The Crystallisation of Salt Solutions

Abstract

ALTHOUGH the processes of crystallisation have been known to, and made use of by, chemists for ages, yet it is only within the last few years that the phenomenon of crystallisation from solution has been the subject of systematic investigation. The pioneer work in connection with this systematic study on the basis of modern principles has been done for the most part, by Dutch chemists. The researches of Roozeboom on the equilibrium of systems in contact with water have shown clearly the importance of the phase rule of Willard Gibbs as a guide in the study of the complex phenomena of heterogeneous equilibrium. The study in van't Hoff's laboratory of the conditions of existence of crystallohydrates and of the phenomena associated with the formation and decomposition of double salts in contact with water has given us invaluable material for a correct understanding of the processes of crystallisation. Not only is the systematic investigation of this phenomenon of importance to the chemist, but the geologist is also dependent on such knowledge for the final explanation of the conditions of formation of the vast oceanic salt deposits.