CURRENT LITERATURE 
BOOK REVIEWS 
Textile fibers 
A book by Srirmt on the chemical technology of textile fibers deals with 
every phase of the derivation and handling of the fibers: source, method of 
obtaining, physical and chemical character, washing and bleaching of the raw 
fiber, preparation for stamping and dyeing, and stamping and dyeing them- 
“ee The work covers plant fibers (cotton and various bast fibers, such as 
ax, hemp, jute, and manila), animal fibers (wool, hair, and nite 
fibers (asbestos), and artificially produced fibers from mineral raw materials 
(glass and mineral fiber) and from plant raw materials (India ine fiber and 
artificial silk). The work on plant fibers reminds the botanist of the detail 
with which these technical workers have studied the histology, chemistry, and 
physics of cotton, bast, etc. In the case of cotton, one finds a summary 
of our knowledge of the histology and microchemistry of the fiber. The 
chemical composition of the fiber is given, including the substances involved 
as impurities, with methods of removal. The chemistry of cellulose is dealt 
with briefly, with various theories as to its molecular weight and structural 
formula. The behavior of cellulose toward many reagents in various con- 
centrations (acids, bases, salts, oxidizing and hydrolizing agents, and various 
solvents) is clearly summarized. The changes involved in such processes as 
bleaching, mercerization, and formation of artificial silk are discussed, along 
with the theories offered in explanation. The author recognizes many of the 
problems with cellulose as belonging to the field of colloidal chemistry. The 
histology and chemistry of bast fibers receive like consideration. The work 
reminds one that the knowledge useful to the technical worker is often the 
same as that which is of significance to the “pure” scientist.—WILLIAM 
CROCKER. 
MINOR NOTICES 
The Journal of Ecology.—It is rare that a new journal starts off so well as 
does the Journal of Ecology,? the first volume of which is now completed. In 
1904 a great advance was made in ecological study in the British Isles by the 
Stir, Kari ae Technologie der Gespinnstfasern. xvi+410. Berlin: 
Gebriider orstranses: 19 
? The Journal of meds edited for the British Ecological Society by FRANK 
Cavers, Cambridge University Press (American agent: The University of Chicago 
Press). Volume I. 1913. Price per annum, $3.75. 
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