TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT OF POTTERY IN NORTHERN SYRIA DURING THE CHALCOLITHIC AGE*

The techniques of manufacture and decoration employed by the potters living on the Plain of Antioch from about 4500 to 2000 b.c. are summarized on the basis of evidence obtained from a laboratory study of the pottery and the local clays.     

FACTORS INFLUENCING FLUXING ACTION OF VARIOUS OXIDES IN LOW-TEMPERATURE BOROSILICATE GLASSES*

Strontium, barium, and lead oxides were studied as fluxes in low-temperature borosilicate glasses by using the button-flow method. It was found that strontia may be superior to lead oxide as a flux in glasses high in fluorides and low in alumina. This result was explained by the greater solubility of fluorides in strontia glasses, in which case the two fluxes, strontia and fluorspar, are acting together.     

The elimination of flavor reversion in linseed shortening by heat polymerization and solvent segregation of the oil

Summary The optimum conditions have been established for the high temperature polymerization and solvent segregation of linseed oil to produce a “non-reverting” edible shortening and an improved drying oil. The best oil is obtained by heating at 270–275° C. for 12–15 hours while carbon dioxide is continuously passed through the oil. Under these conditions the polymerized oil has a refractive index of 1.4858 to 1.4861 at 25° C. and yields 60–65% of acetone soluble oil with a refractive index of 1.4830 to 1.4834 at 25° C. and an acid value of less than 1%, calculated as oleic acid. Pie crusts containing shortenings made from the acetone soluble fraction of the oil have been judged to be of good quality. The best shortenings were obtained by hydrogenating to a refractive index of 1.4615-1.4605 (60° C.). Macodonald College Journal Series No. 209. Issued as paper No. 145 of the Canadian Committee on Food Preservation.     

Stability values of fats by the active oxygen method and by storage in glass vials

Summary The stability of lards containing various antioxidants was determined by the active oxygen method and by storage in glass vials at 21° C. In many instances there was general agreement in the results, but no constant relationship was found. The difference between the results of the rapid test and those of the storage tests seemed to be greatest when tocopherol concentrate and lecithin were added to lard. In most instances where antioxidants were used, the protection indicated by the rapid stability test was higher than that found in the storage test. One of the laboratories of the Bureau of Agricultural and Industrial Chemistry, Agricultural Research Administration, United States Department of Agriculture.