Document 65MVRzeY4MargBG7DoNQV5QyR

NOTICE: This material may be protected 8y copyright law (Title 17, U S. Code). !0 PAINT, OIL AND DRUG REVIEW The Manufacture of White Lead How the Greet Paint Pigment is Made--Early History of Its Use (Concluded from Dec. 17.) Chamber Process.--The chamber process is largely used on the continent of Europe. As yet. only one English company operates this method, and has done so since 1896. In America the chamber process finds no application. In Germany the method has absolutely displaced the Stack process: hence one frequently hears the process discribed as the "German Chamber Method." As previously stated, the process is frequently ascribed to Creed, who obtained a patent in 1749, but the sugges tion cannot be regarded as serious, as no commercial de velopment followed the patent and for other reasons. The patent of an American, Burton,** in 1858, may be regarded as the first patented process in which the chamber process is clearly indicated. This has only historic interest, and the real development of the process is due to German workers. The method is closely related to the tack method, the differences being concerned solely with the means adopted for the more rapid and complete corrosion of metallic lead. The corroding chambers are brick constructions, in which strips of lead are hung from horizontal supports, and a mixture of air, steam, acetic acid, and carbon dioxide sup plied through floor inleu. The composition and tempera ture of the mixed gases can be controlled to meet varying conditions--a feature of'importance, and one which, when ideal conditions have been ascertained, is of great value. Corrosion is effected at a temperature of about 60 dec. C., and is complete in about 50 days. Before opening the cham ber, it is the practice to blow in steam to damp the corro sions, thereby preventing the creation of dust during empty ing. The chambers are emptied by hand, and the succeed ing processes adopted ere similar to those adopted with the Stack product Notes on the "Chamber White Lead.'*--Chamber white lead has certain characteristics by reason of the process adopted for iu manufacture. !u color is excellent as no source of discoloration is normally present. Corrosion is usually more complete, i e., more metal is corroded. In ceruin cases the product is more bulky than the Stick product but it is impossible to generalize in this connec tion. Krem's Procsea.--This process can be described as be ing intermediate between the Stack and chamber process, as it resembles both iu certain respects. The process is used only on a small scale--principally in Austria. Krem's white is a product valued for iu good color, which feature is consequent not only on the process adopted, but also on the extreme purity of the metallic lead used. The quantity marketed is not sufficient to render it necessary to detail the process in this paper. Miscellaneous Processes.--Under this heading we have to record the few survivors of a very Urge number of Erocesses which were designed as improvemenu on the tack process. The only process applied in* this country on any con siderable scale other than the chamber or Stack process, is the "Bischof' process which is now in the possession ol The Brimsdown Lead Co., Ltd., Middlesex.** In outline, this process consisu in: (l) The preparation of lead monoxide from metallic lead in cupellation furnaces. (2) Th* reduction of lead monoxide by mesne of water gas to a black suboxide of lead. . (3) Oxidation and hydration of this suboxide to lead hydrate. (4) Subsequent conversion of the lead hydrate into hydroxy-carbonate in special carbonators with pure car bon-dioxide, using lead aeettte as catalyst, It is claimed that the process gives absolute control of the composition of the final product, and in so far is unique, a sutement borne out in practice. The product has s well.established position in the English market. Another type of process which is in operation on a small scale in England, Germany, and Italy, depends on the direct oxidation of metallic lead by air in the presence of lead acetate, the basic acetate of lead so obtained being subsequently treated with pure carbon dioxide, or purified flue gases from the burning of coal or coke in order to ob tain a precipitate of hydroxy-carbonate of lead. The quantity made by this type of process is small. They are adaptations of the original Thensrd or Clichy process, and are novel only so far at the methods adopted for obtaining a basic acetate solution. Use is made of lead in powder form, in ribbon form, in so-called "feathered" form, the object .of such variation being to obtain large surfaces for interaction. In some cases the solution is effected under pressure. Carter Proems.--This process is successfully applied in the U. S. A. and Canada. The idea of the process is to in crease the rate of production of white lead from metallic lead by following the interactions of the Suck process as follows: Lead is granulated, then placed in revolving drums. Acetic acid and water is sprayed into the mass at intervals, whilst flue gas containing carbon dioxide is forced through the mixture. This is continued for six days; then the mass is disintegrated to prevent balling, and the carbon, ating process continued for another six days. The car bonated product is levigated to remove unchanged lead, and then Alter pressed. Mathmon Proems.