METEOROLOGY WATER. 211 



Detection of boric acid in foods, C. Mannich and H. Priess (Chem. Zty., 

 S.i (1908), No. 25, pp. SL'i, 315, fig. 1). — An improved method of using the flame 

 test for the detection of boric acid is described. 



Further observations on the inhibiting effect of fluorids on the action of 

 lipase, together with, a method for the detection of fluorids in food products, 

 S. Ambkrg and A. S. Loevenhart [Jour. Biol. Chem., // (1908), No. 2-3, pp. 

 I.'i9-16-'i). — Fluorids, it was found, powerfully inhibit the action of lipase and, 

 according to the authors, this property " furnishes an interesting biochemical 

 test for the presence of fluorids in food products and will doubtless prove of 

 considerable value in the work of food inspection." 



The quantitative estimation of benzoic acid in catsup, C. H. LaWall and 

 H. A. Bradsiiaw (Anicr. Jour. I'lianii., 80 (190S), No. .',, pp. lit, i72).— The 

 principle on which the method is based is the use of sodium chlorid and hydro- 

 chloric acid to prevent emulsification. The benzoic acid is separated by extrac- 

 tion with chloroform. 



The use of the microscope in the detection of food adulteration, B. J. 

 Howard ( U. 8. Dept. Agr. Yearbook 1901, pp. 379-384, P^s. '/ ) .—As the author 

 points out, tlie microscope may be used as an important aid in the detection of 

 food adulteration. Its use in the analysis of starch products, spices, coffee and 

 chocolate preparations, jellies and jams, cream, edible fats and honeys, is dis- 

 cussed, the text being supplemented by reproductions of micro-photographs. 



" Though only a few of the more obvious forms of adulteration have been 

 discussed, for the field has as yet been only [lartly explored, they may serve to 

 illustrate how the microscope comes to the aid of the cliemist when he endeavors 

 to detect fraud in foods and food products." 



Determining aldehydes with the spectroscope, P. Bruylants (Acad. Roy. 

 Belg., Bid. CI. Sci., 1907, No. 11, pp. 955-977). — The principal subject taken up 

 is the determination of citral in lemon extract. 



On a modification of the Schultze-Tiemann apparatus, M. Jacque (Atti 6. 

 Cong. Intrniaz. Chim. Appi.. 1 (1906), pp. 26't-266, fig. 1). — A conveniently 

 mounted apparatus somewhat larger than usual is described. 



On the general application of the Christomanos carbon dioxid apparatus, 

 A. C. Christomanos (Atti 6. Cong. Internas. Chim. Appl., 1 (1906), pp. 56, 

 57). — The use of this apparatus for the determination of urea is briefly 

 explained. 



Report of the chemical division, R. E. Rose (Fla. Quart. Bui. Drpt. Agr.. 

 18 (1908), No. 1, pp. 152). — This report includes the result of inspection of 

 fertilizers, feeding stuffs, foods, and drugs during the year 1907, with the laws 

 Iiroviding for this work and the rules and regulations adopted under the laws. 

 It is stated that inspection tags covering 124,600 tons of fertilizers and cotton- 

 seed meal and 49,536 tons of commercial feeding stuffs were sold during the 

 year. This represents an increase of 27,600 tons of fertilizers and cotton-seed 

 meal and a decrease of 3,640 tons of feeding stuffs. The inspection yielded a 

 total revenue of $43,535. 



METEOROLOGY— WATER. 



A search for fluctuations in the sun's thermal radiation through their 

 influence on terrestrial temperature, ,S. Newcomb (Trans. Amer. Phil. Soc, n. 

 ■so:, 21 (1908), No. 5. pp. 309-387; abs. in Amer. Jour. Sci., //. ser., 26 (1908), 

 No. 151, p. 93). — The conclusions drawn from a thorough review of this sub- 

 ject are essentially negative in character, "although the observations made by 

 Laugley and later at the Astrophysical Observatory at Washington have seemed 



