true in the case of the heavier lubricating oils, the supposed value of this test would seem to have been overrated. In the tests, samples of the vapors of cylinder oils, recovered by condensation from the flash point cup at the previously determined flash and fire point temperatures, were found to flash by themselves about 60 degrees, and to burn about 80 degrees, below samples similarly condensed" in vacuo" from similar volumes of original oil, which was presumably unchanged by the slight heat used. Likewise, samples of engine oils flashed about 50 degrees and burned about 55 degrees below vacuum distilled samples. It would therefore appear that in these cases some actual decomposition ("cracking") of the oil molecules may probably occur at these temperatures in these tests, and that they therefore indicate that the oil is to some extent being broken down. (10) Two single tests were made to determine the amount of fertilizer potash which could be directly leached from coarse, hard-wood charcoal, and which could in any way be obtained from coal ashes. The results were not encouraging. (11) Pharmacological experiments on some smoking tobaccos and on tobacco smoke showed that while in some tobaccos the nicotine content was relatively very low, even this was almost entirely absent in the smoke. The smoke, however, from tobaccos of high and low nicotine content was almost equally toxic, although this toxicity was of an entirely different nature from that produced by the original tobacco. This seems to show again that what heart acceleration there is from most tobacco smoke is likely largely due to other bodies than the nicotine. There seems also to be in the smoke some other body or bodies which cause a depressing rather than an accelerating action on the heart, and finally stop it in diastole. Denicotinized tobacco smoke also produced this depressing effect in some cases. (12) A number of tests were made on the efficiency of various sizes and shapes of sand for use in our water filtration plant. Also a series of studies on the flow of water through standard orifices under constant head, which information was for use in the feeding of treatments into open water supplies. (13) For special purposes, a number of reviews of home and foreign literature dealing with bio-chemistry and immunology as applied to the nervous system, were made, and finally a complete review of all the available literature dealing with the chemistry of the central nervous system from 1898 to the present time. This last, while somewhat meager in volume, necessitated a considerable amount of searching. (14) Pyrocondensation methods for the production of diphenyl, for use as a pleasant smelling antiseptic dressing, were tried, the commercial yield measured, and its bactericidal strength determined. This is a whitish powder of fine crystals, having a sweetish flowery odor, although faint. In a three to five per cent strength it would undoubtedly prove useful as a stimulating dressing for wounds if it were commonly on the market. (15) Electrolitic methods for the production of chlorine (and also caustic soda), which were tried in our laundry some years ago, were further studied and several mechanical improvements made in the process, whereby the yield of bleach is nearly proportional to the electric current consumed. As an economical commercial proposition for the hospitals, however, a cheap source of current would be necessary in order to compete with chlorinated lime at the present market prices. (16) Methods for manufacturing disulphur dichloride by passing the above electrolitic chlorine through a retort containing molten sulphur, at a temperature of 140° C., were very satisfactory. The highly fuming and corrosive dichloride distils directly from the retort. It is employed in vulcanizing and was used in experiments for the Federal Government. (17) Lastly, as time has allowed, a number of studies have been made for the Federal Government. These have had to do with rapid field tests for the detection of poisons and pathogenic bacteria in water supplies, and with some methods for removing the same. Also, methods have been devised for the rapid coating of fabrics for use in air planes and for balloons. All these have been submitted to the War Department as completed. Statement of Disbursements for the Maintenance of the Purchasing Committee, Year Ending June 30, 1917 Services, including clerk hire, experts and chemists, $7,333 02 The following table indicates the falling cost of maintaining the Purchasing Committee since it began operations in 1911: R. H. HUTCHINGS, ISHAM G. HARRIS, GEORGE P. WATSON, CHARLES A. MOSHER, Purchasing Committee for State Hospitals. REPORT OF THE RETIREMENT FUND FOR STATE HOSPITAL EMPLOYEES ALBANY, N. Y., December 10, 1917. The Honorable Retirement Board for State Hospital Employees: Gentlemen. In accordance with section 110 of Chapter 59, Laws of 1912, as amended by Chapter 607, Laws of 1916, I respectfully submit herewith the report of the Retirement Fund for State Hospital Employees for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1917. At the beginning of the year, July 1, 1916, the balance of cash on hand was $57,595.31, to which receipts are added for the year, of $106,517.02, in all amounting to $164,112.33. Disbursements during the year amounted to $84,363.79, leaving a balance of $79,748.54 cash on hand June 30, 1917. (See Table No. 1.) The amount of contributions due the fund on account of the June, 1917, payrolls is $8,357.40. There is also due $5.47 from the State Treasurer, being contributions made on the military payrolls by employees in the military and naval service. The interest accrued on the bank deposit to June 30, 1917, is $1,171.13. The amount of interest accrued on the bonds, corporate stock, City of New York, computed to June 30, 1917, is $1,020.83. The price paid for the bonds was $151,523.97. The par value is $175,000. The investment has accumulated $654.97 since purchased. The amount of $21,712.34, annuities payable, represents the annuities due for the quarter ending June 30, 1917. The Retirement Fund Reserve, as of June 30, 1917, is $220,769.97. (See Tables Nos. 2 and 3.) There have been 265 employees retired since the Retirement Law went into effect, of which number 26 either have died or had their annuities annulled. There are now 239 annuitants. The average annuity paid is $370.81. The average service of those retired is 26.2 years. Respectfully submitted, EUGENE M. TRAVIS, J. A. WENDELL, Deputy Comptroller. TABLE No. 1 Comparative statement of receipts and expenditures of the Retirement Fund for State Hospital Employees for the period October 1, 1915, to June 30, 1916, and the fiscal year ended June 30, 1917 |