H ydration of anim al skin b y the volum e-change m ethod. II. Effect of cure on hydration. III.
Effect of tem perature and tim e period upon hydra
tion of skin during soaking and lim ing. E. R.
Ti i e i s and H . A. Ne v i l l e (Ind. Eng. Chem., 1930, 22, 64—66, 66—69 ; cf. B„ 1929, 405).—II. Samples of well-cured and poorly-cured skins were placed in the improved dilatometer (cf. following abstract) and the hydration was determined. Maximum hydration was attained by the poorly-cured skin in 4 hrs., and by the well-cured skin in 24 hrs., after which the hydration diminished. By soaking the hides in water and lime- water, respectively, it is shown th a t the diminution in hydration was due to bacterial and enzyme activity and was completely checked by immersing the hide in lime-water containing excess of lime. The potential hydration capacity of the skin was diminished by post
mortem changes. The greatest ultimate hydration was produced by saturated solution of potassium chloride and much less hydration by sodium sulphate.
III. The hydration of skin increased with lowering temperature, which is in direct contrast to its effect on swelling. I t was diminished to a greater extent
B r itis h C h em ica l A b s tr a c ts —B .
340 C l. XVI.—Ag r i c u l t u r e.
by bacterial action at higher temperatures. Hydra
tion of the skin by lime liquors was less a t higher tem
peratures. Less hydration was observed in skins which had been soaked in old soak liquors, and their ultimate hydration in the lime liquors was less than for skins soaked in fresh water. The hydration of hide in the lime liquors steadily increases, but the swelling may decrease. The swelling of the hide a t different p n values must be due partly to hydration and partly to osmotic effects. The ultimate hydration of hide in liming was diminished by the presence of magnesia in the lime liquor. The hydration of hide was diminished by certain concentrations of acid ; this is attributed to the lower hydration of the protein ions as compared with the protein molecules. D. Wo o d r o f f e.
Som e properties of gelatin. I. H ydration of gelatin and its relation to sw ellin g. H. A. Ne v i l l e,
E. R. Th e i s, and R. B . K ’Bu r g. II. Method for determ ining transition tem peratures of gels and so ls. H. A. Ne v i l l e, E. R. Th e i s, and C. T . Os t w a l d
(Ind. Eng. Chem., 1930, 22, 57—60, 60—62).—I. Ex
periments with gelatin flakes were made in a simple dilatometer, consisting of a bottle with a ground-glass stopper, through which was sealed a calibrated capillary tube. The final contraction of the system, and hence the degree of hydration of the gelatin, increased as the tem perature was lowered. Equilibrium was attained more quickly a t higher temperatures. Measurements of the hydration of such a gelatin-water system at different p s values show th a t hydration and swelling are not parallel effects. Hydration was a maximum a t approximately the p # of minimum swelling. The swell
ing of gelatin a t the isoelectric point cannot be due to osmotic force, but may be attributed to hydration, i.e., to the compression of a shell of liquid about the particles.
Completely hydrated gelatin, when placed in solutions of different p K values and the expansion of the system determined dilatometrically, showed greatest expansion, i.e., minimum hydration, at p a 2. The acid solutions de
hydrated the gelatin, and since swelling is found to be accompanied by an increase or a decrease in the total volume of the gelatin solution, it is concluded th a t the two effects must be largely independent. The hydration of limed hide was reduced by immersing it in weak solutions of alum or zinc chloride.
II. For measurement of the gelation and melting temperatures of gelatin solutions a modified dilato
meter was used consisting of a pyrex tube drawn into a spiral of 2 mm. diam., and attached a t its lower end to a U-tube of 15 c.c. capacity; the other end was joined to a separating funnel and stopcock. The apparatus and gelatin solution after being brought to a constant temperature, e.g., 45°, in a water-bath are filled with the solution to slightly above the top of the spiral, the stop
cock is closed, mineral oil is poured into the tube above the spiral, and a rubber stopper fitted with a capillary tube is inserted. The oil rises in the capillary tube, and its position is followed by a scale behind it. The water- bath is provided with a stirrer and means for rapid heating, or cooling. When the gelatin in the spiral forms a gel, its adhesion to the glass prevents the regis
tr a tio n of further contraction of the larger volume of the gelatin in the oil manometer. This point is called
the gelation temperature, and the m.p. is obtained simi
larly by heating the water-bath. A sudden change in slope of all cooling curves was noted a t about 36°, termed the transition temperature. I t is attributed to the change of gelatin sol form A into gel form- B.
