56 
determine the end of the reaction. For carbonates its use is perhaps 
a necessary evil, but its application, instead of phenolphtlialein, in 
such cases as estimation of soda and solution of soda, and in place of 
rosolic acid in estimations of ammonia, seems a mistake. — Am. J. 
Pharm., Phila., 1906, v. 78, p. 17. 
Cohn, Bobert, discusses the decoloration of slightly alkaline phe- 
nolphthalein solutions by means of alcohol. He ascribes the phe- 
nomenon to a retardation of the dissociation of the phenolphtlialein 
alkali by excess of alcohol. Dissociation is facilitated by heat and 
an alcohol containing alkaline liquid that is colorless in the cold 
assumes a red color on heating. — Ztschr. f. ang. Chem. Berl., 1906, 
v. 19, j:>art 2, pp. 1389, 1390. 
Howell. E. V., reports some experiments on the use of coloring 
matter of certain grape skins as an indicator, and suggests some of 
its possible applications. — Proc. Am. Pharm. Ass., 1906, v. 51, p. 166. 
Xiece, Frederic E., rejDorts experiments with the red coloring mat- 
ter of early radishes as an indicator. He concludes that this coloring 
matter has properties that are unique as an indicator, that the colors 
produced are stable and lasting, and that it is sensitive both to acids 
and alkalies in very dilute solutions. — Merck’s Kep., X. Y., 1906, v. 
15, pp. 320, 321. 
Dietericli, Ivarl. reports examining a number of reagent papers 
for comparative sensitiveness. Litmus paper was found to be sensi- 
tive from 1 : 20,000 to 1 : 50.000 of acid or alkali. Curcuma paper 
was sensitive to from 1 : 5,000 to 1 : 20,000, phenolphtlialein paper 
from 1:20,000 to 1:50,000, and Congo red paper from 1:5,000 to 
1:20,000. — Helfenberger Annalen, 1905, Berl. 1906, v. 18, pp. 
116-147. 
Cribb and Arnaud (Pharm. Ztg., li, Xo. 62. 1906, 688; from the 
Analyst, 31, 147) have modified the process of Cassal and Gerrani 
for the estimation of boric acid with tumeric paper by substituting 
tartaric for oxalic acid in the preparation of test paper. They de- 
scribe the manner of conducting the experiment. — Proc. Am. Pharm. 
Ass., 1907, v. 55, pp. 649-650. 
4. SPECIFIC GRAVITY. 
Stevens, A. B., says that the change in the temperature for taking 
specific gravities from \\ to || seems to have met with universal 
approval. — Proc. Michigan Pharm. Ass., 1906, p. 96. 
TTilliams, F. M., outlines a modified TTestplial balance for solids 
and liquids, and figures the apparatus which is said to combine in 
compact and portable form all of the advantages of the original 
Westphal balance and the Jolly balance. — J. Am. Chem. Soc., 1906, 
v. 28, pp. 185-187. 
