Suggestions for a New and Economical Method for the Scientific Production of Some Acids

This issue contains scientific and technical content rather than fiction. Article XI, contributed by Edward Lloyd Marks (Lecturer on Chemistry at the School of Mines, Sandhurst) in October 1880, proposes a novel method for the large-scale production of various acids using silica chemistry. Marks describes how the stability of alkaline silicates can be overcome by moderate heat, allowing volatile acids to be liberated from their salts. He illustrates the process through chemical equations demonstrating the production of hydrochloric, nitric, sulphuric, and acetic acids using different sodium, potassium, and iron compounds. The method yields useful by-products of meta-silicates applicable to soap-making, paint manufacture, and fireproofing. The preceding pages contain botanical/lichenological description (OCR quality poor) regarding lichen species and their characteristics.