Societies and Academies

Abstract

LONDONChemical Society, June 3.-Prof. Abel, F.R.S., & c, in the chair.-The following papers were read:-On the effects of pressure and cold upon the gaseous products of the distillation of carbonaceous shales, by Mr. J. T. Coleman. He finds that?,??? cubic feet of the gas produced in such large quantities at shale oil works when submitted to pressure will give about one gallon of volatile hydrocarbons fit for improving the illuminating power of ordinary coal-gas.-On the agricultural chemistry of the tea plantations of India, by Dr. C. Brown, giving analyses of the ashes of tea and the effect of fertilisers on the growth of the plant.-On the structure and composition of certain pseudo-morphic crystals having the form of orthoclase, by Mr. J. A. Phillips.-Note on the sulphates of narceine and other narceine derivatives, and On the action of organic acids and their anhydrides on the natural alkaloids, Part V., both by Mr. G. H. Beckett and Dr. C. R. A. Wright.-On the action of chlorine on pyrogallol, by Dr. J. Stenhouse and Mr. C. E. Groves; with an appendix by Mr. Lewis, on the crystalline forms of mairo-gallol, one of the products.-On nitro-alizarin, by Mr. W. H. Perkin, F.R.S. This compound, obtained by the action of nitric acid on acetyl-alizarin, dyes fabrics mordanted with alumina of an orange colour, whilst the amido-alizarin obtained from it by reduction gives a fine purple.-On some metallic derivatives of coumarin, by Mr. R. Williamson.-On the action of dilute mineral acids on bleaching powder, by F. Kopfer.