51(5 EXPEEIMENT STATION RECORD. 



Preparation of sodium cobaltinitrite and its application for the detection of 

 potassium, E. Biilmaxx {ZtJichr. Anali/t. < 'lifm. ..!!>{ l!'O0). Xd. .5, jip. 2S4-iS0). — The 

 author claims that this reagent is more sensitive tliaii platinum t'hlorid and far less 

 expensive. — c. h. williams. 



The estimation of formic acid in the presence of acetic acid, F. Spakre 

 {Ztxchr. Anahjt. Chem., o9 (1900), Xo. 2, p]>. 105, 106). — The author strongly recom- 

 mends the method of Portes and Ruyssen, but thinks they intended to instruct the 

 employment of a 1 per cent solution of the substance instead of a 10 jjer cent, as the 

 amount of mercuric chlorid indicated to be used is not sufficient for a 10 per cent 



solution. C. B. WILLIAMS. 



Refractometric butter analysis, A. Partiieil and J. vox Velsex {Arch. 

 Pharm., 238 {1900), pp. 261-279; ahs. in Jour. Chem. Sac [JjDidoii], 7S {1900), No. 

 4oo, JI,p. 633). 



On the determination of the iodin value, J. J. A. Wi.is {Aii(ihi><l, 25 {1900), 

 Feb., pp. 31-35). 



Detection of cane sugar in milk sugar, J. Laxdin {Chem. Zli/., 24 {1900), 

 Xo.21,p. 211). 



Methods of sugar analysis of the laboratories of the French Ministry of 

 Finance, E. 3Iascakt {/t.sclir. Ver. Dent. Znrlrriiid., 1900, Xo. 5.J7, J I, pp. 937-939). 



The quantitative determination of volatile oils in spices, K. Maxx {Chem. 

 Zlg., 24 {1900), Xo. 13, p. 124). 



Determination of tannins, L. Speciit and F. Lorexz {Chem. Ztg., 24 {1900), Xo. 

 17, pp. 170, 171, fig. 1). 



Nut oils, L. H. Merrill {Mdliw Sia. Bui. 65, pp. 108-111) .—The autlior reports 

 determinations of the refractive index, specific gravity, iodin absorption number, 

 and the calories per gram of oils of the following nuts: Beechnut, Brazil nut, butter- 

 nut, filbert, hickory, pecan, pistachio, pine nut, walnut, peanut (raw and roasted), 

 and cocoanut. The method of analysis is given and the properties of nut oils are 

 briefly discussed. 



liimestones, petroleum, etc., A. M. Peter and H. E. Curtis {Kentuck!/ Sta. 

 Rpt. 1898, pp. XXII, XXIII). — Analyses of 6 samples of limestone, 2 of petroleum, 

 and 1 of an unidentified mineral are re{)orted. 



The -wide occurrence of indicators in nature, G. S. Fraps {Amer. Chem. Jour., 

 24, {1900), No. 3, pp. 271-276). — "Some 74 kinds of colored flowers, both wild and 

 cultivated, the leaves of 5 varieties of coleus, the cowpea bean, the blacklierry, mul- 

 berry, smilax berry, strawlserry, and the red beet were extracted with water or 

 dilute alcohol and the extract tested for indicators." The results show that nearly 

 all of the extracts possessed indicator properties, and some were quite sensitive. 

 The materials are grouped in -1 classes as regards their behavior with acids and 

 alkalis. 



A burette for accurate gas analysis, A. II. White {Jour. Amer. ('Item. Sac, 22 

 {1900), Xo. 6, pjp. 343-349, figii. 5). 



A convenient micro-polariscope for food examination, A. L. Winton 

 {Reprinted from .Tour. Apjil. Mirms., 2 {1899), Xo. 10, j>j). 550, .551, figs. ^).— This 

 instrument and its use arc briefly descril)ed. 



A simple thermoregulator, F. Bolm {Zt?,c]ir. Aiudgt. Chem., 39 {1900), X'o. 3, pp. 

 315-317, figs. 2). — The efficiency of the regulator depends very much upon the con- 

 struction of the bath. Asbestos-lined, water, or oil baths are recommended by the 

 author. — c. b. williams. 



BOTANY. 



A study of the root systems of cultivated plants grovrn as farm 

 crops, A. M. Ten Eyck {\<>rt/i huloia Sfa. liul. J^.J, pp. 'jJo-o'jO^ 

 ji<j>i. 12). — In a previous puhliriitioii (E. S. 11., 11, p. 215) a prelimi- 



