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FEW days ago, we availed ourselves of the inventor's invitation to see this appliance at work at the Egret Mills, Ashton-underLyne. Two boilers, each 30 ft. by 7 ft., are there fitted up with the Incandescent Burners, but only one was in operation at the time of our visit. Fine slack of a very common quality was the fuel used-with ordinary hand firing-and no additional fittings or mechanical contrivances were present to complicate the question or increase the difficulties of its solution.

Mr. Greaves' patent is so simple as almost to require no description, and the fact that its introduction is of so recent date only affords another illustration of the truism that, the most simple things require the most finding out. It consists of one or more blocks of segmental form, curved so as to be concentric with the shell of the boiler fire flue, and ananged upon the bridge at the back of the furnace in the The blocks, which are made of a manner shown in the illustration. special material, have much the appearance of ordinary refractory fireclay ware, the chief points aimed at in their composition being a low heat conducting power, and a highly refractory nature. Within from half an hour to an hour from starting the boiler fire, the blocks have arrived at an intense heat or incandescence-hence the nameand from this point commences the discharge of their functions as preventors of smoke.

It is well known that each new addition of fuel to a boiler fire is followed by the immediate evolution of large volumes of combustible hydrocarbon vapours, and that under ordinary circumstances a very large proportion of these vapours passes away unconsumed into the air in the form of smoke-for the simple reason that they are removed too soon from the neighbourhood of the glowing coals, where, and where alone, the heat is sufficient to allow of their combustion. This defect the Incandescent Smoke Burner remedies in a very effectual manner by supplying a supplementary highly heated surface so disposed that the escaping hydrocarbon vapours are forced to come into contact with it, and by such contact are heated to the temperature necessary for their perfect combustion. Of course, it may happen that combustible gases escape unburnt from another reason, viz., a deficiency of oxygen, and bearing this in mind, Mr. Greaves introduces, where circumstances require it, a supply of air at the rear end of the furnace grate in addition to that which finds its way through the furnace bars. This supplementary air supply is admitted by means of perforated curved blocks placed just in front of the bridge, as shown in the illustration.

With regard to the capabilities of Mr. Greaves' invention as a smoke preventor we can speak with authority, for we saw a good many firings take place, and in no single instance was any black smoke emitted from the chimney top. Each time there was a light greyish brown appearance for from half a minute to a minute, but we saw nothing worse than this during the whole of our stay. The success was

LARGE PETROLEUM TANKS.-The Widnes Foundry Co. have just completed some petroleum tanks for the Mersey Dock and Harbour Board, one of which, we believe, is the largest petroleum tank ever made. It is 74 feet in diameter and 32 feet deep, and the first time it was filled with water it was passed by the Dock Board engineer. We notice that the Widnes Foundry Co. are now open to undertake the erection of these tanks anywhere.

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Area of Grate Surface
Total Weight of Fuel burnt

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Do. do. Ashes produced dc. Percentage of Ashes produced Total weight of water evaporated.. lbs. Weight of Fuel burnt per hour Weight of Water evaporated per hour do. Weight of Water evaporated per lb. of Fuel at 54 deg. Equivalent Weight of Water evaporated per lb. of Fuel at and from 212 deg. Weight of Water evaporated per lb. of Combustible at and from 212 deg. Weight of Fuel burnt per square foot of fire grate area, per hour Quantity of Water evaporated per square foot of fire grate area cubic feet Smoke.-Emission from Chimney per hour

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2,789 247

8.8 per cent.

Sept. 5th with Patent Smoke Burner

fitted.

4/2

Wath Main Colliery Light Wind, fine

63975

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2,178

79

3'6 per cent.

17,400

484

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3,886.6

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THE ESTIMATION OF ALUMINA.

BY M. KRETZSCHMAR.

ALTHOUGH the determination of alumina is not attended by any special difficulties, it is, nevertheless, a tedious process, and it would be of great advantage to replace the lengthy operation of filtering and weighing the precipitate of alumina by some volumetric method of estimation. When a solution of alumina is converted into the acetate, and the alumina precipitated by excess of sodium phosphate, the phosphoric acid which remains uncombined with alumina can readily be estimated by titration with uranium solution, the precipitate being disregarded. Various reasons have prevented this method from being adopted in practice. In the first place the ferrocyanide reaction is usually given before all the phosphoric acid is precipitated, and the results thus become unreliable. The determination requires a large number of uranium titrations and the saving in time thus becomes almost illusory; moreover the precipitate of alumina is by no means insoluble in ammonium salts.

