398 Scientific Intelligence. 



the same time is colored distinctly pink. The delicacy of this 

 reaction is so great that it is very distinct in solutions containing 

 only one part of nickel to 400,000 parts of water. The reaction 

 is not at all masked by the presence of ten times as much cobalt 

 as nickel, but since cobalt salts also react with the dimethyl- 

 glyoxime with the formation of a brown compound, it is expedi- 

 ent to modify the process when much cobalt is present by adding 

 a very large excess of ammonia to the liquid, then shaking 

 repeatedly in order to oxidize the cobalt to Complex cobaitic- 

 ammonia compounds, and then proceeding as before. In this 

 case, with not too minute amounts of nickel, the reaction appears 

 at once, when the liquid is boiled, by the formation of a scarlet 

 froth which rises upon the walls of the test-tube, but generally 

 it is necessary to filter the cooled liquid and to wash the residue 

 with water in order to detect its pink color. The author gives a 

 method for preparing the new reagent, and states that it may be 

 obtained commercially from Kahlbaum. — Berichte, xxxviii, 2520. 



h. l. w. 



3. The Electrolytic Dissociation Theory with some of its 

 Applications; by Henry P. Talbot and Arthur A. Blanch- 

 ard, 8vo, pp. 84. New York, 1905 (The Macmillan Co.).— This 

 is an elementary treatise for the use of students of chemistry. 

 It deals with the fundamental topics of physical chemistry in a 

 very clear and simple manner, and it is undoubtedly a valuable 

 text-book for students who are not far enough advanced to take 

 up the subject more elaborately. The six chapters of the book 

 have the following titles: "Evidences of Ejeetrolytic Dissocia- 

 tion afforded by a Study of the Properties of Solutions," " The 

 Law of Mass Action and the Chemical Behavior of Electrolytes," 

 " Electrolytic Solution Pressure," " Oxidation and Reduction," 

 "The More Common Ions and their Characteristics," "Experi- 

 ments." h. l. w. 



4. Soils and Fertilizers ; by Marry Schneider, 8vo, pp. 

 294. Easton, Pa., 1905 (The Chemical Publishing Co.). — This 

 book gives in condensed form the principles of chemistry which 

 have a bearing upon the conservation of soil fertility and the 

 economic use of fertilizers. While it is inl ended particularly as 

 a text-book for students in agricultural colleges, and includes a 

 course of laboratory experiments for sucb students, it presents 

 the subject in such a practical manner that it should find exten- 

 sive use among farmers. The present second edition has been 

 entirely rewritten, and has received the addition of new material. 



h. l. w. 



5. Engineering Chemistry / by Thomas B. Stillman, Third 

 Edition, 8vo, pp. 597. Easton, Pa., 1905 (The Chemical Pub- 

 lishing Co.). — The third edition of this well-known work on 

 technical analysis contains much new matter, especially in regard 

 to asphalts, lubricating-oils, Portland cement, and the technology 

 of the products of the blast-furnace. In its present form the 

 book will be more useful than ever to those who are interested 

 in commercial chemistry. h. l. w. 