--- By this process some 4,000 tons are made yearly in tbs U. S. A. Tne process was invented by Dahl, and is similar in principle to the Carter process, but the method of application differs. Hebrew Proems, This process is suted by Falk** to be in operation on a very large scale in ceruin parts ol Russia, especially at Yaroslav. Litharge containing 25 to 40 per cent of metallic lead' is intimately mixed with 4 to 5 per cent of solid lead acetate, moistened with water, and thrown into compact heaps of 5 to 6 cwts. After 24 hours the heaps are sliced as fine as possible, and the material spread on linen stretched on frames, and placed in an atmosphere containing carbondioxide, often derived from a coke fire in the room itself at a temperature of 100 deg. Fahr. The percentage of car bon-dioxide is kept low, as.it is found that a better quality product it obtained under these conditions. After three days' exposure the shredded material is taken out of the room, and formed again into compact heaps, and allowed to stand for one day, water being added to bind the mate^ rial. The process of three days in the frames and one day in the heap, alternately, is continued from three to five months, the amount of water added being increased as necessary. The material undergoes a series of changes in color, ultimately becoming white, and the process is complete when the material docs not show gritty litharge or metallic lead if rubbed down between the fingers. The material is not washed, but mixed with water and kneaded by hand until >r forms s homogeneous paste, which is allowed to dry in conical or plate form. It is suted that this product is preferred by buyers in northenrand eastern Russia aad in Siberia, and, further, that ia spite of iu grey or yellow color, when used as a paint it dries up whiu. The hygienic aspect of the process will not bear in vestigation, and one is not surprised to learn that each factory has iu own doctor, dispensary, and hospital. ,. .. All processes as yet described have involved die use of lead aceute as catalyst There is, however, one process, viz., the Rowley or mild process, which is in use in the U. S. A., where this is not the case. The process ia as follows: Molten lead is converted into an impalpable dust by means of s spray of air and steam. - The black sludge so obuined is then agitated in the presence of air and water, PNYC 00013222 hi] PAINT, OIL AND-DRUG REVIEW It thus producing a so-called hydrated lead. The composition mixed paint, although as yet the latter trade is not deof this hydrated lead seems to be variable and uncertain. veloped'in England on a scale comparable with that in the Alter a certain length of time the hydrated lead is removed by elutriation from the metallic lead, and the purified lead hydrate is directly converted into hydroxy-carbonate of lead by means of carbon-dioxide in rotary carbonators without the use of acetic acid. It appears possible that the mechanism ol the interactions involved may be similar to that described by Clowes'* as taking place under certain conditions when lead is exposed to air, water, and carbon- dioxide. The processes described cover the whole range of those now in use on the large scale. As yet the electrolytic pro duction of whits lead has not been commercially established. The processes 16 far described have differed in the methods adopted for the production of what is known as white lead pulp, i. e., a paste of white lead containing water in varying quantity. It must be noted that white lead at this stage should be free of lead acetate, a condition effected by washing with water, either in filter presses or by decanta tion. At this point the methods adopted by all manufac turers become common, and vary only in detail. White lead is sold either as a dry powder or as an oil paste, containing from 6 to 9 per cent of linseed oil. The drying of white lead is carried ouf in driers of various types, a. g., continuous band driers, drying in pots on shelves, vacuum driers, steam-heated copper pans. The whole aim of the manufacturer has been to effect the dry ing and handling of his dry material in such a manner as to prevent the creation of dust, and the dangers attendant thereon. I show slides illustrating some of the types in Chemistry of White Lead and Ita Manufacture.--It is apparent in all the processes now in operation, save the Mild process, that the formation of white lead is dependent on certain interaction# taking place between metallic lead, acetic add. water, carbon-dioxide and air, and that the final product is a hydroxy-carbonate of lead. I have deliber ately choaen the expression "hydroxy-carbonate of lead" because I consider it is the only correct designation we can apply in our present state of knowledge. Prior to 1774 white lead was considered to be a com pound of calx of lead with vinegar, i. e., a compound of oxide of lead with acetic acid. In 1774 Bergmann (17551784) investigat'd the product chemically, and- as a result terms it "luftsaurer blei-kaik," or "calx plumbi aerata," which in the Englsh of the period was "fixed air and lead calx," meaning at the present time carbon-dioxide and lead oxide. The next important inquiry made was that of Kochstetter (1829-1884) and Liebig (1805-1874)** who inves tigated the chemiatry of the process of white lead manu facture, carried out in the Stack method, and expressed their conclusions in a series of aquations, which they considered as explanatory of the chemial changes taking place, via.: $(1) 2Pb-H2HtO+OtWPb(OH)#. (2) Pb(OH)j*f2CH4,COOHePb(CH,COO),-f2HtO. (3) Pb(CH,COO)t-f-2Pb(OH). .Pb(CH,CqO)t2Pb(OH)l. (4) 3(Pb(CH,COO),2Pb(OH),] +4CO. " 2l2PbCO#Pb(OH),j43ft(CH#CCX)), +4H.O. Whits Lsud Paste.