328 experimp:nt station record. 



The author reports tests of the soap solution method for determining hanhiess and 

 of the methods of Clark and Winkler. These methods are considered unreliable. 

 Pfeiffer's modification « of Wartha's method is recommended. 



The determination of nitric acid in water, R. Woy {Ztschr. Oefenil. Chem., 8 

 {1902), p. 301; «//.s'. //' Chein. Zty., 20 {1902), No. 76, Repcrl., p. 251).— The author 

 describes a modification of Devarda's method (E. S. R., 9, p. 728), which, it is 

 claimed, gives very accurate results. 



The rapid estimation of boric acid in butter, H. D. Richmond and J. B. P. 

 Harrison {Analyst, 27 {190.'), No. 31,5, pp. 179-182). — The method as used by the 

 authors is as follows: To 2.5 gm. of butter in a beaker is added 25 cc. of a solution 

 containing 6 per cent of milk sugar and 4 per cent of normal sulphuric acid. The 

 butter is melted, stirred well, and the aqueous portion allowed to settle for a few 

 minutes, when 20 cc. is drawn off, brought to a boil, and titrated with half-normal 

 soda solution, phenoli)hthalein being used as an indicator. Twelve cubic centimeters 

 of glycerol is then added and the titration continued until a pink color appears. 

 The difference between the 2 titrations, less the amount of alkali required ])y the 

 glycerol, multiplied l)y the factor 0.0.368 gives the amount of boric acid in 20 cc; 

 and this multiplied l)y 100 plus the percentage of water in the butter and the product 

 divided by 20 gives the percentage of boric acid. 



Determination of lecithin in milk, F. Bordas and S. de Raczkowski {Compi. 

 Rend. Acad. Sci. Birix, LU {1902), No. 26, pp. 1592-1594; Ann. Chim. Analyt., 7 {1902) , 

 No. 9, pp. 331-333) . — The determination of phosphoglyceric acid is recommended. 

 The method is as follows: 100 cc. of milk is added to a mixture of 100 cc. of alcohol, 

 100 cc. of water, and 10 drops of acetic acid. The coagulum is separated by filtration 

 and extracted with alcohol. The extract is evaporated to dryness and the residue 

 taken up with ether-alcohol. After evaporation the residue is saponified with potas- 

 sium or barium hydroxid and the soap decomposed with nitric acid. The filtrate from 

 this is evaporated to dryness and the residue treated with concentrated nitric ai'id 

 and potassium permanganate. The phosi)hate is then determined as magnesium 

 pyrophosphate, which, multiplied by the factor 1.5495, gives the amount of phospho- 

 glyceric acid in the original sample. 



Department of chemistry, A. L. Knisei.y {Oregon Sta. Rpt. 1902, pp. 53-59). — 

 This is a report of the chemist on the work done during the year and contains incom- 

 plete analyses of 14 samples of soil, determinations of soil moisture in 4 plats at dif- 

 ferent dates, and analyses of 3 samples of "red albumen," 2 of Paris green, 1 of 

 mineral water, and 2 of blackberries. 



On a new acid indicator, L. J. Simon {Couipt. Rend. Acad. Sci. Paris, 135 {1902), 

 No. 10, pp. 437-439). — The properties of a new product, isopyrotritartaric acid 

 (CTHgOg), obtained by calcining tartaric acid with potassium bisulphate, are described. 



A vacuum desiccator heated by regulated incandescent lights, A. Skita 

 {Chem. Ztg., 26 {1902), No. 77, p. 898, fig. 1). 



Agricultural chemistry in the nineteenth century, W. Frear {Peniinijlrania 

 Dept. Agr. Ept. 1901, pi. 1, pp. 664-669) . — A popular discussion of this subject. 



BOTANY. 



The relation of nutrition to the health of plants, A. F. Woons ( U. S. Dept. 

 Agr. Yearbook 1901, pp. 155-176, pis. 7).— An outline is given of some of the more 

 important problems of nutrition in relation to the health of plants, and a discussion 

 of the effects of soil conditions on plant growth, the functions of various chemical 

 elements as constituents of jilants, and the effect of overfeeding and overwatering on 

 the general health of plants. 



"Ztschr. Angew. Chem., 15 (1902), p. 193. 