Notwithstanding these difficulties it is possible to obtain very satisfactory results by fulfilling certain conditions: All ammonium salts must be avoided, an excess of sodium phosphate must be added at once and in the cold, and the uranium solution must be standardized by titration against an aluminium salt of known composition. The strength, of the uranium solution cannot therefore be determined, as usual, by means of calcium phosphate (superphosphate free from iron).

The uranium solution is made up, as usual, by dissolving 175 grms. per litre of uranium acetate (not nitrate). Its strength is then determined by means of sodium ammonium phosphate, the absolute purity of which has been determined by quantitative analysis (14718 grms. to the litre); the solution of uranium is then diluted so that I c.c. corresponds to about 0'004 grms. P2O5.

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Ten grms. of pure potash alum, free from iron, are dissolved in water, the solution converted into one of acetate by the addition of sodium acetate and a little acetic acid, and diluted to 500 c.c. 50 c.c. of this liquid are mixed with 10 c.c. of the usual sodium acetate solution and an excess of sodium ammonium phosphate solution, the strength of which has been previously found by titration with uranium. The liquid is then heated to boiling and titrated with the uranium solution (several titrations are made until the amount required is known within a few tenths of a c.c. and the final titration then effected), the number of c.cs. required being noted.

It is always well to make a special gravimetric determination of the alumina in the alum, since even the smallest crystals of the latter not infrequently contain cavities filled with water. This is best carried out in the following way, the precipitate obtained being more easy to filter than that produced by ammonia.

An excess of sodium phosphate and a little sodium acetate are added to 50 c.c. of the alum solution and the precipitate dissolved in dilute hydrochloric acid. The solution is then heated to boiling, a concentrated solution of sodium thiosulphate added in large excess, and the liquid boiled until the precipitate immediately settles down when the beaker is removed from the wire gauze, care being taken that the boiling is not continued beyond this point. The precipitate is then filtered off, washed with hot water, dried and ignited, air being admitted towards the close of the ignition. The weight of aluminium phosphate multiplied by 0'4204 gives the alumina. The addition of sodium thiosulphate is not intended to reduce any iron which may be present, but simply to obtain a precipitate which can easily be filtered and washed. Errors of weighing are much diminished by the low factor which is used and the determination is very accurate. The results of the two processes (gravimetric and volumetric) should not differ by more than 0.15% in the quantity of alumina found. This degree of accuracy can always be obtained when the same volume of liquid is used (60-70 c.c.) in titrating the alum and standardizing the solution by sodium phosphate. The strength of the uranium solution is now calculated from the result of the gravimetric analysis, and this value taken as the true one.

To simplify the application of the method, and avoid the wearisome repetition of the titrations, the salt of aluminium may be first simply titrated with caustic potash solution and methyl orange, as indicatory, until the pink colour disappears; phenolphthalein is then added, and the titration continued until a permanent violet is produced. The number of c.c. required to neutralize the acid present is given by the result of the titration with methyl orange, and is subtracted from the total amount of caustic potash used, thus leaving the amount necessary to decompose the aluminium salt, from which the percentage of alumina can be roughly calculated. In this way the amount of uranium solution to be added can be ascertained within 2 c. c., and the titration of the phosphoric acid can therefore, after a little practice, be completed in one experiment. As it is usually necessary to determine the acid present, this preliminary estimation of alumina scarcely involves any additional labour, the titration of the acid being simply continued. Very few and unimportant modifications suffice to meet all the cases which actually occur in practice. Solutions of ammonia

alum are boiled with a little caustic soda until practically free from ammonia, etc.

An analysis of a very impure ferruginous sulphate of aluminium may serve as an example. 5 grms. of this were dissolved in 500 c.c. of water, the acid determined in 50 c.c. by caustic potash and methyl orange, and the amount of alumina roughly found by further titration in presence of phenolphthalein. A second quantity of 50 c.c. was boiled with a few drops of a solution of bromine in hydrochloric acid. On cooling, sodium acetate and acetic acid were added, then a known volume of sodium phosphate solution, and the alumina determined by a single titration. The iron is estimated by reducing 50 c.c. with zinc and dilute sulphuric acid, and titrating with permanganate, the ferrous iron being if necessary determined by titrating the original solution with permanganate. The equivalent in alumina of the total ferric oxide found must be subtracted from the alumina found by titration, the remainder being the amount of alumina present. Solutions of aluminium sulphite should be converted into sulphate by the action of bromine water.-Chemiker Zeitung.

Legal.

QUEEN'S BENCH DIVISION. (Before MR. JUSTICE CHARLES.)

THE THARSIS SULPHUR AND COPPER COMPANY V. LA SOCIETE DES METAUX.

THIS HIS was an action brought to recover the sum of £59,186., being damages for breach of contract to accept delivery of and pay for certain quantities of copper.

