On the Manufacture of Sulphuric Acid and Alkali

Abstract

THIS volume forms a fitting sequel to the first volume of Prof. Lunge's valuable work (noticed in NATURE, vol. xx. p. 263) on the alkali manufacture. The praise we bestowed upon the earlier volume may without stint be applied to this. Clearness and conciseness in style remarkable in a foreigner, accuracy and fulness in the description of both old and hew processes, and admirable woodcuts of apparatus and manufacturing plant, constitute the chief merits of this by far the best treatise extant on the most important branch of chemical industry. The value of works on technical science, as well, we may also add, of the teaching of such subjects, depends not only on a sound knowledge of the scientific principles upon which the manufactures are based, but likewise upon a thorough acquaintance with technical minutiæ and the special details of construction and operation, the due observation of which is necessary for the manufacture'S success. Either one of these conditions maybe fulfilled by a host of authors, but to find both fully developed, as is the case with Prof. Lunge, is rare. Manufacturers themselves, many of whom may be fully competent to the task, are, for obvious reasons, not given to make known the details of their successful manufacture. Nor is the professional chemical engineer likely to do more than describe the most common and well-known processes. Dr. Lunge enjoys the great advantage Of haying had manufacturing experience, if not along the whole line, at least over a very large portion of his subject; and to this he now adds that of a position in which every motive urges him to impart his knowledge unreservedly to his readers.

On the Manufacture of Sulphuric Acid and Alkali.

By George Lunge, Professor of Technology in the Zurich Polytechnic School, formerly Manager of the Tyne Alkali Works, South Shields. Vol. ii. (London: Van Voorst, 1880.)