JOURNAL 



Elisha yiitchell Scientific Society. 



A COMPARISON OF THE METHODS OF SEP- 

 ARATION AND ESTIMATION OF ZIRCO- 

 NIUM. 



CHAS. BASKERVILLE. 



The object of the research, whose results are recorded 

 in this paper, was to compare some of the more prom- 

 inent methods in use for the determination of zirconium. 

 The directions, as found in the literature of the subject, 

 were as closely followed as possible. At times however 

 the}" were so indefinite that wide limits were g^iven the 

 analyst. In such cases, several experiments were car- 

 ried out under varying- conditions, so that the accuracy 

 of the method mig-ht be fulh^ tested. 



It was further desirable in this work to examine an}' 

 sugg-estion arising, by which a new method of deter- 

 mination mig-ht be devised and its accuracy as well 

 tested. Whenever it seemed necessary the purit}" of 

 the reag-ents was carefully proved. 



Two solutions were used: 

 1st. A solution of zirconium chloride purified by cr3"s- 

 tallization from hydrochloric acid. This con- 

 tained free acid. 

 2nd. A solution made by saturating dilute sulphuric 

 acid (4:1) with zirconium hydroxide. This solu- 

 tion was acid to litmus. 



