The Carbonic Anhydride of the Atmosphere The Air of Rooms

Abstract

THE first of these pamphlets wouldamply justify its publication, if it only served to emphasise the necessity of further investigation into the methods of estimating carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. It is partly experi mental, partly bibliographical in character. The authors finding themselves called upon to make a series of observations on the carbon dioxide of the air, have made a careful study of Pettenkofer's method, and have introduced some necessary corrections, without detracting very much from its simplicity. They take the precaution, suggested by other observers, of preventing the action of the baryta solution on the glass by coating the vessel with a layer of paraffin wax. It may be pointed out that a solution in benzene is more suitable than the melted wax. The thinner film obtained with the solution is less liable to crack. The baryta solution is manipulated very ingeniously out of contact with air. Yet with all these precautions the results show that perfection is far from being attained.

The Carbonic Anhydride of the Atmosphere.

By Prof. E. A. Letts R. F. Blake, “Scientific Proceedings of the Royal Dublin Society,” vol. ix. (N. S.), Part ii. No. 15. Pp. 270. (Dublin: 1900.)

The Air of Rooms.

By Francis Jones Pp. 59. (Manchester: Taylor, Garnett, Evans and Co., 1900.)