Previous to cooking the emulsion, a small quantity from each sample was spread on a glass plate, and, with the films prepared from the fully digested emulsion, were placed in sunlight. The unripe emulsion darkened much more quickly than that which had been digested. The colors of the exposed films prepared according to Nos. 1 and 2 were chocolate, and there was very little difference between the tones of the ripe and unripe emulsion. With the plates made by No. 3 formula there was, however, a great difference of color noticeable; thus, while the unripe emulsion yielded a deposit not unlike that of Nos. 1 and 2, the films prepared from the ripe emulsion assumed a grayish green color, which did not alter even after some weeks' exposure to daylight.
APPARATUS FOR SATURATING WATER WITH SULPHUROUS ACID.
Messrs. A. Boake & Co., of Stratford, London, England, have devised a convenient apparatus for charging water with sulphurous acid which is useful in the making of photographic developers. The following description has been furnished by the firm:
The figure shows one of the siphons connected with a very convenient form of apparatus for preparing a solution of sulphurous acid in water, or of sulphites, as may be required.
The siphons are easy to manage, the flow of gaseous acid being regulated with the greatest nicety by simply turning the milled head shown in the engraving, the liquid acid being gradually converted into gas as the pressure is relieved. There is, moreover, no danger attending the use of this simple apparatus; sulphurous acid exerting at ordinary temperatures a pressure of about 30 pounds on the square inch, while each siphon is carefully tested under a pressure of 200 pounds on the square inch before being sent out.
APPARATUS FOR SATURATING WATER WITH SULPHUROUS ACID.
In preparing a solution, say, of sulphurous acid in water, the ground stopper carrying the tubes for passing the gas should be removed from the glass jar in immediate connection with the siphon, and two-thirds filled with distilled water; the stopper is then to be replaced, and the second glass jar half filled with caustic soda solution. The soda solution is used to absorb any sulphurous acid not dissolved by the distilled water, and so prevent the escape of this irritating gas into the air. Solution of sulphite of soda, and also of bisulphite, can be prepared in a similar way, substituting only pure caustic soda solution for the distilled water employed in the case of preparing the solution of sulphurous acid; but we must rather devise the purchase of the pure solid forms of these salts specially prepared, and put up by us in one-pound stoppered bottles for use in photography; these preparations can be obtained either direct from the manufacturers or from any wholesale chemical firm. The siphons may be obtained either separately or already connected with the absorbing jars. It may be mentioned that these siphons contain about two and a half pounds of liquefied sulphurous acid, and can be refilled when required; but those requiring larger quantities can obtain the acid compound in copper drums.
The Photographic News says: It will be noticed that Messrs. Boake say there is no danger attending the use of the siphons, as the glass vessels are tested at a much greater pressure than that ordinarily exerted by the condensed sulphurous acid; but our readers must remember that a blow against a hard substance may cause the glass to become fractured, and that under these circumstances the bursting of a siphon might cause a serious injury. Still, if proper care is exercised, there need be no accident; but we would suggest that the condensed acid should always be kept in the coolest place available, as the pressure it exerts becomes much greater when the temperature is raised.