Researches on Cellulose, 1895-1900

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

22620

Title

Researches on Cellulose, 1895-1900

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

A seminal 1907 supplement to the 1895 classic, this volume reviews cellulose research from 1895-1900. Cross and Bevan systematically classify diverse cellulose types, critique analytical methods, and champion the industrial potential of carbohydrates over coal-tar products.

Summary up to 500 words

Published in 1907 as a supplement to their seminal 1895 work, *Researches on Cellulose* by C. F. Cross and E. J. Bevan serves as a comprehensive record of the rapid advancements in cellulose chemistry between 1895 and 1900. The authors address the prevailing 'chaos' surrounding complex carbohydrates by establishing a systematic classification based on anatomical structure, resistance to hydrolysis, and hydrolysis products. They distinguish between 'normal' cotton cellulose and compound celluloses, such as lignocelluloses, pectocelluloses, and cutocelluloses, arguing that the empirical methods dominant in agricultural chemistry have hindered scientific progress. The text critically evaluates estimation techniques, dismissing the Lange method for its significant errors and favoring chlorination as a selective process for isolating cellulose from lignin. A major theme is the constitutional problem of cellulose; Cross and Bevan present evidence supporting a ketonic rather than aldehydic structure, supported by reactions with hydrogen bromide and the stability of nitrates. The volume explores synthetic derivatives, including sulphocarbonates and esters, and details the chemistry of furfuroids and pentosanes. Significantly, the book emphasizes the industrial application of cellulose. The authors advocate for the 'viscose' and cuprammonium processes as low-cost alternatives to expensive collodion spinning. They highlight the vast industrial importance of cellulose, starch, and sugar compared to coal-tar products, urging chemists to lead industrial evolution. The work serves as both a scientific record and a call to action for the younger generation to pursue careers in the expanding cellulose industries, noting that scientific men are called to lead where industrial evolution is most active.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Science