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LEEDS CHEMISTS’ ASSOCIATION. 
composing polychromatic and monochromatic light, and exhibited, by means of Geisler- 
tubes and a solution of sulphate of quinine, the fluorescence of those rays of light not 
ordinarily observed in the violet part of the spectrum of sunlight. In reference to the 
dark lines observed in the latter spectrum, he considered them as being due to the 
absorption of certain metallic vapours evolved from the heated mass of the sun by the 
luminous atmosphere which surrounds him; and with regard to the actinic or chemical 
rays which exercise a chemical effect upon certain salts, he stated that these rays were 
found to exist largely in the light evolved from the combustion of magnesium. Finally, 
several spectra of rarified gases were exhibited for the inspection of the members 
through the spectroscope. 
A vote of thanks to Dr. Edwards concluded the business of the evening. 
The third General Meeting was held at the Royal Institution on Thursday evening, 
November 10,—the President, Mr. A. Redford, in the chair. 
The following gentlemen were duly elected members :—Mr. Daniel Lomas and Mr. 
Joseph Rodgerson. 
The following donations to the Library and Museum were announced, and the thanks 
of the meeting voted to the donors :— 1 The Journal of the Liverpool Polytechnic 
Society ’ for November, from the Society; ‘ The Technologist ’ for November, from the 
Editor; a sample of pure Crystallized Phenic Acid, from Mr. Charles Lowe, of the 
Phcenix Works, Newton Vale, near Manchester, per Mr. Edward Davies, F.C.S. 
Mr. E. Davies, F.C.S., read a paper on “ Carbolic Acid.” After referring to the 
valuable products obtained from coal-tar, he stated that this one would probably become 
the most important. Though used for several years in a crude, impure state, it has only 
been prepared pure during the last three years by Messrs. Calvert and Lowe. As now 
obtained in a pure state, it is a colourless crystalline solid body, possessing most extra¬ 
ordinary antiseptic properties. One part of this substance added to five hundred parts 
of glue or flour-paste will keep them perfectly sweet for years. Hides steeped in a 
solution of it in water, and then dried in the sun, have been brought from Monte Video 
without emitting any unpleasant odour. Extracts of colouring-matters, especially those 
containing tannin, are also preserved unchanged by the addition of a very small quantity 
of this acid. In medicine, carbolic acid has also been used most successfully in the 
treatment of skin diseases, ulcers, sloughing wounds, toothache, and internally for 
dyspepsia. In veterinary practice it has been found to be a specific for foot-rot in sheep, 
and has proved very effectual in curing grease and canker in horses. Various dyes are 
obtained from carbolic acid ; they are called picric or carbazotic acid, peonine, azuline, 
and aurine. The last-named is a new dye for silk, producing a splendid orange colour. 
Carbolic acid is being used by Mr. M‘Dougall for disinfecting sewage before applying it 
on land. The fine grasses which would otherwise be destroyed are not injured by the 
disinfected sewage. The paper concluded with showing how manufactures and science 
had mutually benefited by their alliance in this as in many other instances. 
After the reading of the paper, a brief discussion, in which Mr. Mercer and Dr. 
Edwards took part, followed. 
A vote of thanks to Mr. Davies brought the business of the evening to a close. 
LEEDS CHEMISTS’ ASSOCIATION. 
The Second Annual Meeting of the Leeds Chemists’ Association was held at the 
Mechanics’ Institute on the evening of October 19th, 1864. In the absence of the 
President, the chair was taken by Mr. E. Thompson. 
The Honorary Secretary read the following Report:— 
The Committee are pleased to have the opportunity of again meeting the Members 
and presenting the Second Annual Report. 
The Committee regret that during the past year two members have been removed by 
death, Mr. George Reinhardt and Mr. E. Smeeton, a deserved tribute to whose memory 
appeared in the proceedings of our Association. 
The monthly meetings of the Association have been supplied with papers or lectures 
as follows:—1863, November 11th, “Beeswax and its Adulterations,” by Mr. Reynolds, 
E.C.S.; December 8th, “Materia Medica,” by Mr. E. Thompson ; 1864, January 13th, 
“Medicated Waters,” by Mr. E. Brown ; February 24th, “ Iodide of Potassium,” by Mr. 
