138 Scientific Intelligence. 
SCIENTIFIC INTELLIGENCE. 
I. CHEMISTRY AND PHysIcs. 
Strecker, H.SO,.OH, or has the more usual formula HO.SO. 
Since, if the former formula be correct, the two hydrogen 
atoms have different positions in the molecule, it is obvious that 
ration be C.H,.SO,.0C,H,. Since the two bodies are not 
identical, it follows that the only possible formula for the former 18 
: H,, corresponding to an acid of the formula 
OC,H,, was obtained; and th 
chloride, treated with alcohol, yields ethyl —. This result 
and sulphurous acids, being in the latter a tetrad.— Ber. 
Chem. Ges., vii, 1073, Sept., 1874, G. F. B 
2. On the Organic acids of crude Petroleum.—HEtt and 
MepIncER have examined an acid liquid, obtained by agitating 
the second running (specific gravity 0°875) in the distillation of 
heavy Wallachian petroleum with caustic soda, and treating the 
flocculent precipitate thus formed, after solution in water, wit 
sulphuric acid. This oily acid liquid, which collects on the sur 
face, called mineral-oil acid by the workmen, is a mixture of rob- 
ably homologous acids, whose separation was exceedingly dif cult, 
fractional precipitation yielding semi-fluid products, and distillx 
tion producing decomposition. inally, an ethyl-ether boilin 
constantly at 236°-240°, was obtained as a colorless oily liqui¢, 
highly refractive, and having an agreeable fruity odor and burr 
ing taste. on saponification, and subsequent ecomposition 7 
t 
sition. It is a weak acid, its ammonium salt being decom osed 
