838 Transactions of the American Institute. 



those siilpliitles, and at the same time, forms a very porous mass, 

 exceedingly favorable for the absorption of oxygen. 



siLico-FLuoESODiuM. — (3 Na Fl, 2 Si Fla.) 

 In precipitating a solution of fluoride of sodium with fluosilicic 

 acid, we obtain a gelatinous and almost transparent deposit, which 

 I propose to use as a fertilizer. Too little attention has hitherto 

 been poaid to fluorine, and its compound, as a fertilizing agent in 

 the growth of plants; and to its general absence in cereals, we 

 may, perhaps, attribute the decay of teeth, so common in our day. 

 Fluoride of calcium forms the enamel of our teeth; it represents a 

 constituent part of our bones, and has been found by the French 

 physiologist, Nickles, not only in the blood of man, but also in that 

 of bu'ds and mammiferous animals. Silico-fluorsodium may be 

 produced cheaply from the fluoride of sodium which results from 

 the manufacture of concentrated lye, and its elements can scarcely 

 be presented in a more soluble and convenient state than in this 

 compound. Adjourned. 



January 23, 1868. 

 Prof. S. D. Tillman in the chair. 

 The following notes on science were read by the Chairman: 



CHELIFER8. 



Mr. S. G. Mclutire read a paper before a London Microscopical 

 Club on the haunts, habits and modes of capturing these curious 

 little animals, which resemble minute scorpions, and move backward 

 and sidewise like the crab. The chelifer is found under the bark 

 of trees, and in houses among old papers. They feed on the 

 insects which are so destructive to libraries. Fifty-four species of 

 chelifer are now known. 



CRYSTALIZATION OF SUGAR. 



Dr. Shreiber having stated that the salts in molasses, especially 

 the nitrates and chlorides, did not check crystalization, M. Payen 

 made some experiments in that direction, and reported to the French 

 Academy, that nitrate of jjotash does not hinder the formation of 

 sugar, but that chloride of potassium does retard crystalization, 

 and common salt acts more powerfully in a similar way. 



