Bating. G. D. McLa u g h l in, J. H. Hig h b e r g e r,
F. O ’Fl a h e r t y, and E. K. Mo o r e (J. Amer. Leather Chem. Assoc., 1929, 24, 339—379).—I t is shown that enzyme bating materials partially delime skins which have been swollen with lime liquors, and consequently the skins become fallen and flaccid. The various tissues in a limed skin are unequally swollen, hence bating brings the tissues to a more equal state of swelling so th at the grain in particular feels smoother. Lime swelling reduces the stretch of the elastin fibres and bating restores the original stretch. The keratose is removed from the grain layer, coagulable protein is removed from the skin. The reticular tissue is removed or broken up. The physical changes involved in bating can be effected by deliming agents, but enzymes are required for the removal of the keratose, coagulable protein, and reticular tissue. The removal of coagulable or coagulated protein from the skin is probably the most important function of bating, and if more of this is removed in processes prior to the bating there is less for the latter process to remove. A large portion of the coagulable protein is removed from wet salted skins which have been soaked in a salt solution, and such skins require a mild bate only, but dried, unsalted skins contain all the original coagulable protein, which requires drastic bating to remove it unless it is soaked in a concentrated salt solution. D. Wo o d r o f f e.
Pa ten t’s.
Treatment o f [tanned] leather. W . E . La n e
(U.S P. 1,720,223, 9.7.29. Appl., 11.5.27).—Leather for
in s o le s e tc . is s tif f e n e d b y b e in g d ip p e d i n t o a w e a k s o lu tio n o f s o d iu m s ilic a te . A. B. Ma n n in g.
Manufacture of gelatin capsules for bottle caps.
E. C.R. Ma r k s. F ro m P A R K E , Da v is &Co. (B.P. 315,103, 16.7.28).—T h e e x te r n a l s u r f a c e o f t h e s t i ll p l a s ti c g e la tin c a p s u le s is t r e a t e d w h ile t h e y a r e o n t h e f o r m in g m o u ld s w i t h a t a n n i n g a g e n t , e.g., f o r m a ld e h y d e , b e n z a ld e h y d e , t a n n i c a c id , in s o lu tio n w i t h g ly c e r in a n d w a te r .
D. Wo o d r o f f e.
Colouring of horn m asses. H. Oe x m a n n (B.P.
298,946,15.10.28. Ger., 17.10.27).—The artificial colour
ing of horn masses is rendered more permanent by adding formaldehyde, substances generating formal
dehyde, or polyinerides of formaldehyde to the colouring a g e n t; alternatively, such substances may be applied to the horn before or after dyeing. D. F. Twiss.
Automatic device for effecting rapid tanning o f hides or skins. G. Va l l e and A. Po d e s t a (B.P.
317,691, 24.11.28).
D yeing anim al fibres (U.S.P. 1,718,882).—See VI.
Leather substitute (B.P. 314,783).—See XIV.
X VI.— AGRICULTURE.
Vertical distribution of soil bases and acidity in som e Illinois soils. H. A. L u n t (Soil Sei., 1929, 28, 137—176).—Results of the examination of depth- samples by a number of well-known methods, for acidity and exchangeable base content, are recorded. Com
parisons of the various analytical results of the soil types are thus obtained. A. G. Po l l a r d.
Ranges of p u values [of soils] in w ater and in potassium chloride solution. A. Goy and von Burow (Z. Pflanz. Düng., 1929, 14A, 348—354).—
Differences in the reaction of soils are of more practical value when expressed as mg. of hydrogen ion per litre than as f n values. The soil classification previously described (B., 1929, 787) is discussed on this basis.
A. G. Po l l a r d.
Soil type and crop adaptation. J. H. St a l l in g s
(Soil Sei., 1929, 28, 101—124).—The results of attempts to find relationships between various types of Florida soils and suitability of crops are described, and the value of soil surveys in this connexion is shown.