Typical results for transition, gelation, and melting temperatures are given for gelatins of different Bloom
strengths. D. Wo o d r o f f e.
Pa t e n t s.
Production of w ater-solu ble condensation pro
ducts [tanning agents]. I. G. Fa r b e n i n d. A.-G., Assees. of A. Voss (G.P. 456,931, 19.7.23. Addn. to G.P. 408,871; B., 1925, 414).—Zinc chloride and
^-sulphobenzyl chloride are added gradually with stirring to “ Novolak ” (prepared by acid condensation of phenol with formaldehyde) maintained a t 110—120° ; when evolution of hydrogen chloride slackens, the pro
duct is run slowly into water and the solution is filtered and concentrated. The syrupy product on dilution and adjustm ent of its acidity yields a tanning bath giving a soft, full-grained leather. An acidified aqueous solu
tion of the product obtained by heating B-naphthol with “ sodium sulphotolyl chloride” under pressure a t 170—180° for 6 hrs. serves also for tanning.
L. A. Co l e s.
W ater-soluble condensation products (B.P.
320,056).—See III. D yes for leather (B.P. 306,477).—
See IV. A rtificial leather (B.P. 299,023 and 301,759).
—See V.
XVI.— AGRICULTURE.
C lassification of so ils of Rotorua country. L. I.
Gr a n g e (New Zealand J. Sci. Tech., 1929, 11, 219—
228).—A detailed classification is followed by a brief discussion of the incidence of bush sickness in cattle pastured on land poor in iron and possibly in calcium.
E . Ho l m e s.
Pakihi lands of the N elson Province. T. H.
Ea s t e r f i e l d, T. Ri g g, and J. A. Br u c e (New Zealand J. Sci. Tech., 1929, 11, 231—241).—Following a descrip
tion and classification of the “ pakihi ” or marshy lands of Nelson Province, notes are given on the nature of the soil pan, the feeding value of pakihi rush (Cladium teretifolium), and methods of pasture formation and flax (Phormium tenax) growing on them. E . Ho l m e s.
S om e peculiar lo w -ly in g so ils of Central Travan- core. T. R. N. Pi l l a iand V. Su b r a h m a n y a n (J. Indian Inst. Sci., 1929, 13, 1—10).—Poor fertility in the soils examined is traced to the accumulation of straw and plant residues under conditions of very imperfect * aeration. There results a “ locking up ” of available nitrogen by the slowly decomposing organic matter, and the development of considerable organic acidity during rapid fungal growth. A. G. Po l l a r d.
Influence of décalcification and acidity of littoral sands on vegetation. M. Ho c q u e t t e (Compt. rend., 1930, 190, 514—516).—Examination of a series of successive sandy deposits shows th a t décalcification increases with age, bu t th a t the rapidity of the process varies with the environment of the deposit. There is no marked parallelism between calcium-content variation and acidity, which ranges from p n 6-5 to p n 7-9.
De-B r itis h C h em ica l A b s tr a c ts —De-B .
C l. XVI.—Ag b i c t o l t ü r e. 341
•creased calcium content and decreased acidity leads to the appearance of vegetation not indigenous to the -dunes themselves. An account of the calcifuginous species observed and the conditions of their growth is
given. C. W . Sh o p p e e.
Reduction of nitrates in arable so ils. T. M.
Za c h a r o v a (Landw. Jahrb., 1929, 70, 311—340 ; Bied.