Mr. Gorell Barnes, Q.C., and Mr. Houghton appeared for the plaintiffs; and Mr. Kennedy and Mr. H. Tindal Atkinson for the defendants.

This case was one of several which arose out of the breakdown of the French combination known as the " Copper Ring" last year. Most of the questions, however, which arose in it had been decided in previous actions brought in the English Courts against the same defendants. The plaintiffs were an English company incorporated under the Companies Act, and the defendants were a body of persons incorporated in France. On April 20th, 1888, a contract was made between the parties by the exchange in London of duplicate parts thereof, one of which had been executed by the plaintiffs in Glasgow and the other by the defendants in Paris. By the contract the defendants agreed to purchase at prices therein named all the refined copper manufactured by the plaintiffs during three years, commencing January 1st, 1888. In March, 1889, the defendants went into liquidation. By the terms of this contract, the defendants elected domicile in this country. The amount now claimed by the plaintiffs was the deficiency arising upon re-sales of the copper of which the defendants had not taken delivery under the contract. The defendants pleaded that, the contract having been executed by them in Paris, was a French contract and subject to French law; and consequently was illegal and void, inasmuch as it was contrary to Article 419 of the Code Pénal, which, it was alleged, rendered a combination such as this, to affect the price of goods, illegal. Further, that by the French law of liquidation the plaintiffs could not rescind the contract and recover damages; but could only exercise a right of election between rescinding the contract (without damages) and delivering the copper and proving in the liquidation for the price. The plaintiffs admitted that the last statement was a correct one of the French law on the subject, but denied the alleged illegality, and contended that the contract was an English contract, and was therefore unaffected by French law. In the case of "Antony Gibbs and Son v. La Société des Metaux" (6 The Times L. R., 393) the Court of Appeal, upon similar facts, held that the right to sue on an English contract was not affected by the French law of liquidation, and in "Cape Copper Company v. Comptoir d'Escompte and La Société des Metaux (6 The Times L. R., 454) Mr. Justice Day held that similar contracts were English contracts, and that the rights of the parties were therefore to be determined according to English law.

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Mr. JUSTICE CHARLES said that, although some of the facts as to the execution of the contract in this case were different to those in the cases referred to above, yet he had come to the conclusion that the contract was an English contract, and that his duty was to follow the judgment of Mr. Justice Day in the other cases, which proceeded on the ground that the parties themselves had agreed that the contract should be subject to English law, and that it was to be performed (and, until the liquidation, had been performed) within the jurisdiction of the English Courts.

Judgment was accordingly given for the plaintiffs, with costs; the damages to be agreed between the parties, or, in case of difference, to be settled by the Judge.

NOTICE. WE commenced a series of Lectures upon

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popular chemical subjects, in connection with the Permanent Chemical Exhibition and Manchester Technical Laboratory. The lectures will be given at 7-0 p.m. on the first Tuesday in each of the following months; they will be illustrated by experiments and by diagrams, and have reference to exhibits in the Permanent Exhibition. The lectures will take place as under :

October 7th." Manufacturing Smoke."

November 4th.-" Domestic Smoke."
December 2nd.-" River Pollution."
February 3rd.-" Chlorine Production."

March 3rd." Sewage Treatment."

At the second Lecture, on November 4th-" Domestic Smoke"-the chair will be taken by Dr. A. Ransome, M.A., M.D., F.R.S., Lecturer on Hygiene at the Owen's College. The lecture will be illustrated by experiments.

Tea and coffee at 6-30 p.m. in the Exhibition room.

We have decided to reserve seats for such of our friends as may give us a week's notice (by post-card) of their intention to be present. After this we shall issue a general invitation, and do our best to accommodate those who accept.

THE TESTING OF LIGHT PETROLEUM.

KISSLING, having occasion to examine annually a large

R. of samples of light petroleum, has adopted the method

of testing described below. The fractionating flask used is of the form and size recommended by Engler. One hundred c c. of the petroleum sample are measured into the flask, which is connected with a Liebig's condenser 60 cm. long. The flask is supported by a thick piece of wire gauze, such as is used in the filter presses of sugar refineries. The distillate is received in a cylinder graduated to 0.5 cc. It is advisable, at the commencement of distillation, to make the end of the adapter dig pretty deeply into the cylinder, in order to avoid loss by evaporation of the low boiling fractions. The rate of distillation is such that 2 to 25 cc. are driven over per minute. When the heat is first applied, the mercury in the thermometer rises rapidly, then more slowly, and next becomes stationary for a while; the last position marks the "lower limit" of the boiling point of the sample. The distillation is now carried on, readings of the volume distilled being taken at intervals of 10°, beginning with the lowest multiple of 10 above the "lower limit." Finally, when the flask has become very nearly empty, the full flame of the Bunsen burner is directed to the bottom of it, and the temperature of the thermometer noted, this temperature being the "higher limit." It is not necessary to drive over the last few drops in the flask, but should it be desirable to do so, the thermometer should be lowered to the level of the bottom of the neck of the flask. In the following table there are shown some results obtained by this method:

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CAUSTICISING RECOVERED ASH.