A. G. Po l l a r d.
Utilisation of increasing applications of nitrogen by different varieties of sum m er barley. III. J.
We i g e r t and F . F ü r s t (Z. Pflanz. Düng., 1929, 8B, 369—412; cf. B., 1929, 447, 654).—The specific effects of increasing applications of nitrogen between 20 and 70 kg. per hectare as ammonium sulphate, following basal dressings of 60 kg. of phosphoric acid and 90 kg. of potash per hectare as basic slag and potassium chloride or 40% potash salts, respectively, on 14 different varieties of summer barley have been examined during the years 1922—1928. Except in 1922 the average yields of straw increased more rapidly than the yields of grain, of all the varieties, with increasing applications of nitrogen. The highest increases in yields recorded were 99-6% of grain, and 157-7% of straw following the use of 70 kg. per hectare of nitrogen in 1928, whilst the highest increases in yield per kg. of nitrogen were 32-8 kg. per hectare of grain in 1927, and 82-2 kg. of straw per hectare in 1926.. each with
B r itis h C h e m ic a l A b s tr a c ts —fl.
Cl. XV I.— Ag r i c u l t u r e. 831
25 kg. of nitrogen per hectare in all. The highest ratio of grain to straw, 1 : 1 • 13, was recorded in 1924 with 25 kg. of nitrogen, and the lowest, 1 : 2-43, in 1926 with 70 kg. of nitrogen. Variations in nitrogen applica
tion had no significant influence on the volume-weight of the grain, but the weight per 1000 grains showed a small increase. In 1926, but not 1927 or 1928, the percentage
•of medium-sized grains was increased by increasing nitrogen application, and with the exception of 1925 the effect of nitrogen was to lower the crude protein content of the grain. As compared with earlier work, barley appears to show more response to nitrogen than either wheat or rye. E . Ho l m e s.
Availability of nitrogenous fertilisers to rice.
R. P . Ba r t h o l o m e w (Soil Sci., 1929, 28, 85—100).—
The assimilation of nitrogen by rice cultures from various nitrogenous fertilisers was examined under anaerobic conditions. Ammonium sulphate, Leuna saltpetre, cottonseed meal, sodium nitrate, blood meal, and .ammonium phosphate proved reasonably efficient in the order named. Cyanamide and calcium and sodium nitrates mixed with cottonseed meal were much less satisfactory. There is a danger of considerable loss by denitrification from organic nitrogenous substances.
The lowered efficiency of sodium nitrate is largely -attributed to the sensitiveness of rice to alkaline condi
tions. Nitrogen losses due to denitrification occurred with all materials examined, and appeared to be due to the formation of elementary nitrogen. Nitrite forma
tion was small and irregular. A. G. Po l l a r d.
Use of dyes in the isolation of a nitrite-oxidising organism . C. C. Pr o u t y (Soil Sci., 1929, 28, 125—
136).—In the preparation of pure cultures of nitrite- oxidising bacteria, the contaminating forms surviving the usual “ enrichment ” process may be eliminated by exposure to the action of a 1% solution of rosaniline hydrochloride for 5—30 min. Morphological descrip
tions of the nitrite organism and the contaminating forms are given. A. G. Po l l a r d.
Effects of m anganese sulphate and chloride on nitrification. D. H . Ne l s o n (J. Amer. Soc. Agron., 1929, 21, 517—559).—Small concentrations of man
ganese salts irregularly stimulate the nitrification of dried blood or ammonium sulphate in the soil. The toxic action of high concentrations is reduced by lime.
Ch e m ic a l Ab s t r a c t s.
Soil reaction and vines with regard to various lim e-sensitive varieties. 0. Sa r t o r iu s (Z. Pflanz.
Diing., 1929, 14A, 354—370).—The effect of the reaction of the media on the growth of vines in water, -sand, and in soil cultures is examined. In all cases growth declined with an alkaline reaction. The effect was most pronounced in water culture and iucreased with the concentration of the nutrient media. This is probably due to changes in the permeability of the root cell membranes with reaction. In soil and sand cultures the optimum growth range was pa 6-0—6-5.