Zentr., 1930, 59, 51—53).—Seasonal changes in the numbers of denitrifying organisms (B. stutzeri) occurring in cropped soils are examined. Maximum numbers occur a t two or more periods between June and September, according to the nature of the crop. In general, the numbers of these organisms vary inversely with the nitrate content of the soil, except where there is an absolute nitrate deficiency for the crop. Acid soil con
ditions check dénitrification. Soluble non-oxidisable organic m atter in cropped soils does not influence denitri
fication, except possibly under clover where nitrate assimilation is low. In fallowed land high proportions of easily oxidisable organic m atter corresponded with relatively large numbers of denitrifying bacteria. No relationship was observed between the intensity of denitrification and the content of water or soluble phos
phate in soils. Dressings of lime, alone or with stall manure, increased denitrification. The general nature of the variations in the numbers of B . stutzeri were similar in manured and unmanured soils.
A. G. Po l l a r d.
N eutralisin g action of silicates of hydraulic lim e on the so il. C. Br i o u x and B . Jouis (Compt. rend., 1930, 190, 444—446).—The authors’ method (B ., 1930, 254) has been applied to a product containing 52 ■ 6%
CaO (total), 23-1% SiO„ (gelatinous), 4-5% of siliceous sand, 3 • 8% A1'20 ?! 1 ■ 7% MgO, and 2 • 4% ' Fe20 3. The Pu of a non-humic alluvial soil was raised from 5- 76 to a constant value of 6-67 in 20 hrs. by addition of 0 ■ 5 g. of sample per kg. The of a humic grubbed soil was changed from 5 ■ 57 to 6-37 after 3 hrs. in contact with 1-5 g./kg. The active lime content varied from 40 to 44%, and corresponded closely with tbe solubility of the hydraulic lime in contact with water saturated with carbon dioxide for 4—6 hrs. (loc. cit.). J. Gr a n t.
M icrobiological an alysis of so ils. P . Ba u.m g a r t e l
and K. Sim o n (Landw. Jahrb., 1929, 10 , 345—357 ; Bied. Zentr., 1930, 59, 50—51).-—W aters containing much calcium are unfavourable to the growth of Azoto- bacter chroôcoccum in Beijerinck’s cultures. In soils this effect is not due to the flocculation of soil colloids, but is the result of a specific physiological action of calcium
bicarbonate. A. G. Po l l a r d.
M ethods for stu d yin g replaceable b ases in cal
careous so ils. P. S. Bu r g e s s (J. Amer. Soc. Agron., 1929, 21, 1040—1044).—Percolation with 0-lA7-barium chloride in 68% ethyl alcohol is preferred. The residue on evaporation is taken up in water, the barium being removed as chromate for calcium or magnesium deter
minations or as sulphate for sodium or potassium deter
minations, the bases being subsequently separated.
Alkali salts, if present, are removed bv leaching with water previous to percolation.
Ch e m i c a l Ab s t r a c t s.
U se of artificial zeolites in studying b a se-e x change phenom ena. 0. C. Ma g is t a d (J. Amer. Soc.
Agron., 1929, 21, 1045—1056).—Synthetic zeolites are preferred to soils ; their behaviour is similar. The base- exchange capacity of a soil varies with reaction, moisture, and other factors. Ch e m ic a l Ab s t r a c t s..
Determ ination of the base-exchange capacity of so ils. W. P. Ke l l e y (J. Amer. Soc. Agron., 1929, 21, 1021—1029).—A discussion. The author’s method is described, and Hissink’s method is criticised.
Ch e m i c a l Ab s t r a c t s.
D eterm ination of exchangeable hydrogen in so ils. P . W . Pa r k e r (J. Amer. Soc. Agron., 1929, 21, 1030—1039).—Determinations (a) by titration to 2% 7-0 with barium hydroxide, (b) by leaching with neutral barium acetate solution, and (c) as the difference between the exchange capacity of the soil and its content of exchangeable bases, gave similar results, whilst conducto- metric titration was unsatisfactory. Acid soils do not contain appreciable amounts of exchangeable iron and aluminium. A method for the determination of ex
changeable hydrogen involving the use of barium acetate and ammonium chloride is described.
Ch e m ic a l Ab s t r a c t s.
D eterm ination of the “ effect v a lu e s ” of soil nutrients in soil strata of different depths. J.
