4:84 Scientific Intelligence. 



S=P/5>Al>Mg>B=Ca(=Air). 



32 31 27 24 11 12 



This series agrees in a striking manner with the order of the 

 weights of the atoms, and the metallic or non-metallic character of 

 the substance seems to be without influence. Salts of different 

 metals with the same acid showed a variation, in like manner, 

 with the atomic weights : 



NH 4 <Li<Na<K<Rb 



7 23 39 85 

 also, 



Be<Mg<Ca<Sr<Ba 



9 24 40 87 137 



The calcium salts are almost equal to the potassium salts, while 

 the strontium and rubidium salts are also nearly alike, thus show- 

 ing the influence of* almost identical atomic weights. 



Salts of different acids with the same metal also formed regular 

 series : 



Carbonate<Nitrate<Sulphate<Chloride<^Bromide<Iodide. 



Chlorate<T>romate<^Iodate. 



Phosphate<[ Arsenate, etc. 



With compound radicals it seems as though the absorptive 

 power depended upon the average atomic weights of the compo- 



14 -j_4 



nent atoms. For example, ammonium, NH 4 , = 3-6, gives 



o 



less absorption than lithium. This view is in harmony with the 

 easy penetrability of organic compounds composed of the elements 

 C, H, O and N" of* low atomic weight. — Zeitschr. Physikal. Chem., 

 xix, 489. h. l. w. 



3. A Dictionary of Chemical Solubilities, Inorganic ; by A. M. 

 Comet, 8vo, pp. 515 (Macmillan & Co., 1896, price $5). — More 

 than thirty years have elapsed since the appearance of Storer's 

 Dictionary of Solubilities, and Professor Comey has rendered a 

 valuable service to chemists in writing a modern work upon this 

 subject in such an excellent manner. The author has aimed to 

 include all analyzed inorganic compounds, so that the book is a 

 compendium which will serve a purpose in inorganic chemistry 

 similar to that of Beilstein's " Handbuch " in the organic domain. 

 The full references to the literature make the work especially 

 valuable. The typographical work is admirable, but we think 

 that a word of protest should be entered against the uncut " tops," 

 especially for a dictionary. h. l. w. 



4. les Fermentations, par P. Schutzenbergek, 8vo, pp. 314, 

 Paris 1896 (Felix Alcan). — In presenting this, the sixth edition of 

 his work on fermentation, to the public, the eminent author has 

 entirely re-written the book and has placed it in harmony with 

 the present condition of the science. It is divided into two parts, 

 the first treating of direct fermentation, produced by organisms, 

 the second part being devoted to soluble ferments, or indirect 