A . G. Po l l a r d.
Meadow fertilisation experim ents in Ticino.
B. Sc h m it z(Landw. Jalirb. Schweiz, 1928,42, 783—801;
Chem. Zentr., 1929, i, 1499).—Fertilisation experiments on hay with potassium and phosphorus are described.
A . A . El d r id g e.
Substitution of stable m anure by fertilisers, green m anure, and peat. III. B. L. Ha r t w e l l
and F. K. Cr a n d a l l (Rhode I. Agric. Exp. Sta. Bull., 1928, No. 216, 1—20).—A summary of 12-yr. rotation experiments with cabbage, tomatoes, celery, lettuce, beet, spinach, and oats with respect to acidity, phosphate, nitrogen, and manganese. Ch e m ic a l Ab s t r a c t s.
Fundamental principles of the preparation of artificial fertilisers. G . Ru s c h m a n n(Fortschr. Landw., 1929, 4, 81—84 ; Chem. Zentr., 1929, i, 1390).—The value of stable manure lies chiefly in its content of organic substances. In Krantz’s method of fermentation of straw complete humification takes place. Addition of nitrogen in the fermentation of straw favours the activity of the bacteria concerned and improves the C : N quotient. A. A. El d r i d g e.
Insecticidal tests with oils and alkaloids of larkspur (D elphinium consolidd) and stavesacre (D elphinium stap h isa gria ). W . M . Da v id s o n (J.
Econ. Entomol., 1929, 22, 226—234).—The pests killed by soap emulsions of the oils or alkaloids are recorded.
Ch e m ic a l Ab s t r a c t s.
Correlation between oil sprays and chlorophyll content of foliage. J. M. Gin s b u r g(J. Econ. Entomol., 1929, 22, 360—366).—Leaves of apple trees sprayed during July and August with a refined lubricating oil contained more chlorophyll than leaves of untreated trees. Ch e m ic a l Ab s t r a c t s.
Bentonite as a dust carrier for nicotine [in plant sprays]. L. R. St r e e t e r (J. Econ. Entomol., 1929, 22, 234—235).—Decomposition of nicotine was not observed, but the colloidal clay has a high absorptive power, and should not be used if volatility of nicotine is desired. Ch e m ic a l Ab s t r a c t s.
Mercury salts as soil insecticides. H . Gl a s g o w
(J. Econ. Entomol., 1929, 22, 335—340).—Effective insecticidal action by aqueous solutions of mercuric chloride and by suspensions or dusts of mercurous chloride on the cabbage maggot, carrot rust fly, and onion maggot is recorded. Ch e m ic a l Ab s t r a c t s.
Storing beets by drying. G. S. Be n i n (Nauch.
Zapiski, 1928, 6, 68—71).—Dry beet cossettes were unchanged when stored in the laboratory a t 10—20°, but gained up to 13% of moisture when stored outside at —9-3° to -f20-7°, although protected from rain and snow. Loss of sugar was only O'2% of the weight of the raw beet ; increase of invert sugar was slight.
Ch e m ic a l Ab s t r a c t s.
Storage of truck crops. Girasole (artichoke).
H . P. Tr a u b, C. J. Th o k, J. J. Wil l a m a n, and R. Ol i v e r (Plant Physiol., 1929,4, 123—134).— Hdian- this tuberosm tubers are preferably stored at 0—
and a relative humidity of 89—92%. From m aturity to the end of January the ratios of lievulose to dextrose and to water-soluble carbohydrates decrease. At harvesting no appreciable amount of free reducing sugar is present. Ch e m ic a l Ab s t r a c t s.
Pa t e n t s.
