The objective of the present research is to quantitatively evaluate the compression that can occur during the evaluation of pore-size distribution of cohesive soil using mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP). A new experimental procedure was developed that can be routinely used to evaluate the corrections associated with the compressibility for porous solid samples using MIP. The approach used in this study involves performing mercury intrusion tests on dehydrated kaolin samples using freeze-dried and oven-dried techniques, and on identical samples confined by low-porosity latex membranes. Corrections for latex intrusion and issues related to dehydration of samples are addressed. The measured contact angle of mercury with kaolin clay using the sessile drop technique was used in the data reduction. Repeatable test results were obtained throughout the testing program. The procedure for obtaining volume-change behavior under isotropic conditions for a large range of pressures using the mercury porosimeter is also presented for oven-dried samples. Scanning electron micrographs for intruded and compressed specimens are presented along with a discussion on the observed hysteresis in MIP test data. The test results for kaolin samples show substantive initial compression before the occurrence of actual intrusion. This resulted in errors associated with the interpretation of pore sizes with diameters in the range of 0.4-200 µm.Key words: mercury intrusion, clay, compression, correction, pore-size distribution, high pressure.

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This book represents an effort to present a complete description of the chemistry of silica and is a greatly expanded and updated version of a previous book by the same author ("The Chemistry of Silica and Silicates," Cornell University Press, 1955).The book is divided into seven chapters-The Occurrence, Dissolution, and Deposition of Silica, 115 pp.; Water Soluble Silicates, 55 pp.; Polymerization of Silica, 150 pp. ; Colloidal Silica-Concentrated Sols, 127 pp.; Silica Gels and Powders, 160 pp.; The Surface Chemistry of Silica, 108 pp.: and Silica in Biology, 83 pp.The author has undertaken a massive effort in summarizing and abstracting approximately three thousand references into a readable and coherent description of the chemistry of silica. The book is well-written in that sufficient detail is provided to allow one unfamiliar with a particular topic to derive a basic understanding. On the other hand, the detail presented and literature reviewed provides substantial reference material for individuals familiar with the general area. Each chapter is broken down into a number of subtopics generally covering the chemistry, physical properties, preparations when appropriate, and uses of the particular forms discussed.In summary, the book serves as a major reference work for those interested in silica. In addition, the style and detail provided make it a useful book for those with a general interest but with little or no background in the area (including undergraduates and graduate students).

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RECEIVED February 2. 1950. Presented before the Division of Analytical and Micro Chemistry at the 116th Meeting of the AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY, Atlantic City, K. J.