CHEMISTRY. 213 



pared from comnicrc-itil lime foi- the volumetric determination of the 

 acidity of milk in ordinary dairy practice. Comparative tests were 

 made of decinormal solutions of sodium hydrate, potassium hj'-drate, 

 and barium hydrate for determining- the acidity of milk. The results 

 showed that from l.-t to 2.0 cc. more of the decinormal barium hydrate 

 was required to neutralize 50 cc. of milk than was required of either 

 of the other standard solutions. Phenolphthalein in varying quantities 

 was used as an indicator. Fourth, tenth, and twentieth normal solu- 

 tions of sodium hydrate were compared. The weaker solutions gave 

 a lower average percentage of acid. Milk was diluted with different 

 quantities of water and alcohol, and the acid content determined. 

 The percentage of acid was apparenth^ lessened by the addition of 

 water and increased by the addition of alcohol. Determinations showed 

 no material difference in the acidity of milk at temperatures varying 

 f i"om 5 to 60° C The acid content was slightly lower at higher tem- 

 peratures. The reaction of the reagents used with the phosphates in 

 the milk is discussed as explaining some of the varying results obtained. 

 The author concludes that the dilution of milk in the determination of 

 aciditv is to be avoided and that sodium hydrate and potassium h3'drate 

 are preferable to barium hydrate, and ma}^ be used as well in tenth as 

 fourth normal solutions. 



A new indicator, J. Formanek {Ztschr. Analyt. Chem., 39 {1900}, 

 So. .i, pp. 09-103). — An alcoholic solution of alizarin green B gives a 

 carmine-red color with acids and green with alkalis. It is sensitive to 

 carbonic acid. The color changes are very sharp, and the indicator 

 can be used in artiticial light as satisfactorily as in daylight. — c. b, 



WILLIAMS. 



Report of the chemists, W. R. Perkins and E. B. Ferris {Mlmsdppi Sta . Rpt. 

 1899, pp. 31-41) ■ — This report gives analyses of soils from different parts of the State 

 (see p. 222) ; of manure from animals fed cotton seed and cotton-seed meal, sorghum, 

 and forage plants (E. S. R., 11, p. 1022); and artesian well waters (see p. 222); and 

 describes briefly pot and fleld experiments on soils in progress at the station. 



Reports of the chemical stations in Sweden for 1898 {Meddel. K. Landibr. 

 Styr., 1900, No. 63, pp. 367-400). — Tlie 8 regular chemical stations maintained in part 

 by the Swedish Government examined during the year 54,067 different samples of 

 agricultural products, of which number 44,599 samples were milk and other dairy 

 products, 1,031 fertilizers, 793 soil samples, etc. The average results of the exami- 

 nations, with brief discussions of the same, are given in the repc^rt. — f. w. woll. 



On testing food products for boric acid and borates with turmeric paper, 

 E. H. Jenkins and A. W. Ogden {Connecticut State Sta. Rpt. 1899, pi. .-', pp. 153-155). — 

 Tlie authors found testing with turmeric paper much more satisfactory than the 

 flame test. A study was made of the method of making the test. The following 

 precautions are given: 



" Free boric acid can not readily be identified by the turmeric-paper test if borates 

 are present. 



"The material to b(! tested must in all cases be acidified with liydrochloric acid in 

 order to ensure a satisfactory reaction with turmeric paper. 



