NOTTINGHAM AND NOTTS CHEMISTS’ ASSOCIATION. 
351 
He next gave the results of his testing of nine samples of oil procured in different parts 
of Liverpool; one of them flashing at 100° F., five above that point, and three 
below it. 
He also called attention to the flashing-point of ordinary spirits—gin, rum, brandy, etc., 
and pointed out that, although these were more inflammable, no legal enactments regu¬ 
lated their storage or sale in a manner such as regulates petroleum. 
Some suggestions for the extinction of fires caused by mineral oils were next given. 
Mr. Tate did not recommend the Government test as scientifically accurate, but simply 
looked upon it as a test made legal by Act of Parliament, which analysts must use in 
the best manner possible, consistent with the instructions laid down by the Legislature. 
The President agreed with Mr. Tate with regard to the importance of having ther¬ 
mometers uniform in size and shape, and suggested that one with an elongated bulb 
would have the advantage of being more delicate, and also of showing the average tem¬ 
perature of the mass of oil. 
Mr. J. F. Robinson said that he had had to make many examinations of petroleum 
oil, and had met with many discrepancies in the tests, which he believed to be due to 
the thermometers used. He would like to have a Government inspector in all large 
places, who should test the oil and give a certificate. 
Mr. Murphy, F.C.S., said that the subject had been a favourite one with the Asso¬ 
ciation, and he regretted that Government should have adopted the test described in the 
Act, as he regarded it as thoroughly unreliable, and one which could not possibly give 
correct results. 
Mr. Bird spoke of the importance of gradual heating to avoid a great difference be¬ 
tween the temperature of the heating medium and the oil. Draughts should also be 
carefully guarded against. 
The Secretary thought Mr. Murphy’s strictures on the procesk of testing were beside 
the question, as it only professed to give an arbitrary indication of what might legally 
be stored. 
Mr. Samuel gave the result of tests of oils, made in England and America, which 
differed several degrees, the American test being sometimes higher and sometimes lower 
than that made on the same oil in this country. He used as a light for testing, a little 
asbestos put in a pencil case and dipped in a little oil. 
Mr. Murphy proposed a vote of thanks to Mr. Tate, which was at once carried by 
acclamation. 
MANCHESTER CHEMISTS AND DRUGGISTS’ ASSOCIATION. 
The first monthly meeting of the Session was held in the Memorial Hall, Albert 
Square, on Friday evening, Nov. 5tb ; Mr. Councillor Brown, Vice-President, in the 
chair. One new Member and two Associates having been elected, 
Mr. Alexander Somers, Professor of Materia Medica at the Royal School of Medi¬ 
cine and at Owens College, delivered a most interesting lecture on “Baths and Bathing 
in Ancient and Modern Times.” At its conclusion a hearty vote of thanks, proposed by 
Mr. Slugg and seconded by Mr. Hampson, was passed,—both proposer and seconder ex¬ 
pressing the hope that Mr. Somers and other members of the medical profession would 
honour the monthly meetings with their presence. 
It was announced that at the next meeting, to be held December 3rd, at 3 p.m., Mr. 
Hampson would read a paper “ On the Condition and Prospects of Pharmacy in its Rela¬ 
tion to the Medical Profession.” 
Tea and coffee will in future be served at the evening meetings. 
NOTTINGHAM AND NOTTS CHEMISTS’ ASSOCIATION, SECOND 
SESSION, 1869-70. 
The first meeting of the Session was held at the Exchange Rooms, on Friday evening, 
October 29 ; the President (Mr. P. H. Atherton) in the chair. 
The Secretary (Mr. Fitzhugh) having announced the donations to the Society since 
the last meeting, and other preliminary business being settled, 