--Oil paste in this country is pre pared by one or two processes, either by the old-fashioned method of grading the dried powder in linseed oil, or by the newer method known ss "pulping." The older process is familiar to all, and requires no comments, but the new It is obvious from the above that lead acetate acts as a catalyst and that white lead is considered to have the composition 2PbCO,Pb(OH),, a compound of two mole cules of lead carbonate with one molecule of lead hydrate. The formula appears to be usually accepted at -correct. method has not had the publicity it deserves, and in tome Acetic acid it the acid which has come into general use, cases the published statements are inexact, and, to my mind, prejudicial to the advance of a method of working which ranks as one of the greatest hygienic sdvsnces in the manufacture of white lead during recent years. The method adopted it to take white lead water paste direct from the filter presses, and to mix the same with a predetermined quantity of linseed oil in s special pug mill or mixer. After because it is a commercial commodity and very effective in action. It is difficult to understand why patents were taken out for the use of butyric, valerianic, propionic, and other expensive and not more effective agents. Personally, 1 feel that the processes operative, not only in the Stack method, but, indeed, in alt processes, are to be explained by interactions other than those suggested above. about half an hour's mixing the mass suddenly changes in Liebig and Hochatetter were the first to recognise that appearance, and it is found that the linseed oil has dis- white lead was a compound of carbonate and hydrate of 8laced the water in the paste, so producing s white lead lead. It is curious to notice how the old idea that white aaeed oil paste, from'which the free water can readily, be lend is a mechanical mixture of hydrate and carbonate of drained. Simple draining does not effeet complete removal lead still persists in certain quarters. Hartand and Wig- of water, as s certain quantity is mechanically retained by net** claimed to have shown this to be the case, but all the paste, and in order to remove this the machine is dosed modem evidence is against their statement. It is by no up, end evaporation of residual water is earned out under means uncommon to near stated that the hydrate portion reduced pressure at s carefully regulated temperature. The of white lead gives it the spreading power, whilst the car mixer is heated by steam jackets. This method is capable bonate portion supplies only opacity, and that the value of removing the whole of the water mechanically retained, of white lead is the arithmetical relationship between these and I take this opportunity of correcting statements which constituent parts. Unfortunately this is not the case. It have been made to the effect that pulped whim lead invari was with much surprise that I found in a reputable English ably contains s considerable quantity of water. I have publication** the following statement: examined a large number of samples made by different "White lead is a mixture of carbonate and hydroxide makers, and find this not to be the esse. of lead, and always contains some combined water/ It will be realised that the process described obviates In aU processes, with the exception of the mild process, the preparation of dry white lead, and in this respect its the rational appears to be the same, and it becomes neces hygienic value is evident. I feel that the process of pulping sary to consider the action of carbonic acid on basic acetate is worthy of more extensive application, and if adopted of lead, in order to elicit some information as to the first would contribute largely towards the reduction of risks to worker*. The preparation and handling of dry white lead is by no means an enviable occupation, and I should be glad to see this branch of the industry decrease, as I am unable to see tho real necessity of dry products being supplied in many directions. The sale of white lead water paste or damped white lead is much to be preferred. I notice an increasing tendency on the part of certain users to specify that their hitherto dry products shall be damped in order a prevent dust--a practice of great hygienic value. There is some disagreement ss to who was the inventor of the process of wet pulping, it bring ascribed to Lefevre of Lille, and to Expert Besancon of Paris.19 The process appears to have been first worked in England by Ismay** about 1895, and. since that time the principal improvement, e. f., vacuum work, it of English origin. After incorporation of the white lead with oil. at before described, the paste it passed through granite roller mills, and packed ready for the market, or converted into ready- stage in the process. I am fully convinced from experimental work that the decomposition of basic acetate of lead does not follow the steps indicated by the above equation, and that the first product is a hydroxy-carbonate of leed having a -lower carbonic acid content than is indicated by the formula, and that this lower carbonate of lead subsequently takes up carbon dioxide, thereby increasing its CO, content. It is necessary that this should be so, inasmuch as white lead is known, and is on the market, containing less car bon dioxide than that demanded by the prescribed formula. Thompson (loc ett) is of the opinion that the first prodoct of precipitation is a bask carbonate, plus a quan tity of bask lead acetate. It appears to me that white lead is a mixture of hydrated carbonates of somewhat varying composition. This is indicated by the observation that if a corrosion it taken from a stack, the composition of the crust varies from the outside inwards, the external coating containing more carbon-dioxide than the coating nearest PNYC 00013223 12 PAINT, OIL AND DRUG REVIEW to the lead, indicating that the external coating, having are to be ascribed to the presence of this organo-metallic' been the first formed, has undergone a procesa of carbons- compound. Long storage of the paste before use is sup tion. In some corrosions, I have found that no layer con posed to increase the extent of saponification, and the so- tained sufficient carbon-dioxide to satisfy the simple formula called superiority of old white lead is explained on these 2PbCO, Pb(OH),. lines. Hannay** first challenged this assertion, and stated If a suck corrosion is continued too long, or if, indeed, that he was unable to detect the presence of any such any process is carried out too long, a normal carbonate is compound, and, further, that he was able to wholly extract formed, which is useless as a pigment. linseed oil from t linseed and white leed paste. Harland** It is not possible here to discuss fully the chemistry disputed the statement of Hannay, and in 1907 an investiga of the processes or