So u c e k (Z. Zuckerind. Czechoslov., 1930, 54, 284—
288).—The nutrient values of lower soil layers were examined by means of double culture jars in which the treatm ent of the upper and lower layers of soil could be varied. The assimilability of the nutrients of the lower soil layers was consistently smaller than th a t of the surface soils, average proportions being 90% in the case of nitrogen, 70% for phosphate, and 60% for
potash. A. G. Po l l a r d.
P resen t-d ay laboratory m ethods for determ ina
tion of the fertiliser requirem ent of so ils. 0 . L e m -
m e r m a n n (Z. Pflanz. Dung., 1930, 9B, 1—17).—A general discussion of a number of accepted methods based on reports of the 2nd Comm. Internat. Soc. Soil Sci., Budapest, 1929 ; cf. B., 1930, 257).
A . G: Po l l a r d.
M itsch erlich ’s m ethod [for determ ining soil nutrient values] w ith various crops. J. Pa z l e r
(Z. Zuckerind. Czechoslov., 1930, 54, 273—283).—
Culture experiments showing the fertiliser requirement for a number of crops by Mitscherlich’s method are described and the results examined mathematically.
Per unit of added nitrogen, increases in yield relative to the maximum varied with the nature of the crop.
On this basis plants (with the exception of legumes) may be classified into groups of similar nitrogen require
ments. Similar results are obtained in the case of potash, but differences are less marked with phosphates.
The significance of these values in the applications of the Mitscherlich process are discussed. A. G. Po l l a r d.
R oot-solubility of the phosphoric acid of super- neutral, Reform , and A lgerian phosphates. C.
Dr e y s p r i n g, C. Kr u g e l, and R. Pa n t k e (Superphos
phate, 1929, 2 , Nos. 4 and 5 ; Bied. Zentr., 1930, 59, 55—59).—Comparative tests are described and the
B r itis h C h em ica l A b s tr a c ts —B .
3 4 2 Cl. X V I . — Ag r i c u l t u r e.
relationships between water- and citric-solubility and the assimilability of these fertilisers are discussed.
A . G . Po l l a r d.
A ction of the com plete fertiliser “ Nitrophoska ” in com parison w ith other fertiliser com binations.
0 . En g e l s (Forts. Landw., 1 9 2 9 , 4 , 418; Bied. Zentr., 1930, 59, 61—6 2 ).—“ Nitrophoska ” compares favour
ably with mixtures of simpler fertilisers both in price and efficiency; transport and distribution costs are lower.
A . G . Po l l a r d.
Fertilisation w ith carbon dioxide and its im port
ance for the coal industry. Sc h u l t e-Ov e r b e c k
(Brennstoff-Chem., 1930, 11, 28—30).—The increased rate of growth of plants brought about by increasing the concentration of carbon dioxide in the surrounding atmosphere has led to the development of methods for supplying carbon dioxide to growing crops. In Riedel’s system the combustion gases produced by burning coke are cooled and washed in water towers, passed over chalk to remove impurities, and then distributed over the surface of the fields through a suitable pipe-system.
Development of these processes will not only create a new m arket for coke, but will also stimulate the demand for artificial manures, A . B. Ma n n i n g.
Combined sprays for destroying the over
w intering eg g s of the European red m ite and apple aphids at the delayed dorm ant period of the apple tree. T. J. He a d l e e and J. M. Gin s b u r g
(New Jersey Agric. Exp. Sta. Bull., 1929, No. 469, 1—15).—The eggs are destroyed without injury to the trees by oil emulsion with addition of either free nicotine or 5% of crude cresylic acid. The volatility of nicotine is greater from free nicotine solutions than from nico
tine sulphate solutions when mixed with either lime- sulphur (1 : 9) or oil emulsion (3% of oil), and the toxicity to aphid eggs is parallel to the volatility of the nicotine. Ch e m ic a l Ab s t r a c t s.
Lead arsenate studies on cranberry bogs in N ew Jersey. B. F. Dr ig g e r s (New Jersey Agric. Exp.
