SCIKSTIFIC SUMMARY. 
93 
either the nitrate or acetate is in excess of the quantity mentioned, the 
mixture only burns as dry wood would do. 
A Hydro-carbon hitherto Fossil, noio Recent . — Dr. J. W. Mallet, of the 
University of Virginia, describes a case of recent fichtelite. He states that 
some nearly colourless crystalline crusts found in clefts between the annual 
rings of growth of a log of long-leafed pine {Rinus australis), in Alabama, 
were found to dissolve in boiling alcohol (more easily in ether), and, on 
cooling, to crystallise in monoclinic forms with greater distinctness. A 
specimen was exhibited of this material, purified by two or three re-crys- 
tallisations ; it had been found to agree perfectly in physical and chemical 
properties with the fichtelite of Bromeis and Clark, and on analysis 
yielded — 
Carbon 87-82 
Hydrogen 11 91 
99-73 
agreeing with the formula x (C.Hg). The fusing-point was found = 45° C. 
— Chemical Netos, October 4, 1872. 
Hoio to Detect and Estimate Paraffin in Stearine Candles . — Herr Hock, 
in a tolerably recent number of the “ Bayerisches Industrie,” reviewing the 
various methods employed for this purpose, states that it is best to saponify 
the stearine (really stearic acid) with moderately strong caustic potassa, to 
convert the soap thus obtained into a soda-soap, by means of chloride of 
sodium, and to treat the soda-soap on a filter, first with cold water, and 
next with some dilute alcohol ’, the soap is dissolved, and the paraffin set 
free ; the filter is then dried at a temperature of about 35°, after which the 
paraffin is dissolved in ether, and this solution evaporated, and the residue 
weighed. This method has been tried by the author with mixtures of 
known quantities of stearine and paraffin, and found to answer well. 
Is Resin an Adulteration of Soap — According to a letter of Prof. A. G. 
Anderson, in the “ Chemical News” for November, resin cannot be called an 
adulteration of soap. He states that Mr. Jean, who has written upon the 
subject of soaps, makes a great mistake in classing resin amongst the 
fraudulent adulterations of soaps. Its employment in certain kinds is, 
beyond cavil, clearly insisted upon by the greatest number of consumers of 
the article. They will have soap so made, and no other. ‘‘ Enquiry of any 
one merely acquainted with the routine of a soapery will suffice to prove 
this. Moreover, as I have been intimately associated with the practical 
details of the manufacture for twenty years past, I am enabled to add that 
this requirement as regards resin is simply a matter of fact. The demand for 
pale or yellow soaps — an indispensable feature of which is that they must 
contain from one-fourth to about one-third of resin — has existed for about a 
century past ; and the call for these sorts, so far from diminishing, continues 
steadily on the increase.” 
Cambridge; the Chemical Prce-Lectorship. — This appointment is, at the 
period of our going to press, unfilled. We learn that Mr. J. Alfred 
Wanklyn is a candidate for the vacant office. We sincerely hope that Mr. 
Wanklyn may be successful, for there are very few, if any, more worthy of 
such an office. 