products, but I wish to protest against tion was made by Davis and myself*1 in this connection. the present day worship of the empirical formulae for white We found that it is impossible, even after prolonged ex lead which are so frequently encountered, varied occa traction, to wholly remove fatty matter from the solid pig sionally by landscape gardening designs of so<a!led (though ment, and, further, that the extracted linseed oil invariably quite unjustifiably) constitutional formulc. Whitt lead is contained lead, although, in each case, the extent of inter the product of a series of interactions, which proceed sim action is extremely small. Further work indicates that the ultaneously, with the result that it has a complex chemical phenomena is to be explained in the following lines: composition, and it is not possible from a chemicql analysis to determine its value as a pigment. For recent discussion as to the formula of white lead, see Falk44, Hof** and Sacher**. White lead is not a product of uniform size, and it is probable that many of its valuable properties can be at tributed to this. It is also probable that the poor qualities of the products prepared by precipitation by means of al kaline carbonates may be ascribed to the humogenhity of the product, and, further, that all successful processes are such that the hydrated carbonate first foqned remains in an atmosphere of carbon-dioxide, and undergoes further The free fatty adds of linseed oil are partly converted into lead salts. This is proved by the decreased scid num ber of linseed oil after extraction from such a paste. The presence of organk matter in the extracted pigment is to be explained bv the formation of-- (1) Lead salts of saturated fatty acids, e. g., stearic acid, and the like (2) By the formation of lead salts of unsatufsted fatty acids, which have undergone oxidation since forma tion, both classes of salts being insoluble in ether or the usual solvents. carbonation. The lead which is invariably found in ths extracted oil It must be pointed out here that the term "precipitated is due to the formation of soluble lead salts from the un- lead'1 has of late years acquired a very narrow and incor saturated fatty adds, an! I am of the opinion that inter rect meaning. In the ordinary chemical sense, all white action takes place entirely between the white lead and the leads are "precipitated," being the solid products derived free adds of the oil. 1 have not been able to detect saponifi from the interaction of carbonic acid gas and bask lead cation. It is obvious tbat the quantity of organo-metallk solutions; even though the amount of liquid present in the salt produced it extremely small--in normal cases well stack and similar processes is small, the precipitation is under 1 per cent, and I consider it absolutely proved that just as real. The final product depends on conditions of' the old saponification theory is untenable in the face of re precipitation, and full knowledge of this difficult phase of cently ascertained facts. It seems to me by no means im the problem is necessary before any satisfactory process probable that the formation of even this small quantity of can be produced. compound throughout the whole combined mass would Thompson,*r by the use of an ingenious elutriator, has have a beneficial result, and I have found that the spate been able to separate white lead into constituents of vary type of change takes place when bask sulphate of lead .is ing size. The following table shows the fractions obtained, ground in linseed oil. die word "cone" being used to designate a receiver for The extefftr of interaction'is increased by storage to a each sized fraction: certain extent, but, as previously mentioned, the total Con* 1...................... ...............3.42 per cent ....................... 6.41 *" " change taking place is comparatively small. > ft is'suggested on what appears to be a sound basis 3........................................ 6.61 " " . 4............................. Tv.'. ^70 " " / Finer than 4............. .......................... 7439""" Some years ago, a theory was formulated in which a paint film was likened to concrete, and this theory has been responsible for the suggestions that the rigidity of a paint film might be increased if a pigment of various sized par ticles be prepared, so as to obtain what is known as a rein forced effect. I know from personal experience there ap pears to be some advantage in mixtures of products of vari ous sizes, but there is no doubt that the reinforced theory is overdone by some of its exponents. ^ The real use of photomicrography is well illustrated by Thompson's work in distinction to many imaginary usee to which this valuable method of inquiry has been applied in certain directions in connection with paint materials and their application. The difficulty of preparing a repre sentative sample of certain products is enormous, when their heterogeneous character is considered in relation to the size of sample required for microscopic work. I do not wish to be misunderstood in this connection. No one realizes more than I the value of this comparatively new that the changes taking place during storage are pro duced immediately when wet pulping is resorted to. This may, or may not, be the case. As yet I cannot express an opinion. I think with Holky (loc. cit) that prolonged storage may indues physical change to t certain extent not yet appreciated, and fe is by no means improbable that the effect of pressure as is produced by the weight of the superincumbent bu s s is not to be disregarded. The ultimate composition of a white lead linseed oil skin has not been investigated with any accuracy, and I am unable to state whether in the process of drying saponifi cation takes place,' and that the resultant film may be con sidered to contain a large quantity of lead lineoteatt. White lead has certain uses other than for painting,* e. g., pottery glazing, manufacture of adored pigments, etcu, but