s< UL8 — PE RT [LIZE R8. < \ 4 5 



1 '.i.i; i n ii. » r ( Compt. Rend. Acad. Sci. [Paris], 141(1905), No.lO,pp. iSS .... ubn. in 

 Chem. Centbt., 1905, II, No. /:./>/>. 1281, 1282). -The author calls attention to the 

 occurrence in living plants, soil.-, ami composts of Insoluble potash compounds which 

 can also be prepared by the direct action of potash on artificial humic acid. 



He reports studies of the composition of humic acid, artificially prepared by the 

 treatment of sugar with concentrated hydrochloric acid, both in tin- fresh .-tan- and 

 after standing several years and undergoing oxidation; of an amido acid resulting 

 from the action of ammonia on fresh humic acid; ami of humus compounds occur- 

 ring in dead forest leaves, and in composts; as well as the behavior of these sub- 

 stances when macerate. I hot or in the cold with large quantities of pure water, dilute 

 solutions of potassium chlorid, calcium chlorid, potassium acetate, and calcium 

 acetate and distilled with water and saline solutions (chlorids and acetates). 



Artificial humic acid prepared as described has, according to the analyses reported, 

 the following formula — C 18 H w 6 ; and is of the nature of the lactones. When dis- 

 tilled with water a -mall amount of volatile matter similar to the acroleins is driven 

 off. No furfurol is formed. When distilled with potassium acetate a part Of tin- 

 acetic acid is set free, the potash forming compounds insoluble in water. Instilla- 

 tion with potaS8ium chlorid solution gave the same results as with pure water. Old 

 Oxidized humic acid gave the same results as fresh. 



Treatment with dilute solutions of potassium acetate and calcium acetate resulted 

 in the formation of insoluble compounds of these hases, while maceration or distilla- 

 tion with potassium chlorid or calcium chlorid produced no perceptible, effect Two 

 days' treatment of fresh limine acid with dilute solutions of potassium chlorid and 

 ammonia gave an almost neutral solution and a compound insoluble in cold water 

 which contained f>:i.66 per cent of carbon, 4.:i4 per cent hydrogen, 0.98 per cent 

 nitrogen, 3.22 per cent potash, and 27.8 per cent oxygen, of the 11.7.") parte of 

 potash used, 3.21 parts had become insoluble and of :!.") parts of nitrogen used 0.82 

 part had become insoluble. 



In experiments with water and soda solution extracts of leaves and compost it was 

 found that distillation with water and a dilute solution of potassium chlorid resulted 

 in a neutral solution and the formation of small amounts of furfurol. Distillation 

 with potassium acetate resulted in the formation of free acetic acid. Maceration 

 with potassium chlorid and potassium aeetate resulted in a considerable increase of 

 insoluble potash and soluble lime, while treatment with calcium chlorid and caleium 

 acetate increased the amount of insoluble lime, and in case of the compost reduced 

 the amount of insoluble potash. The importance of these insoluble compounds of 

 potash and of lime with humic acid and analogous substances from the standpoint of 

 the processes going on in cultivated soils and from that of plant growth is discussed. 



Peat and its products, W. A. Kkkk (Glasgow: Begg, Kennedy & Elder, 1905, 

 />/>. XVI $18, ph. 95). — "The aim of this work is to direct general attention to the 



economy of peat as a substitute of coal and for the development of its numerous 



by-products 



It contains introductory chapters defining peat and explaining its commercial 

 importance in Great Britain. Other chapters discuss peat as an article of fuel, peat 



charcoal or peat coal. u r a- from peat, electricity from peat, how t<> use peal fuel, peat 

 moss litter, peat as a manure, peat bricks and earthenware, the germ-destroying 

 action of peat-moss litter and peat dust treated with acid-, health-giving properties 

 of peat, reclamation of bogs and moors, and how to work a peat bog. Articles on 

 the distillation of peat, utilization of the peat bogs of Ireland for the generation and 

 distribution of electrical energy, and state aid to industry (including "Gewerbe" 

 museums and cottage industries) are given in appendixes. 



The scattered literature of the subject is quite fully reviewed in this book and 

 rather complete details are (riven of construction of machines and of processi - 

 employed in the manufacture of various products from peat. 