(To the Editor of the Chemical Trade Journal.) DEAR SIR,-In reply to your correspondent, "W. Y.," on his query as to the evolution of gas in causticising recovered ash and the nature of the gas given off, I have myself frequently noticed the phenomenon in the laboratory, though not as an invariable occurrence. The fact which first drew my attention to the point was the marked decrease in the percentage of sulphide in the causticised liquors, as compared with the uncausticised ash.

Being at a loss to account for this fact at the time, I afterwards noticed the evolution of gas during the process of causticising, and finally concluded that a reaction analogous to that now utilized in Chance's sulphur recovery process took place, viz., some of the carbon dioxide liberated by the reaction of the lime on the carbonated ash, attacked the sulphide, liberating sulphuretted hydrogen, according to the equation

Na S+ H2O + CO2 = H, S + Na2 CO3.

The remark of your correspondent to the effect that the gas he collected seemed to be hydrogen, would appear to confirm my supposition, since I presume the inference of hydrogen being present was based on the inflammability and characteristic flame of that gas.

But sulphuretted hydrogen also burns with a pale-blue lambent flame forming water (and sulphur dioxide). Should "W. Y." have the opportunity to test the gas, with a strip of paper moistened with lead acetate, the point would be easily and definitely settled. I shall do so myself on the first opportunity I have of collecting some of the evolved gas. I am, &c., October 27, 1890. W. E. N.

Trade Notes.

THE CHEMICAL UNION.-The Chemical Union was to have been registered at Somerset House on Thursday, but owing to a technical difficulty the registration had to be deferred for several days longer. The capital of the company is to be, according to the proof prospectus, 81⁄2 millions sterling, 7 millions being set against works, plant, land, and buildings, the balance representing stocks and working capital. Forty-eight firms (over 90 per cent. of the trade) have joined the Union.

THE MAKING OF KELP.-One of the industries which help the people in the Irish coast districts to eke out a subsistence is the making of kelp for iodine. For this they use the May weed, which grows very deep, and is usually washed by storms on to the numerous islands off the coast. When it has not drifted in this manner, they go out with long poles 14 or 15 feet long, having a hook or scythe blade at the end, with which they cut the weed and bring it in to dry. They then burn it in small rough kilns, heaping on the weed till it becomes a molten mass, which they stir up with iron rods, and then let it cool, putting in slates to divide it into blocks large enough to lift. They then put it in their boats and bring it to the store for sale, the present price being from £3. to £3. 10s. a ton. The collecting of Carrageen moss is another great industry in summer. The women and children gather it on the shore, bleach it, and sell it to the storekeepers, who send it away. It realizes about 4s. 6d. a cwt., but is very light, the exports during the last twelve months from Burton Port, which is the port of the Rosses, being 18 tons 19 cwt., nearly all of which was sent away during the summer months. Most of it goes to Belfast, where it is used for stiffening linen, but it also serves as an article of diet, and makes excellent puddings.

BACKUS AND JOHNSTON'S BREWERY COMPANY, LIMITED.-The directors of this company have declared an interim dividend of £3. 10s. per share (less income-tax) payable November 6, for the six months, ending June 30.

THE SCOTTISH AUSTRALIAN MINING COMPANY, LIMITED.-This company, in their report for the six months ending June 30, propose a dividend at the rate of 10 per cent. per annum (tax free), carrying forward £2,935. The dividend will be payable on November 8.

Market Reports.

MISCELLANEOUS CHEMICAL MARKET.

The position of alkalies all round is firm. Soda ash in all qualities is is in good demand, and 13% per per deg. f.o.b. is the general quotation for ordinary qualities of lebanc, and ammonia ash 48% to 58%. For some brands higher prices must now be paid, and all makers are well engaged with orders. The same firmness characterises also soda crystals and bicarbonate, the latter being considerably dearer. In caustic soda there is again a tendency to advance, but prices on the spot are nominally as quoted last week. All makers are well engaged with orders. Bleaching powder firm at £5. 155. on rails, and £6. £6. for November-December delivery. Sulphur scarce, all the works being fully engaged to the extent of the present output-price in bulk £4. 2s. 6d. to 4. 5s. at makers works. Vitriol only obtainable in limited quantities at higher prices. Muriatic acid without change. Sulphate of copper without demand, and prices nominally £18. 155. to £19. Tin, lead, and zinc salts firmer generally. Rather more firmness in brown acetate of lime for early deliveries. Carbolic acid crystals dull, and without change in price. The demand continues good for potash caustic and carbonate, and prices are steady. Prussiate of potash firm at 934 d. to 10d. Bichromates without change in value.