it is estimated that in England only about IS per Cent of the white lead need finds application for purposes other than for paint making, It is often stated that whits lead is frequently adulter ated, but tbk is not the case in-England It hat been my experience that the bulk of the white lead circulating gen erally is not seriously adulterated. In England makers have agreed to a recognised, scale of uncalled reduction, method of inquiry, and my remarks are to be considered as which consists iff tbs addition of barytas, in standard a protect against the present tendency to photomicrograph amounts, as indicated' by* tbi various grades of reduction. anything and everything related to the paint industry, with' English white lead, containing any adulterant, is known total disregard of the elementary factors governing such as ^reduced white lead," an expression perfectly under an inquiry. stood by both maker and buyer, whilst the pure artkk is Sabin's** gingerbread story bar a wealth of meaning. sold as "genuine English whit# lead"--# tills of uamiatak- It is a comparatively simple matter to make a photomicro graph, but the true interpretation of the photograph is often There is no doubt that years ago adulteration- of white s very difficult problem. lead took place to a considerable extent, bat largely owing In the past, considerable discussion has: taken place to the action of white lead manufacturers themselves, this on the supposed saponification of linseed oil by white lead, has decreased. In the interests of the trade, the White when the two. are ground together in the form usually! Lead Section of the London Chamber of Commsrce under marketed. It is frequently held that interaction takes place take the analysis of say sample of white lead, ftuodfichargc, with the formation of a lead salt with the fatty acida of die and should' adulteration he -proved, wilt undertake; toe oil, and that many of the valuable properties of white Jead PNYC 00013224 PAINT. OIL AND DRUG REVIEW 13 Analyaia of Whit* Uad The analysis of white lead it worthy of some little at* tention in a paper of this description, because it is necessary Ho draw yoor attention to the venr unsatisfactory position of affairs frequently obtaining in England. .In divers text-books methods are given by which the 'painter is supposed to be able to test his white lead for purity--the two most frequently found being the "burning test" and the "solubility test The following quotation from a recent (4th) edition of a well-known work is typical: "White lead may, of course, be tested for quantitative adulteration by analysis, but there are many rough-dndready tests based on chemistry that will suffice for the painter to discover whether he is getting genuine white lead or white lead with earthy matter added. One of the easiest is to put some white lead in a ladle and convert it into blue lead by heat, weighing both the white lead and the resultant piece of metallic lead, and comparing notes and noting whether any dross or earthy particles are left in the ladle unconverted. If the white lead is pure, it should weigh about 10 per cent more than the lump of blue lead recovered from the ladle, the 10 per cent representing the weight of the oil in which it was ground. "Another method is to mix the paste white lead to a paint with sulphuric arid, using a glass jdab and a thin atrip of glass. If the paste mixes into a smooth paint with out effervescence and the production of vaporous fumes, it may be regarded as pure. nDry white lead may also be tested for earthy matter by dissolving it in nitric acid. Any sediment that will not dissolve is china clay, barytes or a similar adulterant The test should be conducted in a small phial or test tube." Reviewing the mystic rites in the order quoted, it is obvious that: (1) Tbs "burning test" as described would procure the condemnation of any lead product containing less than 100 per cent pure metal on the dry material, so that whits lead with its 80 per cent of metal would be severely taxed to secure approval on this basis. (2) Is inexplicable, particularly as to the "vaporous fumes.** FINE LAMPBUCKS' III im WOULD LAMP ttftfflf IVMV8U6KS mciuett NOR HACKS VIK NAN NPU HiCtt Wiltktt Mtrtii Wilokts Ci. -JEW (3) Is chemically unsound. Any soluble adulterant would not be revealed, no mention is made of the necessity for preliminary extraction of oil, and finally, as no strength of acid is named, the insolubility of lead nitrate in nitric arid is ignored. The painter should stick to his painting and leave the chemist to do the analysts, and so save the vexatious waste of time which white lead manufacturers suffer through the application of rough-and-ready tests of the above type. The ordinary analysis of white lead consists in the de termination of the purity or extent and nature of adultera tion. and the PbO CO, and HtO content of the material, coupled with a determination of the nature and quantity of the oil, acetate of lead and uncombined water. For methods see Walker **, Davis and Klein**, Thomp son**, and Holley**. Hygiene. I now come to the subject of lead poisoning--a ques tion much in the public eye during the last few years, and one quite worthy of considerable attention. It is unfor tunate that owing to the efforts of sensational writers, of A Book for Manufacturer and Dealer THE Scientific PriceMaker^Profit Determiner Noone who buys or sella cen afford to be without thisbook. Instantly determines the price at which an article must be sold to secure a certain percentage of profit Th e Sc ie n t if ic Pr ic e Ma k e r a n d Pr q f it De t e r min e r J . W C O^CHAD M * J ri Scientific--Accurate--Simple No figuring to be done; no doubt as to the correctness of results. It's as Easy as Reading Thn book i* pubHehed in two volume,, but Volume 2 it the mow complete, containing 28 table* with price* computed on the cott oi doing buioe*e of from 7% to 34%of 'tiling pnee end tho prion at which good* mutt bo eoM to yield not profit of from 1% to 25%. Price ol Volume S, SS.SS Net Order Now from the Paint, On & Drug Review PNVC 00013225 14 :%AiXT. C1L AN'D DRUG REVIEW M3ALLON PLAT TOP 4 In the flat top "Star" the edges of bottom and top project over jacket, pro* tecting and strengthen ing it 9 Nozzle is furnished with . a pouring lip which is converted into a spout . by bending up the sides. . 