112 CARNEGIE INSTITUTION OP WASHINGTON. 



other protein heretofore examined, namely, over 39 per cent. This 

 large proportion of glutaminic acid is a matter of great importance 

 in relation to the nutritive value of a food protein of such extensive 

 use as gliadin, which forms about one-half the protein substance of 

 wheat flour. The amount of glutaminic acid obtained from gliadin 

 exceeds that of any single decomposition product as yet isolated, in 

 a condition of established purity, from any other true protein body, 

 and it is consequently a matter of interest in connection with the 

 chemistry of the protein substances. 



Theodore W. Richards, Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass. 



Grant No . 112. For investigation of the value of atomic iveights , 



etc. (First report is in Year Book No. 2, p. xxxii.) $2,500. 



Abstract of Report. — The researches conducted under the direction 



of Professor Richards during the years 1904- 1905 were four in 



number, as follows : 



(i) An investigation of the atomic weight of sodium, carried on 



with the assistance of Roger Clark Wells. Man)- unusually precise 



analyses led to the detection of small errors in the methods of Stas. 



The new values found were 23.015 and 35.467 for sodium and 



chlorine respectively. The first stage of this work is nearly ready 



for publication. 



(2) A continuation of the study of the compressibility of elements 

 and simple compounds, carried on with the assistance of Frederic 

 Bonnet, jr. The elements studied were lithium, sodium, potassium, 

 aluminum, and iron. The method of Richards & Stull, already 

 published by the Carnegie Institution, was used in these determina- 

 tions, with slight modifications demanded by the nature of the 

 materials. 



(3) An investigation of the effect of pressure and strain on the 

 electromotive force of pure iron immersed in solutions of its salts, 

 carried on with the assistance of Gustave E. Behr, jr. This inves- 

 tigation has alread}^ led to interesting results, but the experimental 

 work is not yet finished. 



(4) A research upon the electromotive force of cells composed of 

 amalgams of different strengths, carried on with the assistance of 

 George Shannon Forbes. The data found exceed in precision and 

 comprehensiveness anything which has heretofore been attained in 

 this direction. The first stage of the experimental work has been 

 concluded and the details will soon be published. 



All these researches will be continued during the coming year, 

 with the assistance of the as yet unexpended balance of the grants. 



