332 Scientific Intelligence. 



were found to be completely converted into H a P0 4 , and the 

 remarkable fact was noticed that HP0 3 , produced from P 2 6 as 

 described, becomes hydrated to M 3 P0 4 much more rapidly than 

 the same compound which has been produced by the dehydra- 

 tion of H 3 P0 4 by heating. — Zeitsc/ir. anorgan. C'hem., lxix, 215. 



H. L. W. 



3. The Fractional Crystallization of Argon. — According to 

 its position in the periodic system of the elements, argon should 

 have an atomic weight of less than that of potassium, SiMO, 

 instead of 39'88, the atomic weight now attributed to it. Franz 

 Fischer and Victor Froboese have attempted to fractionate it 

 by freezing the liquid. Since argon has been purified previously 

 by fractional distillation, they reasoned that it might form a con- 

 stant boiling mixture with some unknown impurity, as is the case, 

 for instance, with hydrochloric acid and water. However, the 

 results of fractional crystallization were negative, so that no evi- 

 dence was found that the atomic weight is not exceptional, like that 

 of tellurium, in the periodic system. — JBerichte, xliv, 92. 



H. L. W. 



4. Qualitative Chemical Analysis ; by Baskerville and Curt- 

 man. 8vo, pp. 200. New York, 1910 (The Macmil Ian Company). 

 — Nearly every teacher of qualitative analysis writes a book on 

 the subject, because there are many variations in the course of 

 analysis and also many ways of presenting the subject. The 

 book under consideration appears to be a very good one. There 

 is a suitable amount of description and theoretical matter, and 

 equations are very fully supplied. The analytical processes, 

 which are given in tabular form, with numerous notes, are in 

 general well selected. An attempt is made to have the student 

 distinguish qualitative reactions in a somewhat quantitative way 

 by comparing his tests with tests of measured solutions of known 

 strength. The authors say in regard to this plan, " The value of 

 such training cannot be overestimated. Our students rarely find 

 any difficulty in differentiating between a trace and a significant 

 amount." The last sentence is somewhat disappointing when 

 compared with the preceding one, for as much might be expected 

 of the student even without the special method of comparison. 



H. L. W. 



5. Die Verwertung des Luftstickstoffs y von Prof. Dr. J. 

 Zenneck. 8vo, pp. 29. Leipzig, 1911 (Verlagvon S. Hirzel). — 

 This pamphlet gives a recent lecture on the production of air- 

 saltpeter by the aid of the electric arc. The principles of the 

 method and a description of the apparatus are described in a very 

 interesting way, with the aid of many excellent illustrations. 

 The development of this new industry in connection with Nor- 

 wegian water-power is of the greatest significance for the ad- 

 vancement of agriculture and other industries. It will be recalled 

 that attempts to produce nitric acid commercially from the air 

 were made in the United States a number of years ago, apparently 

 without complete success. h. i. w. 