Soil fertilisation. D. Ga r d n e r (B.P. 316,122, 23.4.28).—To materials containing fixed nitrogen, phosphates, and potassium, singly, or in combination are added small proportions (e.g., 5%) of titanium
B r itis h C h em ica l A b s tr a c ts —B .
832 Cl. XVII.— Sp o a b s ; St a r c h e s ; Gu m s.
compounds (e.g., titania). Still smaller proportions of manganese compounds may be used in addition.
Titanium compounds nuiy be used in conjunction with silica and lime and/or magnesia, preferably in molecular proportions. Titanium compounds used must be sub
stantially free from iron and titanium nitrides.
A. G . Po l l a r d.
Production of fertilisers. K. Go r d o n, and Im
p e r i a l Ch e m. In d u s t r i e s, Lt d. (B.P. 316,428,19.7.28).—
Crude phosphates are treated in a series of vessels with a countercurrent of sulphuric acid containing ammonium sulphate. The process may be effected above 80°, in which case the mixture before filtration is cooled to convert the precipitate into gypsum, or at about the ordinary temperature, when the precipitated gypsum is converted into calcium sulphate hemihydrate and then into large gypsum crystals by successive heating and cooling. The precipitated calcium sulphate is removed and converted into ammonium sulphate by treatment with ammonium carbonate. L . A. Co l e s.
Manufacture of m ixed fertilisers. J. Y. Jo h n s o n.
From 1. G. Fa r b e n in d. A.-G. (B.P. 315,485, 18.4., 27.4., 6.10., and 8.10.28.).—Fertilisers in which the ratio X : K20 is from 1 :1 to 1 : 2-7 are made by treating with potassium nitrate a solution of calcium nitrate and/or magnesium nitrate and converting the mixture into a solid product. The calcium or magnesium nitrate may be partly replaced by ammonium nitrate and/or urea, and phosphates of fertilising value may be added. The potassium nitrate may be added in the solid form or may be formed in solution by adding potassium chloride and treating with nitric acid or
nitrous gases. W. G. Ca r e y.
Manufacture of a fertilising m ixture capable of being strewn. St o c k h o l m s Su p e r f o s f a t Fa b r. Ak t i e b. (B.P. 298,196, 1.10.28. Swed., 5.10.27).—Mix
tures consisting of ammonium nitrate and ammonium phosphate and, if desired, ammonium sulphate are prepared by passing ammonia through a mixture of the acids at a temperature not much exceeding 100°, and of such concentration that solid salts are obtained, or, alternatively, by passing ammonia into a solution of ammonium phosphate or nitrate in nitric or phosphoric acid, respectively, with or without the addition of sulphuric acid or ammonium sulphate. L. A. Co l e s.
Production of a com plete fertiliser. Ch e m i e-
v e r f a h r e n Ge s.m.b.I I . ( B .P . 302,148, 16.10.28. Ger., 10.12.27).—Crude phosphate rock is decomposed by a mixture of potassium sulphate and nitric acid in proportions necessary to yield gypsum, potassium nitrate, and free phosphoric acid. The last-named, after the separation of gypsum from the liquor, is neutral
ised with ammonia, and the whole evaporated to dryness. The proportion of nitrogen, phosphates, and potash may be varied by means of the lime used or the composition of the crude phosphate. A. G. Po l l a r d.
Preparation of [dry ground] lim estone [for fertilisers]. W. E. Ca r s o n (U.S.?. 1,721,803, 23.7.29.
Appl., 21.8.26).—Quicklime is added to moist limestone in such proportion th at the mixture after being pulverised does not contain sufficient free moisture to form a hard cake when frozen. H. Ro y a l-Da w s o n.
Compositions for destroying insect and fungoid
pests in vineyards, hop plantations, orchardsf gardens, and fields. E. D. Fe l d m a n (B.P. 316,991, 5.5.28).—The material consists of a copper sulphate-lime suspension to which is added an emulsified oil containing 15% of a mixture of resin and oleic acid, 2-5% of ammonium chloride solution (d 0-910), 7% of methyl- liexalin, and 75-5% of mineral oil (d 0-890). Sulphur and other insecticidal substances may also be incor
porated. A. G. Po l l a r d.
