Chemistry Of Familiar Things

PREFACE THIS book has been written because of a demand for an insight into chemistry by those whose training or whose reading has been directed in other channels. Chemistry has been regarded as a difficult and con- fusing study by beginners yet they seem to grant that it must be a very absorbing and interesting pur- suit to the chemist himself. If this be true it is only necessary for the chemist to present the subjectwith its natural attractions in a non-technical way. He may then both instruct and interest those who would like to extend their courses of reading to learn more about natural phenomena and to familiarize themselves with things in Nature and the Arts. The writer has dwelt at some length upon the chemistry ofsuch subjects as Air, Water, Metals, Bocks, Soil, Food, Textiles, Chemical Evolution and Physio- logical Chemistry, and has only introduced enough elementary chemistry in the first chapter to enable the reader to understand and appreciate the sequel. The writer offers this book for perusalby thosewho areinterested in scientificmatters and for careful study by those who desire an exposition of every-day prac- tical chemistry. It is probable that short courses in chemistry can render more concrete results andbemore productive of real benefit by the use of such a book as this rather than a text-book of the more usual kind. The author wishes hereby to acknowledge his in- debtedness to Dr. S. P. Sadtler and Mr. C. 0. Bond for suggestions made use of in the manuscript and proofs and to his sister, Alice H. Sadtler, for her interest in making original sketches for illustrations. For kind- ness in furnishing photographs for illustrations Prof. Albert Sauveur, Dr. E. F. Eoeber, Prof. Louis V. Pirsson, The Lowell Observatory and the Eesearch Corporation are also thanked by the writer. CHESTNUT HILL, PHILADELPHIA October 5, 1914. S- S CONTENTS INTRODUCTION Chemical Substances Formed by Insects PAGE 2 Chemical Substances from Plants 4 Exact Knowledge of the Composition of Matter Desirable 6 CHAPTER I BRIEF CHEMICAL OUTLINE Place of Chemistry 7 Elements 8 Atoms and Molecules 9 Acids and Bases Alkalies 11 Use of Indicators 12 Inorganic and Organic Substances 14 Oxidation and Reduction 16 CHAPTER II HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT OF CHEMISTRY Alchemy 20 Indestructibility of Matter 23 Discoveries of Elements 24 Combination in Definite Proportions 25 CHAPTER III THE PERIODIC SYSTEM OF ELEMENTS Relationship of Groups of Elements 28 Periodic Table opposite 30 CHAPTER IV THE CHEMISTRY AND PRODUCTION OF LIGHT Cause of Blue in Sky 32 Complementary Colors 34 Artificial Daylight 35 Phosphorescence 36 Effect of Light on Substances 37 Efficiencies of Lights 38 Illuminating Gas 40 Products from Petroleum 42 Tungsten Lamps 44 Electricity from Batteries 46 Volts and Amperes 47 Gas Mantles and Matches 49 vii viii CONTENTS CHAPTER V HEAT, COMBUSTION, AND INSULATION, KTemperature Sources of Heat 55 Heat in Houses 57 Latent Heat, 60 Insulation 60 Coalettes . . ...