Abstract
DR. DEMOUSSY'S manual on the analysis of fertilisers is written for the trained chemist; it is founded on the methods laid down in 1897 by the Comité des stations agronomiques, but unofficial methods in use in the principal French laboratories are also described. After a short introduction on the laws regulating the sale of fertilisers, the author deals in the first two chapters with the collection of samples and their qualitative examination. The following four chapters treat of the determination of nitrogen, phosphoric acid, potash, and manganese, the arrangement being according to the substance to be determined, and not the material in which it is found. The methods are for the most part well known in this country, and call for only a few remarks. The longest section is that devoted to nitrogen. The official method for nitrates is that of Schloesing, and no mention is made of the zinc-copper couple, while for organic nitrogen the Kjeldahl and sodalime processes are both recommended. The latter has fallen into almost complete disuse in this country, and probably few chemists here would agree with the opinion that it is the more economical in time when many samples are to be examined. Where a purely chemical analysis would be of little value, as in the case of dried blood, drawings of the materials as seen under the microscope are given. The value of these would have been greatly increased if the magnification had been stated. Under the head of potash no reference is made to flue-dust; in this case the official methods would have to be slightly modified to ensure complete removal of silicic acid.
Engrais. A mendements Produits anticryptogamiques et Insecticides.
Par Dr. E. Demoussy. Pp. xi + 297. Paris and Liége: Ch. Béranger, 1919. Price 15 francs.
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MATTHEWS, D. Engrais Amendements Produits anticryptogamiques et Insecticides . Nature 105, 738 (1920). https://doi.org/10.1038/105738a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/105738a0