NITRATES FROM THE AIR

Marlborough Express, Volume LIV, Issue 185, 6 August 1920, Page 2

NITRATES FROM THE AIR

THE GERMAN METHOD,

. Some time ago Mr Massey stated that during the war period the British were not possessed of as much information as the Germans with regard to the best methods of collecting nitrates from the atmosphere by the use of water-power. His statement was contradicted. Since then he lias been in communication with Lord Moulton, who is regarded as the leading authority in England on the question, and who was consulted by the Peace Conference, Lord Moulton states:—

"Firstly, during the war period Germans'were in possession of more information on manufacture of nitrates from the atmosphere than the British, because they worked oh a large scale the Haber process, which was in use nowhere else, and which was their main source of supply. The British were compelled to obtain their supplies from Chile, but cyanide process Avhich is the next most important method known, was used by them to a small extent, although it was unsuitable owing to the amount of power required. "Secondly, the Haber process has now been mastered by the British, and is being installed on a, very substantial scale. They have made very great progress in knowledge during the past three or four years, and it is doubtful whether they are now inferior to tho Germans, although the latter have the advantage of much experience in practical production."