Sta. Bull., 1929, No. 480, 1—36).—The acid water did not materially increase the solubility of lead arsenate unless much organic m atter was present. Depression of the solubility appears to be due to iron. Injury of the plants is discussed. Ch e m ic a l Ab s t r a c t s.
Field tests w ith treated seed corn [m aize]. T. A.
Kie s s e l b a c h (J. Agric. Res., 1930, 40, 169—189).—
Treatment of maize seed with the commercial products of mercury, Uspulun, Bayer dust, Semesan, and Merko, gave partial control of the Diplodm seedling disease.
E . Ho l m e s.
Biological values and supplem entary relations of the proteins in alfalfa [lucerne] h ay and in corn [m aize] and sunflow er silage. J. So t o l a (J.
Agric. Res., 1930, 40, 79—96).—From feeding experi
ments on lambs fed for 10-day preliminary and 10-day experimental periods, it is concluded th a t the biological value, or percentage retention, of proteins in lucerne hay, maize silage, and sunflower silage were 56, 94, and 67, respectively. The proteins of a mixture of lucerne hay (1 pt.) and maize silage (3 pts.), such as is commonly used, had a value of 81, whilst the value calculated on
the basis of the nitrogen contributed by each was 64.
The difference of 17 was due to the supplementary effect of the different proteins. Similarly, the proteins of a 1 : 3 mixture of lucerne hay and sunflower silage had a value of 62 (calc. 58). E . Ho l m e s.
H ydrogen and h ydroxyl ions in the ionic layer of suspended particles and dispersed ultram icrons.
G. Wi e g n e r and II. Pa l l m a n n (Z. Pflanz. Diing., 1930, A16, 1—57).—See B., 1930, 252.
P eat-form ing plants. St a d n ik o v and Ba r y s c h e v a.
—See II. Caustic sludge. Lo r e n z.-—See V.
Pa t e n t s.
F ertiliser. St i c k s t o f f- We r k e A.-G. Ru s e, and V.
Eh r l i c h (Austr.P. 109,402, 6.10.26).—Dry calcium superphosphate is mixed with oiled calcium cyanamide.
The oil prevents the formation of dicyanodiamide.
A . R. Po w e l l.
F ertiliser from calcium cyanam ide. E . Jo h n s o n
(N.P. 43,729, 3.7.23).—Carbon dioxide is passed through a suspension of calcium cyanamide, a substance free from nitrogen, and a catalyst, and the mass is dried and
ground. A. R. Po w e l l.
N on-caking m ixed fertilisers containing sodium or p otassium nitrate. No r s k Hy d r o- El e k t r is k Kv a e l s t o f a k t i e s e l s k a b ( N .P . 43,535, 3.9.25).—The fertiliser is obtained by evaporating to dryness a solu
tion containing sodium (or potassium), calcium, and ammonium nitrates. A. R. Po w e l l.
Protective m aterial for dusting on to plants.
Ch e m. Fa b r. a u f Ac t i e n (v o r m. E . So b e r i n g), Assees.
of K. Go r n it z and H. Go e b e l ( G .P . 452,459,12.7.24).—
The material consists of the fine dust particles containing unburnt carbon which are carried along with the flue gases of a furnace, mixed with, e.g., arsenates or copper salts, or impregnated with, e.g., nicotine, pyridine, nitrobenzene ; non-reacting powdered material may also
be added. L. A. Co l e s.
Insecticidal com position. W. R. Ve a z e y, Assr.
to Dow Ch e m. Co. (U.S.P. 1,737,132, 26.11.29. Appl., 21.2.23).—The composition comprises an insoluble (lead) arsenate and \— 2% of an alkali or ammonium ferrocyanide, or a mixture of these with zinc ferrocyanide, as deflocculator. L. A. Co l e s.
U tilisation of cellulose w a ste liquors in agri
culture. V. Ca s a b u r i(F.P. 611,545, 22.2.26, and Addn.
32,516, 19.8.26).—(a) Insecticides, fertilisers, and the like are incorporated with the waste liquors obtained in the manufacture of alkali-cellulose, the adhesive character of which causes the material to remain on the subjects sprayed, (b) Hemicellulose obtained from carob beans is used for emulsifying insecticides or fertilisers used in spraying plants. A. R. Po w f.l l.
