Volumetric Analysis

Abstract

THE present volume is almost the only representative of a considerable branch of chemistry. We are surprised that Volumetric Analysis has not come into more general use amongst chemists, for the saving of time in most instances is very great, whilst for accuracy it frequently surpasses gravimetric analysis. Since the last edition of this work was published (1863), chemistry has made great advances; in volumetric analysis there has been a gradual extension and development, although nothing very new or startling has taken place during this period. This edition is a far more handsome volume than the last, the type and engravings being everything that can be desired. The author states in his preface that the new system of atomic weights has been adopted; the nomenclature also has been changed to a great extent, although we are sorry to find that the system adopted is by no means perfect. Thus we read of “the carbonates of lime, baryta, and strontian” (p. 26), whilst in a later part of the book such terms as “hydric chloride,”&c., are met with. These of course are extreme cases; would it not have been better to have adopted some definite system throughout the book? We regret to say that the larger portion of the book is disfigured by a great number of small errors; for instance, the cross references in many cases are wrong, thus at page 80, the reader is referred to § 80, 2, for the determination of chlorides by Liebig's method, the paragraph referred to is an article “on the examination of raw phosphates and phosphatic manures.”Again, we are told on p. 116 to refer to § 71 for the titration of phosphate, but this paragraph describes the estimation of sulphuretted hydrogen. We have noticed so many errors, some in formulae, some in equations, and again in grammar, that, though making every allowance for printer's errors, we must conclude that the edition has been carelessly revised. There is one paragraph we should wish to call attention to, the first on p. 132, which we confess we have not been able to understand clearly. The number of new processes introduced is not large, nor are they of very great importance. We think, however, that methods such as the estimation of nitric acid by indigo might have been omitted, and that, for instance, the iron process for phosphoric acid might have been introduced. If Mr. Sutton would give, as far as possible, the precise cases for which each process is most suitable, we think the value of the book would be much. increased. His long experience in these matters would render this addition of great importance, and would save much trouble.

Volumetric Analysis.

By F. Sutton, Second Edition. (London: J. and A. Churchill.)