TAR AND AMMONIA PRODUCTS.

Benzol is still very firm, though there seems to be but little response from consumers to the high prices which are now asked and spoken of. Prices may be quoted as follows:-4s. 7d. to 4s. 71⁄2d. for 90's, and 35. 7d. for 50/90's. Solvent naphtha and creosote still remain firm. There is no change to report in anthracene, which remains at Is. 6d. for 30% A and Is. 2d. for 30% B, though perhaps odd parcels of the latter could be bought at a trifle less. The pitch market has hardened, and 335. to 35s. at various ports may be quoted as to-day's price, though we do not hear of any business having been done at the higher figure.

The sulphate of ammonia market has become somewhat depressed under the influence of the collapse of nitrate. Cargoes of nitrate have receded in value about 6d. per cwt., and spot prices are correspondingly easy. The consequence is that consumers are not inclined to operate, and dealers, having supplied their October requirements, are looking on in the hope of lower prices. Beckton still maintains its price at 11. 12s. 6d., though London outside makes have fallen to £11. Is. 3d. The price at Hull does not exceed 11. 10s., and we hear there are sellers at £11. 85. 9d. At Leith 11. 7s. 6d. to £11. 8s. 9d. is

obtainable.

REPORT ON Manure MATERIAL.

The depression in the market, which we referred to in our last report, has been continued throughout the week, and prices are again easier both for phosphatic and nitrogenous material.

Quotations for mineral phosphates remain very much the same as last reported, but they do not lead to business, and with prices of other materials declining, buyers are not anxious to make further purchases of mineral phosphates, unless considerable inducement is offered. Id. per unit is still quoted for hot-air dried-bull river rock, in cargoes, c.i.f. to U.K., but land rock may be had at about Id. per unit less. There are sellers of 70% Canadian phosphate at Is. per unit, rise, full delivered terms, and 131⁄2d. per unit, same terms, would probably buy 75%.

There are several cargoes of River Plate bones offering at £5. 10s., but buyers are not to be found at the price. Considerable sales of East Indian bone meal have been made, to arrive and for shipment, on private terms, but it is understood that as low as £5. 10s. has been

accepted, and this price would now be business. Crushed East Indian bones would not now fetch more than about £5. 5s. or £5.7s. 6d. per ton, ex quay, and we should call £4. 17s. 6d. to £5. the nearest value for common grinding bones, in bulk, ex quay Liverpool. We do not hear of any business in bone ash, but price is still nominally £5. 7s. 6d. on 70%, nett, Hamburg conditions, delivered U.K. or Continent.

Nitrate of soda is again easier, and spot price cannot be quoted at over 8s. for ordinary quality and 8s. 3d. for refined. Due cargoes are worth about 8s. to 8s. 11⁄2d. per cwt., and October-November's, say, 8s. 3d. to 8s. 41⁄2d., according to size.

Some further sales of River Plate dried blood have been made at IOS. 3d. per unit, ex quay Liverpool, but this price could hardly be obtainable for further quantity.

Superphosphates remain very firm at 50s. per ton, in bulk, f.o.r. at

works.

THE METAL MARKETS.

LONDON, WEDNESDAY.-Pig iron: Scotch warrants closed at 51s. 8d. cash, and 52s. one month. Middlesbrough, 48s. 2d. cash; hematite, 58s. 9d., cash. Copper steady. Chili bars, G.O.B.'s and G.M.B.'s closed at £58. 17s. 6d. to £59. 5s. cash, and £59. to £59. 7s. 6d. three months. Tin was dull Straits closed at £98. 155. to £99. cash, and Straits, three months, £97. to £97. 10s. English ingots, 100. 10s. to 101. Lead firm; Spanish, 14. 55. to £14. IOS. English, 14. 15s. Spelter firm; Silesian, ordinary, £25. to £25. 5s. Quicksilver, 10. first hand; £9. 18s. second hand. Copper shares : Mason and Barry, 7% to 74.

