Morphine violet is the first true coloring matter obtained from the natural alkaloids, the morphine blue of Chastaing and Barillot (Compt. Rend., 105, 1012) not being a coloring matter properly so called. --_P. Cazeneuve, Bull. Soc. Chim._ * * * * * LIQUID BLUE FOR DYEING. The new liquid blue of M. Dornemann is intended to avoid the formation of clots, etc., which lead to irregularity in shade, if not to the formation of spots on the textile. In addition to accomplishing this end, the process is accelerated by subjecting the blue to a previous treatment. In this preliminary treatment of the blue, the object is to remove the sulphur which retards the solution of the color. The liquid is prepared as follows: The pigment, previously dried at 150 deg. C., is crushed and finely ground, and contains about 47 per cent. of coloring matter; to this is added 53 per cent. of water. To this mixture, or slurry, the inventor adds an indefinite quantity of glucose and glycerine of 43 deg. B., having a specific gravity of 1.425. It is then ready for use.--_Le Moniteur de la Teinture_. * * * * * A NEW CATALOGUE OF VALUABLE PAPERS Contained in SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN SUPPLEMENT during the past ten years, sent _free of charge_ to any address. MUNN & CO., 361 Broadway, New York. * * * * * THE SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN ARCHITECTS AND BUILDERS EDITION. $2.50 A YEAR. SINGLE COPIES, 25 CTS. This is a Special Edition of the SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN, issued monthly--on the first day of the month. Each number contains about forty large quarto pages, equal to about two hundred ordinary book pages, forming, practically, a large and splendid MAGAZINE OF ARCHITECTURE, richly adorned with _elegant plates in colors_ and with fine engravings, illustrating the most interesting examples of modern Architectural Construction and allied subjects. A special feature is the presentation in each number of a variety of the latest and best plans for private residences, city and country, including those of very moderate cost as well as the more expensive. Drawings in perspective and in color are given, together with full Plans, Specifications, Costs, Bills of Estimate, and Sheets of Details. No other building paper contains so many plans, details, and specifications regularly presented as the SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN. Hundreds of dwellings have already been erected on the various plans we have issued during the past year, and many others are in process of construction. Architects, Builders, and Owners will find this work valuable in furnishing fresh and useful suggestions. All who contemplate building or improving homes, or erecting structures of any kind, have before them in this work an almost _endless series of the latest and best examples_ from which to make selections, thus saving time and money.