TMANSACtioNS oif SfiC'hoK fi. 667 



at 26^ C decotnposition could be proved, which was very marked at 36° C, so 

 that we are not sure if there was not already a slight decomposition at 15° C. 

 In a carbonic oxide atmosphere the decomposition commences at about 40° C, to 

 46° C, and is complete at 130^ 0. to 135° C, leaving metallic cobalt. 



The melting-point lies between 42° C. and 46° 0. We could not estimate it 

 more exactly, owing to decomposition. 



The authors reserve for themselves the right to further examine this reaction 

 with other metals. 



2. The Structure of the Open Chain Hydrocarbons, 

 By Professor W. J. Pope, F.B.S., and William Barlow, F.B.S. 



3.. The Dynamics of Chemical Action and the Meaning q/ Valency, 



By H. Bateman. 



The valency of a chemical element or radical is a number which indicates the 

 degrees of freedom for departure from the existing state of motion of the charged 

 particles which constitute the element or radical ; its value depends simply upon 

 the nature of the stability and instability of the state of motion. 



An atom whose valency is different from zero is supposed to be capable of an 

 infinite number of states of steady motion, and of so adjusting its motion as to 

 enter into chemical combination with other atoms. 



When two atoms combine the particles can be supposed to describe orbits 

 round one another, with the result that the stability of the motion of the com- 

 pound system is altered. If such atom loses a degree of freedom we can repre- 

 sent the effect by a bond connecting the two atoms. 



An ideal atom can be constructed in which the spectrum is invariable for all 

 states of motion consistent with given types of stability or constraints. 



4. Colloidal Chemistry. By H. R. Procter, M.Sg, 

 See Reports, p. 201. 



5. The Influence of Colloids ctnd Colloid Suspensions on the Solubilit]/ 

 of Carbon Dioxide in Water. By Dr. Alex. Findlay. 



The problem of the absorption of gases, more especially oxygen and carbon 

 dioxide, by blood is one which has exercised the minds of physiologists and 

 physicists for many years, the vioW generally held being that the gases are retained 

 in the blood largely ovving to the formation of chemical compounds. With regard 

 to the absorption of CO.^, the reputed alkalinity of the blood and the consequent 

 formation of carbonate and bicarbonate have been held chiefly responsible for the 

 increase in solubility of CO.^ in blood as compared with that in a corresponding 

 salt solution. Recently, however, vai'ious investigators (Holber, Farkas, Fraenkel 

 &c.) have shown that blood is ' water neutral,' in which case the generally held 

 view regarding the absorption of 00.^ by blood becomes untenable. 



Believing that the colloids present in blool might very probably play an im- 

 psrtant rule, it was decided to undertake an extended investigation of the indueace 

 of colloids on the absorption of gases by water, since only a very few experiments 

 in this direction have been carried out (Geffohon). 



The following results have been obtained by Air, W. H. Harby, B.Sc, wjrkiHg 

 under the direction of the Author. All determinations wdr<j male at 2-5°, and 