4 Welded wire hoops and same general style as shown in cone top. WELL MADE AND TO SELL AT A REA SONABLE PRICE. American Can Company NEW YORK CUetfi Sm Pmsttison Wife OMssi In AM Losev Ottaa well-meaning but uninformed philanthropists, and, finally, of professional agitators, the true position of affairs has been successfully obscured, and one not infrequently meets people to whom the terms white lead and certain death are synonomous. The figures I propose to lay before you are not the re sult of my own imagination. In every case they are official figures4*, obtained from official sources, and are therefore capable of verification or refutation. The poisonous character of lead and its compounds has been known since very early times. Hippocrates (460 B. C.) describes tead poisoning. Vitruvius (100 B. C.) was cognisant of the danger of lead poisoning from water conveyed in leaden pipes. Dioscorides (about 100 A. D.) speaks of lead poisoning, whilst Pliny4' not only states that tead poisoning was known in his day, but that the workers in lead and mercury products tied up their faces in loose bags lest they should inhale the per nicious dust. Raphael, Correggio, and Michael Angelo' are stated to have suffered from lead poisoning. Ramazzini4* in 1713 discusses very hilly the sickness of painters, etc., through contact with lead materials. Probably the earliest English record of lead poisoning angst white tead workers is that of Sir Philiberto Ver- natti4*, who, in a paper, MA Relation , of the Making of Ceruse," describes the method of manufacture in use by the Venetians. In addition to describing the details of manu facture, he records the symptoms of lead poisoning, stat ing. "The Accidents to the workmen are, immediate pain in the Stomack, with .exceeding contortions in the Guta, and Costiveness that yields not to Catharticks, hardly to often repeated Clysters: best to lenitives. Oil of Olives, or strong new Wort. It brings them also to acute fevers, and great Asthma's or shortness of breath. And these we find effected principally by the mineral steams in the easting of the plates of lead, and by the dust of the flakes. Also by the steams coming from out of the heaps when the pots are raking up. "Next, a vertigo, or diasinesa in the head, with con tinual great pain m the brows, blindness, stupidity, and paralytick affections, lots of appetite, sickness, and fre quent vomitings, generally of sincere phlegm, sometimes mixed with choler, to die extreamest weakning of the body. And these* chiefly that-have- the charge of grinding, and over the drying place." ' A remarkably comprehensive survey and one capable of being applied to practice of today. It was not until 1891 that the English Government ac tively investigated the question of lead poisoning in white lead .world, and since Abes .eery satisfactory results, have been obtained. . *; * Taking the official figures supplied by the Home Office (representing the period during which notification of lead poisoning is whits lead works has been made compulsory) we find that a remarkable improvement has been effected in the health of the workers. This satisfactory, result is due to the hearty co-operation of the Homs Office * officials and the manufacturers. During the past 15 years manufactory have .spent over 8Off*) on alterations and dost removal plant, in order to render more healthy the conditions of employment**. Briefly, the protective measures adopted are as follows: (1) Education of workers to a true appreciation of the dangers to which they are subjected. (2) Provision of overalls, adequate washing: applin ancea, and * baths/ respirators, medical supervision, and nourishment. (3) Exercise of.bn fas eelectkm of workers, having due regard, to the problem , of natural predisposition, ge*H eral habits and alcoholisfea. * (4) Elaborate precautions for the prevention of dust, . with minimum personal handling of dry lead products. The foregoing have bean carried into effect as follows: Education of Wocto-By meant of pamphlet, statinr In clear and. simple language the poisonous nature of au lead .products, how these may e^ter the system, what prim ary effects appear, and what precautions should be taken. The pamphlet it not an elaborate medical treatise.,but i ' worded 4n plain, blank English. - * . * * : i; x, * Overalls, Washing, Etc.--Each worker is required to wash before meals (in the employee's, time), and must bath* .- jaSSfiflRL PNYC 00013226 PAINT, OIL AND DRUG REVIEW 15 weekly. Overalls are provided and washed* weekly. amongst men working in stacks where it has not been found Respirators are used on dusty work, and these are possible to apply the principles of exhaust ventilation. To cleansed at least once each shift, or more often if necessary. those engaged in the white lead industry this observation Medical inspection takes place weekly, but here much de is important, and I shall be much mistaken if before long pends on the worker, as there is a marked tendency to be an improvement is not effected in this direction, knowing secretive in their replies to the queries of the doctor, fear- ss I do the difficulties which have been overcome in the inf. that preliminary symptoms might prejudice their fur past. ther employment, . Nourishment in the form of cocoa or milk is provided for each worker before starting work, and at meal times. Experience has shown that milk is of the greatest possible value, and this has almost entirety dis placed the old-fashioned sulphuric acid drink, which was of questionable value. It is only within comparatively recent times that lead poisoning has been subjected to stnet