GLASGOW, WEDNESDAY.-The pig iron market opened strong, a fair business being done at 51s. 11⁄2d., 51s. Id., 51s. 5d., and 51s. 32d. cash, and 51s. 41⁄2d. 51s. 8d. and 51s. 6d. one month; buyers 51s. 32d. cash, sellers Id. more. Middlesbrough warrants: Buyers 48s. cash, and 48s. 3d. one month; sellers 11⁄2d. more. Hematite done at 58s. 2d. cash, and 58s. 51⁄21⁄2d. to 58s. 9d. one month: buyers 58s. 52d. cash, sellers 58s. 6d. In the afternoon the market improved, a good business being done at 51s. 51⁄2d. to 51s. 71⁄2d. cash, and 51s. 8d. to 51s. 101⁄2d. one month; buyers 51s. 7d. cash; sellers d. higher. Middlesbrough warrants done at 48s. 3d. cash, buyers 48s. 2d. cash, and 48s. 5d. one month, sellers Id. more. Hematites done at 58s. 7d., 58s. 51⁄2d., and 58s. 91⁄2d. cash, and 58s. 8d. to 59s. one month; buyers 58s. 81⁄2d. cash, sellers 58s. 9d. WOLVERHAMPTON, WEDNESDAY.-The quietude in the pig iron trade continues, but as there is enough work in hand to last some little time, no serious apprehension is felt. New business is coming in only slowly and in small lots, and although sellers of best qualities are keeping to their recent quotations, vendors of second and third rate sorts seem inclined to make concessions. The reports brought to 'Change this afternoon showed that current transactions are rather of a hand-to-mouth character. For all-mine hot blast 70s. to 75s. is still demanded, but part-mines can be obtained at about 46s. 6d., and cinder sorts are offered at 42s. 6d. to 45s. Steel makers report themselves busy, steel sheets being in good demand. The finished iron trade is unaltered on the week with regard to quotations, and there continues to be a fairly good demand.

THE LIVERPOOL MINERAL MARKET.

Minerals have continued fairly brisk during the week, and with few exceptions there is little alteration to report in prices. Manganese : Arrivals are very small, stocks have been somewhat reduced, and prices are firm. Magnesite: Stocks still excessively large, and with few sales. Raw lump, 30s. to 40s. ; raw ground, £6. 10s., and calcined ground 11. Bauxite (Irish Hill brand): The demand has continued to increase, and although the production is in full swing it can scarcely keep pace with the requirements; lump, 22s.; seconds, 18s.; thirds, 145.; ground, 35s. French chalk: Arrivals this week are very small, whilst the demand has largely improved and increased. Sales have been made at full prices, especially for G.G.B. "Angel White" brand, 97s. 6d. to 105s. medium, IIOS. to 120s. superfine. Barytes: Carbonate very much easier; sulphate strong, and prices firm ; Angel White," No. 1, 70s; No. 2, 60s to 65s; No. 3, 45s. Pumicestone: No alteration to report in lump; ground easier. Iron ore: Native production in fair demand, and brings full prices, also Spanish and Bilbao; manganiferous in special request at good figures. Santander, 9s. to 10s. 6d., f.o.b.; Irish, 11s. to 12s. 6d.; Cumberland, 9s. to 10s. 6d. Purple ore steady. Emerystone: Stocks of best brands low, prices firm at-No. 1 lump £5. 10s. to £6., smalls £5. to £5. 10s. Fullers' earth: 45s. to 50s. for best blue and yellow; fine impalpable ground, £7. Scheelite, wolfram, tungstate of soda, and tungsten metal continue in fair request

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at full prices. Chrome ore: The demand has somewhat improved, especially for higher grades; prices firm. Antimony ore and metal maintains the strong demand at full prices. Asbestos in strong demand, especially Canadian rock. Potter's lead ore: "standard" brands in request; smalls, 14 to £15.; selected lump, £16. to £17. Calamine: Good qualities in demand at advanced prices. Strontia sulphate (celestine) inquired for 16s. 6d. to 17s. Carbonate (native), £15. to £16.; powdered (manufactured), 11. to 12. Limespar: English manufactured, old G.G.B. brand in demand at 50s. (ground). Felspar and fluorspar, steadier. Plumbago: Spanish, £6. ; best Ceylon lump at last quotations; Italian and Bohemian, £4. to £12. per ton. "Founders," £5. to £6.; Blackwell's "Mineraline," 10. French sand, in cargoes, scarce on spot-20s. to 22s. 6d. Ground mica, £50. China clay: Steady; common, 18s. 6d. ; good medium, 22s. 6d. to 25s. ; best, 30s. to 35s. (at Runcorn). Bog ore (oxide of iron), firm, finest quality, 22s.

THE LIVERPOOL COLOUR MARKET.

