I933, XXV, 563-564) have studied the occurrence of fat-soluble vitamin D, which prevents rickets, in the oil of the California pilchard or sardine (Sardinea caerulea) and the tuna (Neothunnus macropterus). Their results indicate that, with improved methods of refining, edible tuna oil may be of therapeutic value, in the same manner as cod liver oil.
J. S. H.
Sweet Potato
Starch.--The researches of F. H. THURBER (Ind. and Eng. Chem. Ind. Ed., 1933, XXV, 565-568) indicate that starch manufactured from cull sweet potatoes is quite suitable for sizing cotton textiles, since it possesses satisfactory coating and penetrating qualities for cotton yarn. It has a relatively uniform viscosity over long periods of heating; therefore a uniform sizing bath can readily be maintained.
J. S. H.
Edgar Fahs Smith Memorial Library.--EvA ARMSTRONG (.four. Chem. Ed., 1933, X, 356-358) describes this collection of books, journals, pictures, manuscripts, etc., on the history of chemistry, which is a valuable source of original material for research workers in this field. It was begun by the late Provost of the University of Pennsylvania, and has received numerous additions since his death.
J. S. H.