Abstract
I UNDERSTAND that Mr. Kirkby objects to the statement I made, in my recent review of his book on “The Evolution of Artificial Mineral Waters,” to the effect that precautions to avoid the contamination of the carbonic acid gas with ammonia derived from such traces of ammonium salts as might exist in the sodium bicarbonate employed were unnecessary. In reference to this I would point out that sodium bicarbonate does not decompose ammonium salts under the conditions in question, and that any tendency to become converted into the normal carbonate owing to rise of temperature is effectually checked by the constant production of carbonic acid gas in the liquid in the generator. This is what I meant by saying that the acid used constitutes a sufficient precaution, and if Mr. Kirkby will try the experiment, as I have done, he will find that no trace of ammonia passes from the generating vessel. That manufacturers of foods and beverages should take every possible precaution to avoid the contamination of their products is, of course, highly desirable, but any precautions specially taken for the purpose of avoiding the presence [of this particular impurity are, I still maintain, quite unnecessary.
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Artificial Mineral Waters. Nature 67, 32 (1902). https://doi.org/10.1038/067032c0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/067032c0
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