inquiry on a scientific basis, and the results obtained have been of the greatest importance, not only in respect to the disease itself, but also in clearly defining and determining the relative dan gers of the channels of infection. Simple medicines such as Epsom salts, castor oil, and sulphur tablets are provided, and in one English works so dium sulphide pill* have proved to be very efficient, due to the comparative insolubility of lead sulphide in gastric juices. Incidentally it may ba mentioned that Goadby" has observed that Italians who are engaged in white lead works seldom contract lead poisoning. It is noteworthy that Italian workers do.not drink much beer, eat a lot of - rough food and vegetables, and a large quantity of garlic (the sulphur of which appears to be highly beneficial). Goadbjr** it of the opinion thst the industrial im portance of infection by respiratory tract as against infec tion per (astro-intestinal tract it to be expressed by the ratio 100 u. In other words, "dust" is the serious source of trouble. This is a strong argument against the manufacture of dry white lead, and emphasises the hygienic value of the wet pulping machine previously noted. The general adop tion of the "wet pulping" method would be beneficial to alt concerned, and is worthy of the attention of those con 8election of Workers.--This can only be a gradual cerned with the handling of dry white lead. procees. A worker can never be judged by his face value I add a list of works dealing with the hygienic phase as a Mad worker. Medical 'inspection weqds out the ob of lead work in the hope that it may he of value for refer viously unhealthy and undesirable employes, but gives no ence. positive indication of suitability. It is only by careful ob servation of the man at work that "dirty'' workers can be 'discovered. This observation is made by a reliable worker of foreman status, who acts as inspector, and instructs the new worker as to the methods of avoiding the creation of dust in his work. The employment of casual labor is dan gerous, snd should be avoided. Dr. T. M. Legge*1, in the special report of 1898, re* white lead works, gives the in It is impossible for me here to discuss the use of white lead, and I must content myself with a passing reference to a recent phase of the subject which has led to consider able discussion recently. You are aware that since Feb ruary, 1911, a Departmental Committee of the Home Office has been sitting to consider the use of lead products by painters. The report of this committee is awaited with a considerable amount of interest. cidence of lead poisoning amongst casual labor as 59 per cent, against 6 per cent for regular employment The home conditions of s man are often a safe guide to his suitability for employment Good home conditions steangood nourishment ana habits.' The efficiency of regulations has been dearly demon strated by the results obtained both tn England and on the continent, and it is quite certain that lead poisoning is amenable to regulations when the sources of trouble can be defined. Attention has recently been drawn in the public and In. the meantime some very wordy battles have been wagqd .between the partisans of.white feid and substitutes. I fear-that much time has been, wafted and little real prog ress made. Prohibition has been lightly talked of, with out any consideration as to the far-reaching effect of such an act, even assuming that statistical evidence was available showing that the sickness rate amongst painters was so high as to suggest that ft had become expedient to con sider such an action. In point, of fact, no such evidence is as yet available in this country. To my mind prohibition of the use of white lead is a technical press to a process devised by Gagne for the elec tacit admission of inability to deal with the problem of trolytic removal of lead from the human system, and it is ordinary-Industrial hygiene. Prohibition is an effective, claimed that very striking results have been obtained. grossly unfair method of dealing with any problem of an Oliver11* describes., the process snd method, and unknown character, whioh, if-applied logically, would un states that he has earned out experiments which doubtedly be the most,serious barrier to industrial progress have proved the value of the process. The meth which has ever yet been devised. od adopted is to immerse the inns snd legs of patients It it obvious that a white lead-worker handles in the in baths of salt solution, and to past a current of electricity course of a day at least as much white lead as is handled through the baths and patient. Actual removal of lead from by the average painter in e year, and it is dear the risk of the system is claimed, and it is stated that metallic lead it white-lead workers is much more intense than that of the deposited on the electrodes which are in contact with the painter. extremities of the patient. The process purports not only The previously quoted figures show with what success for die removal of lead from those suffering from the reasonable regulations have reduced the poisoning in white disease, but further from those in whose system lead may lead works; and-it is only reasonable to suppose that the be present without exerting any apparent ill effects, so that same success would attend the application of regulations the method might become part of a preventative system. to those engaged in the use of white lead. If the results claimed receive confirmation after extended There is real need in this country for investigation as inquiry, then a powerful weapon has been discovered, with to the respective merits and demerits of various paints, and which lead poisoning may be readily combated. It must 1 believe that makers generally would welcome such an be here stated that Oxley** in afctual lead works practice has foiled to obtain satisfactory results, and the universal efficacy of the process is still to be established. Before any problem of industrial