412 Scientific Intelligence. 
6. On the metals of the rarer Earths.—The ponens of ras 
cerite metals in the periodic series of Mendelejeff has 
9 time a subject of discussion. Bravner has sg a hee cia 1 
study of these elements with reference to this point. With cerium 
*he succeeded in preparing the tetrafluoride CeF,, H,O, as an amor- 
phous brown powder, and a double fluoride (RF), (CeF,), (H,O),, 
pared the hydrated pentoxide Di,O,, H,O, and also the anhydrous 
pentoxide. 1e atomic weight of ‘didymium was determined as 
146718 and that of lanthanum as 139. Hence the author places 
cerium (atomic weight 141°6) in the fourth group, eighth series, 
didymium in the fifth group, eighth series, and lanthanum i in the 
third group, eighth series. This places Ce with C, Si, Ti, Zr, Sn, 
band Th; an nd erin with N, P, ¥, Aw Ob, Sb a nd Bi. 
J. Chem. Soe., xii, 68, 1882. oT 
7. On the forsee of Cymene from Turpentine. —Navors 
has pointed out a reaction by which cymene can be prepared fro 
turpentine vigis great facility. If two atoms of dry chlorine are 
absorbed by one molecule of turpentine cooled to —15°, there is 
no sensible ervolntion of hydrogen chloride but the liquid becomes 
» A slight elevation of temperature 
ede ie decomposition, and cymene and hydrogen chloride distill 
toget f to the mixture 4 per cent. of phosphorous chloride 
be aided, and go nae ture be maintained at 25°, a regular 
evolution of HCl take aaley until the conversion is complete. 
Washing with water, drying over calcium chloride and _ rectifica- 
being 75 per cent. The author has observed that at 100° traces 
of zine dust violently gia Dek the body C,H, ,Cl,.— Bull. a 
th., 11, xxxvii, 110, G. ¥. 
8. On anew Alkaloid ye Cinchona Bark.—In investi ae 
the alkaloids of the variety of ¢mchona bark described by Fliicki- 
ger as China — Howa ARD and HopeKin le obtained an 
cie is bark has 
amounts of yaad and phish e new alkal oid is in hb ie 
properties analogous to quinine, having a ecinipteltio ror) 
es and nearly the same specific rotary power. It differ 
however in the solubility of its salts and in the readiness with 
ehiale it crystallizes from ether. The authors propose for it the 
name Aomoquinine. The alkaloid ass "adiclves very spa ring) y 
in ether, 100° pene only 0°57 at 12°. Alcohol of 90 
cent dissolves 7°64 parts. The s afohats resembles that of athe 
but the crystals are ie and appest to contain 6 molecules of 
water. One part of this salt requires more than 100 of water for 
solution. In a5 per cent solution of 90 per cent alcohol the alka- 
loid shows a rotation of —158°,.—J/. Chem. Soe., xli, 66, Feb., 1882. 
G. F. B. 
