

 of this office (E. S. R., 8, p. 662) by E. Gain. 



The determination of carbon dioxid in carbonates, J. H. Yogel (Ber. Vers. 

 Siai. deiif. landir. (!es. 1894-9'i,j)p. 10-10, fig. 1). — An improved Finkeuer apparatus 

 for tlu' determination of carbon dioxid in limestone, marls, etc., is described at some 

 length. No rubber connections are used in the apparatus proper and pi'ovision is 

 made for a constant current of purified air through the apparatus. The carbon 

 dioxid is absorbed by .50 per cent potash solution. 



On the separation of chlorin and bromin, H. Baitbkiny and P. Rivals (Compt. 

 Rend., 124 (1897), No. 10, pp. 859-802). 



Observations on the unification of methods of analysis, A. Pagnoul (Ann. 

 Agron., 22 (1896), No. 12, pp. 580, 581). — As a general proposition, the efforts toward 

 unification of methods are opposed. It is deemed unwise to attempt to impose fixed 

 and arbitrary rules iu the application of a science essentially mobile and progres- 

 sive. In certain lines, as the analysis of fertilizers, the adoption of uniform methods 

 has been very useful. The prescribed methods have been consulted by all with 

 profit, but analysts have continued the efforts to modify the methods so that they 

 will be more rapid and simple and less expensive. Freedom of action on the part of 

 different chemists in these respects should not 1)C discouraged or interfered with. A 

 method may jirove very good in the hands of one chemist and very unsatisfactory in 

 the hands of another, "iw resumv, t'elairons-nous, mais nc nous enchmnons pas." 



BOTANY. 



Development and transpiration of barley under the influence 

 of different degrees of humidity and nutrition in the culture 

 media, E. K. Schroeder {Izvyestiya MoslcovsMgJio Selbsl'okhozya- 

 istveimago Instituta. Ann. Inst. A(/ron. Mohcou, 2 {1S9(>), N'o. S,pp. 188- 

 226). — The author compares the eftects produced on barley iu sand cul- 

 tures l)y changes in the humidity of the culture media with the effect 

 resulting from changes in the concentration of the nutritive solution. 

 The humidity of the sand in different cultures was 20, 40, and 80 per cent 

 of saturation. The nutritive solution used was made according to the 

 following formula : Monopotassium phosphate G.2 gm., potassium chlorid 

 1.71 gm., magnesium sulphate 2.19 gra., and calcium nitrate 29.9 gm., 

 and it was used in concentrations varying from 1 to 12 per cent. 



