ABSTRACT
The various synthetic methods which have been proposed since 1875 are to be found in the chief textbooks of organic chemistry. In order to render intelligible the chemical changes which are involved in the successive stages of the production of the numerous synthetic dyes, drugs, perfumes, and other so-called organic compounds, a very brief statement of the meaning of chemical symbols is necessary. Nitrobenzene is a pale yellow liquid with a strong smell of bitter almond oil, and is to some extent used in perfumery under the name of “Oil of Mirbane.” Aniline is a colourless liquid which boils at 182.3° C., and becomes brown by exposure to air. It sinks in water but slowly, as its specific gravity is only 1.024 at 16°. The indigo plant is herbaceous and grows to a height of about 3 feet. The seed is sown in spring or aiitumn according to variety and the nature of the soil.