Retention of nitrogen in liquid m anure. J.
Br a u n s c h i l d (G.P. 458,192, 18.6.25).—The liquid is treated with a small quantity of turpentine or pine oil preferably mixed with a non-drying oil. The oil mixture m ay be saturated with oxygen or ozone prior to use. Liquid manures so treated show no signs of fermentation or loss of nitrogen after storage for 7
months. A. R. Po w e l l.
B r itis h C h em ica l A b s tr a c ts —B .
C l. X V II.— Su g a r s ; St a r c h e s ; Gu m s. C l. XVI I I . — Fe r m e n t a t i o n In d u s t r i e s. 343
Calcium cyanam ide (G.P. 458,028).—See VII.
Sugar-refining w aste liquors [as fertiliser] (U.S.P.
1,740,276).—See XVII. Insecticides etc. (B.P. 322,193).
—See XX.
XVII.— SUGARS ; STARCHES; GUMS.
D extrorotatory substances other than sucrose in [French] beets of 1929. <T. Za m a r o n (Bull. Assoc.
Cliirn. Suer., 1930,47, 40—41).—Beets analysed between Oct. 20 and Nov. 9, 1929, by hot aqueous digestion, had an average polarisation of 15-86, which was 1-09 higher than the percentage of sucrose by the Herzfeld- Creydt method and 0-78 higher than th a t by Clerget’s method. The average polarisation of the molasses obtained during this period was 2% higher th an the Herzfeld-Creydt sucrose content. J. H. La n k.
A g o stin i’s [colour] reaction [for detection of dextrose]. J. Pi e r a e r t s and L . L ’He u r e u x (Bull.
Assoc. Chim. Suer., 1930, 47, 4-2—43).—Agostini’s reaction (B., 1887, 534) is shown by all the' common sugars as well as by soluble starch and certain glucosides.
I t is most intense if 5 drops of a 1% solution of the sugar are mixed with 5 drops of a 0-1% solution of auric chloride and 2 drops of 5% potassium hydroxide solu
tion. The coloration, purple changing rapidly to deep blue, is deeper and more lasting in the cold than when the mixture is heated to boiling as recommended by
Agostini. J. II. La n e.
E xtraction of crystallised lsevulose. P.. V. Go l o v i n, N. A. Br y u k h a n o v a, and A. I. Fr i d m a n (J. Appl.
Chem., Russia, 1929, 3, 140—142).—Chicory or arti
choke was washed and pressed with cold, and then hot, water, the juice being inverted with sulphuric acid, cooled, neutralised with lime to 7 • 5—8 • 0, and filtered.
The juice containing not more than 10% of sugar was treated with cold milk of lime and th e precipitate, after being collected and washed with ice water, was sus
pended in water and treated with carbon dioxide. After concentration in a vacuum, with intermediate removal of calcium carbonate, crystalline lsevulose was obtained.
Ch e m i c a l Ab s t r a c t s.
D eterm ination of the com position of potato starch from the size of the starch granules. G.
Br e d e m a n n and 0. Ne r l i n g (Z. Spiritusind., 1930, 53, 42—44, and Chem.-Ztg., 1930, 54, 87—88).—
The determination is made on the starch extracted from 1 kg. of potato strips which are obtained by dividing individual potatoes into quarters and retaining one portion. After maceration and various sievings the starch is finally passed through a sieve of 0-1—0-2 mm.
mesh and dried a t 100—110°. B y microscopical examination of the starch mounted in olive oil, a field containing over 1000 grains is divided into 20 groups according to the average diameters of the grains. The diameter of grains of the first group are 5 ¡x or less, of the second 6—10(i, and of the last 96—lOOfi.. The number of grains in each group is counted and their
mesh and dried a t 100—110°. B y microscopical examination of the starch mounted in olive oil, a field containing over 1000 grains is divided into 20 groups according to the average diameters of the grains. The diameter of grains of the first group are 5 ¡x or less, of the second 6—10(i, and of the last 96—lOOfi.. The number of grains in each group is counted and their