Producing a liquid insecticide containing effec
tive ingredient of D erris species. S. Takei, Assr.
to Zaidan H ojin RrKAGAKU Kenkyujo (U.S.P. 1,724,626, 13.8.29. Appl., 31.8.25. Jap., 8.9.24).—See B.P.
239,483 ; B., 1926, 614.
Calcined phosphates (B.P. 301,022).—See VII.
Fungicide (U.S.P. 1,720,905).—Sec IX.
X V il.— SUGARS ; STARCHES; GUMS.
Chlorine as sugar decolorant. L. R. Bl i s s (Sugar, 1929, 31, 3—5, 57—59, 99—101).—Chlorine had little cffect on the polarisation of sugar, dextrose, invert sugar, and their mixtures. Diluted molasses defecated with Horne’s dry lead reagent, followed by treatment with chlorine, gave easily polarised solutions. Cloudy solu
tions are flocculated before filtration by addition of potash alum or aluminium chloride. Directions for the use of chlorine in the Clerget determination are given, and a tentative method for the approximate determination of purity by destruction of reducing sugars with alkali, followed by chlorine-bleaching and polarisation, is described. Ch e m ic a l Ab s t r a c t s.
Application of the Seliwanoff reaction. R. Of n e r
(Chcm.-Ztg., 1929, 53, 682—683).—Under the usual conditions the Seliwanoff test for ketoses in the presence of aldoses (A., 1887, 459) is not always reliable ; thus a 4% solution of dextrose will give a colour equal in intensity to that obtained with a 0-02% solution of lsevulose. The following modification will detect 1 mg.
of lsevulose or 2 mg. of sucrose in 5 c.c. of a sugar solution having ¿<1-012. The solution is mixed with 5 c.c.
of a 0-05% solution of resorcinol in 24% hydrochloric acid (d 1-12), a small piece of pumice is added, and the mixture boiled for exactly 20 sec. and cooled in running w a te r; the resulting rose tin t is a measure of the amount of ketose present. A. R. Po w e l l.
Reagent of low copper content for determining sm all quantities of invert sugar. R. Of n e r (Z.
Zuckerind. Czechoslov., 1929, 53, 733—738).—The proposed reagent contains per litre 5 g. of crystalline copper sulphate, 10 g. of anhydrous sodium carbonate, 300 g. of Rochelle salt, and 50 g. of crystalline disodium phosphate, and is filtered clear, after addition of kiesel- guhr or charcoal. Of this solution 50 c.c. are mixed with 50 c.c. of a solution of the sugar sample containing not more than 15 mg. of invert sugar, in a 300-c.c.
flask, heated to boiling in 4—5 min., maintained in moderate ebullition for exactly 5 min., and then placcd in cold water. To determine the unreduced copper, the cold liquid is treated with 5 c.c. of a solution containing 12 g. of potassium iodide and 4 g. of potassium thiocyanate per 100 c.c., and then with 25 c.c. of 1 : 1 hydrochloric acid, after which a measured excess of 0 • 02V-thiosulphate solution is run in and the excess
B r itis h C h e m ic a l A b s tr a c ts —B ,
Cl. X V III.—Fe r m e n t a t i o n In d u s t r i e s. 833
determined by titration with 0-02iV-iodinc solution in presence of starch indicator. A blank titration is made on the original copper solution or better still on an unboiled mixture of 50 c.c. of this with 50 c.c. of the solution of the sample. Only a slight correction is necessary for sucrose, viz., 0-1 c.c. of copper solution per g. of sucrose in the reaction mixture. The copper solution is 0-02Ar and each c.c. corresponds to 0-606 mg.
of invert sugar in the reaction mixture, up to 15 mg., but proportionality is not strict for larger amounts.