Colours rule steady. Ochres Oxfordshire, common, £10, medium, £12., best, 15.; Derbyshire, common, 40s., medium, 50s., best 60s. ; Welsh, best, 50s., seconds, 47s. 6d., and common, 18s. ; Irish, Devonshire, 40s. to 45s.; French, J.C., 55s., 45s., to 60s.; M. C., 65s. to 67s. 6d. ; Umber, Turkish, none offering. Devonshire, 50s. to 55s. White lead, red lead, and oxide of zinc still firm. Venetian red, £6. 10s. Cobalt : Prepared oxide, 10s. 6d. ; black, 9s. 9d. ; blue, 6s. 6d. Zaffres: No. I, 3s. 6d.; No. 2, 2s. 6d. Oxide of iron: Good inquiry; common, £6.; medium, £10.; finest, £20.

WEST OF SCOTLAND CHEMICALS.

GLASGOW, Tuesday.

The report last week that the Scottish Mineral Oil Companies were to be bought up by a large and wealthy English syndicate, turns out to be a mere stock market ruse, for the momentary raising of certain share values. The companies themselves announce that they have not of late beer approached with any proposals of the kind, but it is true that about two years ago an effort on the part of some London financiers was made to this end, but failed of sufficient welcome in Scotland to induce any great perseverance. These companies just now are fairly prosperous, and paraffins in all sections except that of burning oil are very strong and carrying gratifying market value. There has been a great run on 865° lubricating for continental shipment, certain coming fiscal changes over favouring the storing of stocks to an unusual degree. In Scotland, the general chemicals market is rather lethargic at the moment, for the most part because of doubt as to the effect of the completed union, now all over accepted as an accomplished matter from November 1st. Caustic is easier again, and some second hand parcels are said to be obtainable at less than union figures. Bleaching powder is very firm locally, but not much changing hands. Bichromates have been rather idle, and the orders in hand are below the average. The market for sulphate of ammonia is languid and hardly anything doing. Probably it has been done down to £11. 7s. 6d., f.o.b. Leith, but this is not fully verified. Certainly, just now, sellers could not get more. Chief prices current Soda crystals, 56s. 6d. net Tyne; alum in lump £5. 2s. 6d., net Glasgow; soda ash, 13%d. less 72%, Tyne; caustic soda, white, 76°, £13. 55., 70/72°, £11. 5s., 60/62°, 10. 5s., and cream, 60/62°, 9. 15s., all less 22% Liverpool; bicarbonate of soda, 5 cwt. casks, £7., and I cwt. casks, £7. 5s., net Tyne; refined alkali, 48/52°, 15%d., less 22%, Tyne; saltcake, 40$.; borax, English refined, 29. IOS., and boracic acid, £37. 10s., net Glasgow; bleaching powder, to £6. less 5% f.o.r. Glasgow; bichromate of potash, 34 d., less 72% and 10% for Scotch and English deliveries respectively, for export 32d., nett, f.o.b. Glasgow; bichromate of soda, 234 d., less 72% and 10% for Scotch and English deliveries respectively, for export 21⁄2d. nett, f.o.b. Glasgow; chlorate of potash, 54 d., less 5% any port; nitrate of soda 8s. 41⁄2d. to 8s. 6d.; sulphate of ammonia, LII. 7s. 6d. to £11. 8s. 9d. f.o.b. Leith; salammoniac, 1st and 2nd white, £37. and £35., less 22% any port; sulphate of copper, £19, less 5% Liverpool; paraffin scale, hard and soft, 234d. per lb; paraffin wax, 120°, semi-refined, 35%d. to 334; paraffin spirit (naphtha,) 8d. a gallon; paraffin oil (burning), 6d. to 64d. at works for Scotch buyers (English and Irish orders about a penny less); ditto (lubricating), 865°, £5. 10s. to £5. 17s. 6d. ; 885°, £6. 10s. ; and 890/895°, £7. 15s. to £8. Weck's imports of sugar at Greenock were 26,471 bags.

are:

THE TYNE CHEMICAL REPORT.

TUESDAY.

The chemical market has been firm during the past week, although there has been little new business transacted, makers being occupied principally with shipments on old contracts. The market quotations to-day for bleach ash and sulphate are below "Union" prices, Lut for delivery beyond the 1st November, makers ask the full figure. Preparations are being made in the various works for a general stocktaking on behalf of the Chemical Union, to commence on Saturday morning first.

