226 SCIENCE PROGRESS. 



on the content of sulphates of the hypnotic seeds. The 

 increase is greater in Lupinus, as proteinic chemolysis is 

 more energetic here, and the reserve-proteins are richer in 

 sulphur. Since the amount of sulphates formed in Lupinus 

 approximated finally to that theoretically obtainable from 

 the proteins, it was concluded that the latter formed 

 the source ; but inasmuch as other organic S-compounds 

 were present in the hypnotic seed, capable of yielding the 

 sulphate formed, Vicia and Cucurbita were examined, and 

 an increase correlative with proteinic decomposition estab- 

 lished. It was noticeable that in Lupinus the increase of 

 sulphates during earlier stages of growth did not correspond 

 with that theoretically possible, approximation occurring 

 later ; this indicates formation of antecedent thio-com- 

 pounds. Tammann has found traces of acid sulphuric 

 esters in seedlings, but not more than in seeds ; it would 

 be a matter of very considerable interest to ascertain 

 whether these are formed, or perhaps thio-oxyacids. 



Nucleins and nucleoproteids have been shown by A. 

 Kossel and others to yield purine-bases on hydrolysis, and 

 they have found that these bases have a wide distribution 

 among animals and plants. The production of these sub- 

 stances from plants was first noticed by Schiitzenberger, 

 who found them in yeast subjected to putrefaction. Their 

 presence has also been demonstrated in seedlings, but the 

 chemical identity of the separate bases occurring has not 

 been satisfactorily determined in all cases, mention being 

 usually made of purine-bases, either because establishment 

 of their nearer nature has not been attempted, or owing to 

 difficulties connected with this. They have been found in 

 etiolated seedlings of Lupinus luteus and Cticurbita Pepo, 

 young green plants of grass, of Trifolium pratense, of Avena 

 and Vicia saliva, of etiolated Soja hispida and malt. 

 Guanin occurs in Vicia saliva and Cticurbita Pepo, hypo- 

 xanthin in Lupinus and probably in Cucurbita, xanthin prob- 

 ably in Lupinus. 



The proof that the purine-bases are in these cases 

 existent as such in the material, having been derived from 

 the proteids contained in the reserve-organs, and not from 



