RECENT WORK IN AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE. 



AGRICULTUEAL CHEMISTEY— AGEOTECHIOr. 



An introduction to theoretical and applied colloid chemistry, W. Ostwald, 

 trans, by M. H. Fischeb {New York: John Wiley cG Sons, Inc., 1911, pp. XY-\- 

 2S2, figs. 46). — This is an authorized English translation of the work previously 

 noted (E. S. R., 35, p. 8). 



The action of aluminum chlorid on cymene, A. W. Schorgeb (Jour. Amer. 

 Chem. Soc, 39 (1917), No. 12, pp. 2671-2679). 



Tannin content of Pacific coast trees, H. K. Benson and P. M. Jones (Jour. 

 Indus, and Engin. Chem., 9 (1917), No. 12, pp. 1096-1098) .—Analytical data on 

 western larch (Larix occidentalis), yellow pine (Pinus ponderosa), western 

 hemlock (Tsuga lieterophylla), dogwood (Cornus nuttalUi), cottonwood (Popu- 

 lus triehocarpa) , and alder (Alnus orcgona) are submitted in tabular form. 



An analysis was also made of a sample of Douglas fir which had been kept 

 in a loosely stoppered jar for one year. The tannin content had been increased 

 by 1.6 per cent. The total solids also increased, but a decrease in the nontan- 

 nin material was noted. 



From the data the authors conclude that Douglas fir slab wood selected for 

 tannin extraction can be advantageously seasoned for one year. Western hem- 

 lock bark, western larch, and western pine seem also to yield extracts satis- 

 factory both in quantity and quality. The dogwood appears to be suitable for 

 use in extract manufacture, but only as a dye. 



The indigenous tans and vegetable dyestuffs of New Zealand, B. C. Aston 

 (Jour. Agr. [New Zeal.], 15 (1917), Nos. 2, pp. 55-62; 3, pp. 117-128).— This is 

 a general review and discussion of the subject, with references to the literature 

 cited. 



Comparative tests of chemical g'lassware, P. H. Walker and F. W. Smithes 

 (Jour. Indus, and Engin. Chem., 9 (1917), No. 12, pp. 1090-1092, figs. 4).— Data 

 obtained in tests made at the Bureau of Standards of the U. S. Department 

 of Commerce on Kavalier, Jena, and five American-made wares, which in- 

 cluded chemical analysis, determination of coefficient of expansion, refractive 

 index, condition of strain, and resistance to repeated evaporation, to heat, to 

 mechanical shock, and to chemical reagents, are submitted in tabular and 

 graphical form. 



The results in general indicate that all the American-made wares tested are 

 superior to Kavalier and equal or superior to Jena ware for general chemical 

 laboratory use. 



An eificient apparatus for frictional distillation under diminished pressure, 

 W. A. NoYES and G. S. Skinner (Jour. Amer. Chem. Soc, 39 (1917), No. 12, pp. 

 2718-2720, fig. 1). — An apparatus which is considered to be highly efficient is 

 described by a diagram. The apparatus consists essentially of a Claissen flask 

 to which are attached a separatory funnel and a fractionating column. The 

 advantages claimed for it are that it may be used advantageously with either 

 small or large fractions of material by regulating the flow of the entrant 

 fraction from the funnel, and that the successive fractions may be intro- 

 duced without losing the vacuum. 



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