Impure sugar products clarified with basic lead acetate are deleaded with disodium phosphate before analysis, and any appreciable deviation from neutrality shoidd
be corrected. J. H. La n e.
See also A., Sept., 1045, Volumetric determination of invert sugar ( G a b r e e l s and v a n S c h e r p e n b e r g ) .
Solidification of sucrose ( T ia n ) . 1061, Derivatives of phenylhydrazines with sugars ( V o t o c e k and
Ry s).
Storage of beets. Be n i n.—See XVI.
Pa t e n t s.
Sugar centrifuge. E. Sc h u l t z (Russ. P. 3477, 31.8.27).—In a centrifuge on a horizontal shaft, with an outer imperforate drum wall and an inner perforated one, a flange is provided so as to form with the floor of the drum an annular space, from which the separated liquid is withdrawn by a suction device. J. II. La n e.
Effecting a reaction between sucrose and quick
lim e. R. \ V Sh a t o r(U.S.P. 1 ,7 1 3 ,9 2 5 ,2 1 .5 .2 9 . Appl, 5.4.27).—The formation of a precipitate of lime and sucrose is effected in two stages, each of which is carried out continuously in a series of steps. In the first stage the reaction between lime and sucrose solution is carried to the point of concentration of the lime at which the alkalinity approaches a maximum, and in the second stage it is carried further and the precipitate is formed.
The material in the second stage is prevented from passing back and mixing with that in the first stage.
J. H. La n e.
Production of a sugar solution [from m anioc].
E. J. Cr o s s. From E. La n g f e l d t(B.P. 311,979, 7.7.28).
—Comminuted roots of the manioc or cassava plant are freed from part of their juice by washing and/or pressing, and then dried. The product is saccharified by acid for the manufacture of dextrose, alcohol, or yeast, and in the latter cases ammonia may be used for neutralising the acid after saceharification, to provide nitrogenous nutriment for the yeast. J. II. La n e.
N on-granulating sugar com positions. A. W.
Fr a m e (B.P. 311,916, 24.4.28).—To prevent the develop
ment of grittiness, due to slow crystallisation of sugar, in chocolate cream centres, nougat, ice-cream, and other compositions used in confectionery and baking, the compositions are made by mixing the sugar constituents with some water and “ maltose,” i.e., diastatic conver
sion products of starch such as malt extract powder or syrup, or malt powder or syrup, heating the mixture, and then cooling rapidly. The products not only retain their smoothness of texture, but can also be kept longer than usual without becoming dry. J. H. La n e.
Manufacture of dextrose. In t e r na t. Pa t e n t s De v e l o p m e n tCo. (B.P. 303,142,1.10.28. U.S., 30.12.27).
—Mother-liquors from the manufacture of dextrose are further hydrolysed to saccharify polysaccharides present, by diluting them to about d 1-1, acidifying to 1 • 8 with mineral acid, and heating under a pressure of about 45 lb./in.2 as in the saceharification of starch.
To recover granular crystalline dextrose the liquid is then neutralised with sodium carbonate to pn 4-2, filtered over bone char or otherwise decolorised, evapor
ated to d 1 ■ 26, again filtered over char, evaporated to d 1-37, crystallised by slow cooling in crystallisers, and centrifuged while still fluid. J. H. La n e.
Manufacture of dextrose. W. B. Ne w k i r k, Assr.
to In t e r n a t. Pa t e n t s De v e l o p m e n t Co. (U .S .P .
1,722,761, 30.7.29. Appl., 24.10.27).—Water is con
tinuously removed from a supersaturated solution of dextrose produced from starch, while crystallisation is effected, in order to obtain crystals which are readily
cleansed. F. G. Cl a r k e.
Apparatus [conveyor] for drying bagasse (m egass) or the like. H. W. Ho l g a t e (B.P. 317,172, 14.6.28).
Artificial silk (B.P. 287,461). Wood sugar (B.P.
302,313).—See V.