The Sanitary Analyses of Some Iowa Deep Well Waters

In the investigation of deep well waters the interest in many cases has been limited to the mineral substances, and little attention given to the sanitary analysis. This is a natural result when it is realized that these waters contain large amounts of solids and the possibility of contamination by sewage or other products is very slight indeed. In connection with the work of the Department of Agricultural Chemistry of the Agricultural College, analyses of a number of samples of water from the deep wells of the state have been made and the results brought together in hope that they may be of interest. The methods used do not require any explanation as they are those which have been generally used for analyzing water. The oxygen absorption may, however, be given some attention, as this part of the analytical work has not reached a satisfactory position. The method of oxygen absorption used is what may be called the English method and was first proposed by the Association of Public Analysts of England and is outlined in connection with another investigation published recently

A Study of the Chemical Composition of Some of the Grasses of the State

ne of the problems in connection with the work of the experiment station for the past two or three years has been an investigation of the native grasses of the state. The work has been carried on by the botanical and chemical sections of the station and the results which are presented here may be regarded as a part of this work. The analyses presented are of those grasses which have been most thoroughly investigated and are as follows: (1), Dactylis glomerata (orchard grass); (2), Muhlenbergia Mexicana (Mexican wood-grass); (3), Spartina cynosuroides (fresh water cord grass); (4), Poa pratensis (Kentucky blue grass)

A Study of a Contaminated Water Supply

A pure water supply is one of the most valuable possessions which nature can give to any community. The value of a pure water supply is realized more readily by those who live in a city or town where the population is concentrated than by those living in the country where the families are isolated

The Influence of Chlorine as Chlorides in the Determination of Oxygen Consumed in the Analysis of Water

One of the most valuable determinations in the analysis of water and sewage is the determination of the oxygen consumed. In the deep well waters of the state, the amount of chlorine in the form of chlorides in many cases is very high, as may be seen by the investigations of the Geological Survey on the artesian waters

The Chemical Composition of Nuts Used as Food

Nuts are used extensively as a luxury and their food value has been given little attention. According to the report of the department of agriculture, nuts are imported to the value of $1,518,484 in 1901, and this amount does not include the nuts which are admitted duty free. The use of nuts under the unfavorable conditions for digestion has given to them a reputation of being indigestible. If used under favorable conditions as part of the meal and not as an addition to a product which is indigestible itself, there is no reason why many of the nuts should not be regarded more favorably as food. The cost of nuts in this state places them among the luxuries, since they cannot be regarded as an economical food material, except possibly the peanut. Compared with the more expensive forms of breakfast foods many of the nuts are not expensive forms of food

Breakfast foods.

In the last few years various cereal products known as Breakfast Foods have been- placed on the market. Many of these foods have been prepared in an excellent manner, placed in clean boxes and are attractive to the consumer. The breakfast foods are regarded by many as a very expensive form of food material, while others, considering the palatableness of these preparations and the amount of milk and sugar consumed as part of the meal say that they are economical when everything is considered

A Study of Some Cotton Seed Oils

In connection with an investigation which was recently made at the Experiment Station it became necessary to investigate a number of cotton seed oils, which were prepared for general use. When it is realized that cotton seed oil, which is one of the cheaper oils, is used in many cases for adulterating oils of a better class it is seen that any data regarding this substance is of value to those who are engaged in the analytical branch of chemistry

Studies on milk preservatives.

The object of this series of studies is to investigate the value of various antiseptics and their usefulness as milk preservatives; especially relating to the preservation of composite samples as used in creameries. Closely allied with this subject are the study and investigation of those substances which are on the market and are sold for the purpose of preserving milk, butter and other foods; these substances being sold under the name of a certain brand and their composition kept secret from the purchaser. It is also our intention, if time will allow the work to be carried on, to undertake the examination of the action of these substances used as food preservatives as related to digestion. This study will be the first of a series in which it is hoped results will be presented which will be of value to those interested in dairy lines

Soil moisture 1895.

The study of soil moisture is one of the many interesting subjects connected with the study of the soil. Perhaps in some cases the results of a single season may give valuable indications in certain lines, but it is the results of many years which give conclusions that mean much more to those interested in the subject. In commencing the work, the first part of which is presented to those interested in the subject, it was with the view that the work will be continued for some time to come, and as the work developes we hope that it will be the means of presenting some results that may be of value