AUTOMATIC SAFETY-VALVE STOPPER. 
305 
rusty, the tanks having, as a rule, been used previously for salt 
water. If the water is fit, I think plenty of potassium nitrate 
dissolved in it is a splendid treatment. Magnesium sulphate in 
the mash about once a week is a good treatment also, as it helps 
to keep the bowels regular, constipation being one condition 
that has to be guarded against. Had plenty of disinfectants on 
the Oopctck. 
Had an uneventful voyage on the Oopcick to San Francisco, 
and from there returned home. 
AUTOMATIC SAFETY-VALVE STOPPER. 
A DEVICE PREVENTING THE BURSTING OF PEROXIDE OF HY¬ 
DROGEN BOTTEES. 
The great trouble with peroxide preparations is that if the 
containers are tightly corked, the oxygen which separates and is 
set free, slowly but constantly as time passes, accumulates, until 
the bottles can no longer stand the pressure and burst, or the 
corks are driven out. Of the two alternatives, the bursting of 
the bottles is the most objectionable feature on account of the 
danger attached to it. 
Containers of the hydrogen peroxide, U. S. P., which is a 
comparatively weak solution of H 2 0 2 , yielding but io volumes 
of oxygen, may be closed with a wooden stopper, which, by the 
porous nature of the material, permits 
the escape of the gas almost as soon as 
it is set free, thus avoiding explosion 
and rupture of the bottles or the driving 
out of the corks. 
While these wooden stoppers answer 
very well for solutions of H 2 0 2 respond- 
a ing to io volumes of oxygen or less, 
Cut NoT iSraTes the cross with stronger solutions, such, for in- 
section of the safety valve rubber stance, aS Marcliand’s peroxide of hydro¬ 
thepuncture at the bottom. A thin gen medicinal (i 5 VOlllllieS), OT hlS 
strip of parafined paper is inserted , 1 r ... 
into the puncture. nydrozone (30 volumes 01 oxygen) they 
are quicklv attacked by the solutions, as are also the ordinary 
corks, and within four months are completely oxidized, not 
merely bleached, but rendered so soft that they cut like pot 
cheese. From that time the goods are unfit for sale. 
In order to prevent these difficulties and especially to obviate 
the bursting of the bottles containing hydrozone. Mr. Marcliand, 
the manufacturer of that article and other well-known brands of 