Bleaching powder, in softwood casks, spot parcels, £5. 10s. per ton, Nov.-Dec. 6. per ton, hardwood casks, 5s. per ton extra. 77%, caustic soda, for delivery to end of year 12. 10s. per ton; ground and packed in 3-4 cwt. barrels, £15. 10s. per ton. Soda ash, 48/52%, 1%d. per degree less 72% for spot and 1gd. less 32% to end of December; soda crystals, 56s., prompt, and 56s. 6d. per ton Nov.-Dec.; sulphate of soda, in bulk, 35s. for prompt, 40s. per ton to end of year; recovered sulphur, packed in 2 cwt. bags, December delivery £4. 10s. per ton; chlorate of potash, 52d. per lb.; silicate of soda, 75° Tw., £2. 10s. per ton; 100° Tw., 3. 7s. 6d. per ton; 140° Tw., £4. per ton; hyposulphite of soda, in I cwt. kegs, 6. per ton; in 5-7 cwt. casks, £5. 10s. per ton; pure white sulphate of alumina, £4. 10s. per ton; blanc fixe, 7. 10s. per ton; chloride of barium, £8. per ton; nitrate of baryta, crystals, £18. 15s. per ton; ground, £19. 5s. per ton; sulphide of barium, £5. 10s. per ton. All f.o.b. Tyne or f.o.r. makers' works.

The market for Durham small coal is firm at previous quotations. Northumberland steam small is slightly easier at prices ranging from 6s. to 6s. 9d. per ton, according to quality.

. A joint meeting of the Durham Federation Board of Miners and Coalowners was held yesterday in Newcastle, to consider the application from the miners for an advance of 20% in wages. After discussing the matter, it was decided to adjourn its further consideration.

The Patent List.

This list is compiled from Official sources in the Manchester Technical Laboratory, under the immediate supervision of George E. Davis and Alfred R. Davis, who report professionally upon the value of Chemical

Patents.

APPLICATIONS FOR LETTERS PATENT.

Brick Kilns (Complete Specification). P. Crean. 16,231. October 13.
Making Fresh Water from Salt Water. F. Hocking. 16,232. October 13.
Manufacture of Sulphate of Lead. H. C. Bull. 16,233. October 13.
Filter Presses. H. H. Badams. 16,251. October 13.
Agitating and Mixing Liquids. W. S. Dimes. 16,263. October 13.
Dynamos and Electro-motors. H. Chitty. 16,264. October 13.
Concrete and Cement. F. G. Edwards. 16,284. October 13.
Compositions for Oilcloth, Varnish, etc. S. Banner.
Multiple Evaporation. T. Slaiter. 16,326. October 14.
Smoke Consumption. H. Bowater. 16,378. October 15.
Drying Semi-liquid or Granular Substances. J. Dunn. 16,384. October 15
Preservation and Application of Chloride of Etyle. B. J. B. Mills. 16,392.
October 15.

16,321. October 14.

Electro-deposition of Metals. A. J. Boult. 15,399. October 15.
Manufacture of Cellulose. E. Misch. 16,408. October 15.

Mills for Crushing Ores. W. H. Coward. 16,409. October 15.

Formation of Sheet Metal Articles by Electricity.-(Complete Specifica tion.) M. W. Dewey. 16,415. October 15.

Fire Damp Indicator. E. Gerard. 16,420. October 15.
Steam Packing. M. H. Schönstadt. 16,423. October 15.

Manufacture of Water Gases and of Illuminating Gas. T. W. Smith.

16,440. October 16,

Manufacture of Chlorate of Soda. D. Gamble. 16,460. October 16.
Vacuum Pans.- Complete Specification.) F. H. Flottman. 16,461. October 16.
Apparatus for the Electrolytic Preparation of Metallic Sheets, Strips, or
Wires. F. E. Elmore. 16,467. October 16.

Apparatus for Moistening Air. E. Edwards. 16,477, October 16.
Smoke Prevention. (Complete Specification.) D. Bridge. 16,500. October 17.
Apparatus for Treatment of Bisulphites. J. Beveridge. 16,505. Oct. 17.
Smoke Prevention. J. T. Wood. 16,510. October 17.

Purification of Coal Gas and the Treatment of the Bye-Products. Geo.
Edward Davis and Alfred Roland Davis. 16,517. October 17.
Working Metals by Electricity.-(Complete Specification.) G. D. Burton.
16,522. October 17.

Apparatus for Evaporating and Distilling Liquids. T. E. Wilson. 16,528.
October 17.

Filters. F. J. Westcombe. 16,541. October 17.

Siphon Tap or Valve for Aerated Liquids. P. S. Allen. 16,542. October 17Decomposing Metallic Salts and Desulphurising Ores.-(Complete Speci fication). H. H. Lake. 16,545. October 17.

Manufacture of Paper, Paste Board, etc. B. J. Beckmann. 16,546. October 17.

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