Abstract
M. JOLLIVET CASTELOT claims to have succeeded in preparing gold by the action of arsenic and antimony sulphides on silver at 500–1100° C. M. A. Ballandras, a chemical engineer, has verified this result, obtaining colour reactions varying from light yellowish-black to peach-pink, a darkblack powder with a green reflection, and glossy flakes capable of taking a high polish. M. L. Outon, a pharmacist, has repeated the experiment with amazing results. All these gentlemen are to be congratulated on their spagyric achievements if not on their perception of the ridiculous—the inventor in particular, since although not unaware of the economic advantages of the reaction, he has confined himself to the simple search for truth. The yield of gold appears a little low, but doubtless could be improved. Modifications consist, for example, in the addition of tellurium or tin. It is somewhat to be regretted that alchemical prowess should be dissipated in the preparation of so inexpensive a material as gold, particularly if its manufacture on the large scale is to be ignored; radium, for example, costs a great deal more, and a catalytic or any other means for its preparation which would eliminate the somewhat tedious cultivation from uranium would be much appreciated. Even the production of any metal, however base, from gold itself would at least have about it an engaging air of novelty. M. Castelot “emits the hypothesis that the arsenic acts as a catalyser and the sulphur as a ferment in the transmutation.” Such a statement is indeed amazing; more amazing, perhaps, than M. Castelot would admit.
La fabrication chimique de l'or.
Jollivet
Castelot
Par. Texte français (traductions anglaise, allemande, espagnole). Pp. 126. (Douai: Chez l'Auteur, 19 Rue Saint-Jean, 1928.) n.p.
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E., A. La fabrication chimique de l'or . Nature 121, 981 (1928). https://doi.org/10.1038/121981a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/121981a0