The characteristic hysteresis loop obtained from the isothermal sorption and desorption of vapors on porous substances was first observed in 1896 by van Bemmelen (2, 3) in his classical work on the silica-water system. The occurrence of sorption-desorption hysteresis has been referred to as the "van Bemmelen phenomenon" (18).Numerous investigators (6,8, 13, 14, 17) have verified the experimental existence of the sorption-desorption hysteresis phenomenon in many hydrous oxidewater systems, including silica gel. In contrast to the results of other investigators, Patrick (12) reported that a commercial silica gel gave no hysteresis loop when examined in a special apparatus in which elaborate precautions were taken to ensure the removal of inert gases. The sample of commercial silica gel was heated to 350°C. and was carried through several cycles of alternate evacuation and sorption of water vapor at 20°C. The isotherms obtained after this exhaustive treatment were reversible and showed no trace of a hysteresis loop.