hygiene can be suc cessfully solved it is necessary that careful statistics should G. SIEGLE CO. be available. A very striking example of this is brought ROSEBANK, S. I. NEW YORK 5K3F to light is connection with lead poisoning amongst workers in paints and colors. In 1902 Legge* made an analysis of the processes, and found that 72per cent of the cases of lead poisoning must be ascribed to dusty processes--an observation of fundamental importance, and one which has received emphatic confirmation by the decrease in cases consequent on the introduction of dust removal appliances. Legge* in 1909 was able to report a decrease of cases dur - G P. Chrome Yellows " Chrome Greens " Chinese Prussian ing toe preceding ten years, consequent on the introduction of dust removsl appliances. In a recent report of the factory inspector*', it is stated during the last six years two-thirds of the esses of lead " Milori Blues poisoning in East London stack works have occurred PNYC 00013227 Id PAINT, OIL AND DRUG REVIEW inquiry. In the United States of America extensive trials have been undertaken**, and much information has been obtained, but unfortunately we are unable to apply their results in this country owing to different climatic condi tions. although doubtless their experiences will be of ex treme value as indicating the lines on which experiments should take place, and Mr. H. A. Gardner, of the Institute of Industrial Research at Washington, has kindly offered to give the advantage of his experience if similar inquiries were undertaken in this country. 1837. 831. Hochstetter, Joum. fur Prakt. Chem., 18, 5, 127. Ibid. 26. 338. "Harland and Wigner, Analyst, I. 208. "Notes on Properties and Ingredients of Commercial Paints, compiled by the Science Standing Committee of the Royal Institute of British Architects. London, 1910. "Falk, Chem. Zeit. 1910, 34, 567. "Hof., Ibid, 1910, 34, 784. "Sacher, Ibid, 1910, 34, 1261. In conclusion. I desire to state that it has been neces sary for me to draw largely on the publications of others in the preparation of this paper, and to all whose works I have consulted I beg to make acknowledgment. It is im possible to give names in detail, and 1 append a bibli ography of works bearing on many of the points with which I have dealt so that originals may be consulted. References. "Thompson, Proc. Amer. Soc. Test. Mat, 1910, 10, 1. "Bottler and Sabin, German and American Varnish Making. Wiley, New York, 1912. 208. "Hannay, Chem. News, 67, p. 268. "Harland, Ibid, 67, p. 301. "Davis and Klein, joum. Soc. Chem. Ind., 1907, 26. "Walker, Bureau of Chem., Washington. Bulletin 109 revised. " Burton. Eng. Pat.. 260/1858. "Ramsay, Int. Congr. App. Chem. Rome, 1906. "Falk. Chem. Zeit., 1910, 34. 557. "Davis and Klein, loc. cit. ' "Thompson, Joum. Soc Chem. Ind., 1905, 24, 487. "Holley, Analysis of Paints, See. Wiley, New York, "Clowes, Proc. Chem. Soc., 1902, 18, 247, 46. "Petit, Manuf.. See.. White Lead and Zinc Pigments. Scott. Greenwood. London, 1907. "Ismay. Eng. Pat, 23969/1895. *'Liebig. Hand-Buch der Reiner und Angew. Chemic, "Reports of Chief Inspector of Factories, 1899-1912. "Pliny, Lib. 33, cap. 7, sect 39, Sillig's Ed. Paint Notes From Kansas City wWhy Buy the *'Ncar Brand" hen ?the Best is Procurable THE L. MARTIN CO.'S Old Standard. Faeje, Pyramid and Globe GERMANTOWN LAMPBLACK IS THIZ bF.ST \ Y '.r v .i;m n id :k iv i k m\ i v \ i ah -, -N V The L. MARTIN CO. " v 1 ' a ; i; isr ; v is;- MTEISOI, MttBMM 8 KMFf te IO IrMfe Wnd, MV VMM Pluoikagt, Kauri Quote Manila Quote Pamar Quote Oaonaoul OH Wood OIL Ssttlsmsat of MeDoaald Company's Difficulties it Expeeted (Special to the Rcvitw.) Kansas City, Mo., December 24,1913. Prospects for an amicable settlement of the financial difficulties of the McDonald Paint St Glass Company, of Kansas City, are growing brighter steadily, according to a recent announcement by President W. M. McDonald. Settlement is being effected with many of the creditors, while the offer made by the.company is being considered by others. Prospect* art that the storm will be weathered and that the pioneer house will regain its former footing as one of the leading paint companies of Kansas City in the very near future, Kansas City was daserted by many paint men few the holidays. A number of the members of the trade have warm spots*in their hearts for other eities and took advantage of the opportunity to spend a fevf days in die midst of friends. M. E. Jacobs, assistant manager of the Pittsburgh Plate Glass Company, and secretary of the Kansas City Paint, Oil and Varnish Club, spent the holidays at his old home in St Louis. C. R. Cook, head of the paint company of that name, went to Milwaukee, Wit, and H. S. Lynn, sales manager of the SekUHs Varnish Company, spent the festive season with his daughters at Peoria, 111. Meetings of the Kansas City Point Oil and Varnish Club, suspended for the holidays, will be resumed early in January. The club will continue to meet at luncheon every Tuesday at one of the Kansas City hostelries.' Damages of $4,000 were awarded Joseph M. Higgins, a plumber, against the Devoe-Reynolds Paint Company re cently for personal damage injuries said to have been sus tained by him. The case probably will be appealed. Hig gins alleged the janitor tuned on the steam white he was repairing a pipe, severe scalds resulting. Rumors to the effect that die Santa Fe railroad would close down its coach paint shop at Topeka, Ks il , for the winter, are unfounded, according to an announcement by officers of the road. The shop, employing several hundred mer., was dosed down ter one day, because of tha heavy Christmas travel, but' ttready has re-opened, and will con tinue to be a heavy consumer of paint during the winter. The C. R. Cook Paint Company, which recently took over the old A. M. Hughes Paint Glass Company, will discontinue the retail establishment at 1213 Walnut street, Kansas City. A doting out sate was staged during the holidays, with splendid results. PNYC 00013228