312 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. 



The determination of dry substance In roots, H. G. Sodeebaum (Meddel. 

 Centralanst. Forsoksv, Jordbruksomrddet, 1911, No. 8, pp- H; K. Landtbr. Akad. 

 Handl. och Tidskr., 50 {1911), No. 6, pp. 460-//6S). — In order to prove the con- 

 tention of Bolin, who assumed that the method usually employed for prepar- 

 ing an average sample of beet pulp by grating is inaccurate in so far that a 

 great deal of water is lost during the process, the author examined 12 samples 

 of beets. That such a loss of water takes place was noted, but the amount 

 was exceedingly small and need not be taken into consideration in analytical 

 work. 



Physico-chemical tests in bromatolog'y, G. Bonamaetini {Ami. Falsi/., Jf 

 {1911), No. 32, pp. 305-320). — In reviewing the numerous physico-chemical 

 methods thus far proposed for detecting adulteration in foods, condiments, and 

 beverages, the author points out the limits of the electrical conductivity method 

 for the examination of vinegar and wine. Numerous analyses (physical and 

 chemical) of wine and vinegar are presented. 



Biological analysis of honey, E. Moeeau {Ann. Falsif., Jf {1911), No. 29, 

 pp. IJfO-l.'jS). — If honey is heated continuously for 1 hour at from 75 to 80° C, 

 the invertase which it contains is nearly destroyed. It is completely destroyed 

 at 100°. The amylolytic power is diminished at a temperature of from 75 to 

 80° when maintained for 1 hour, and gives only a violet-blue coloration with 

 iodin and the dissolution of the starch grains. If heated at from 45 to 50° 

 for 15 minutes only a little maltose is produced. A temperature of 100° or 

 above destroys the diastase. The methods employed for determining the in- 

 verting and diastatic capacity are given in detail, and are accompanied by the 

 results of examining 25 honeys for inverting capacity and 12 for diastatic 

 capacity. 



See also a previous note (E. S. R., 25, p. 612). 



The pinene test for lemon oil, E. J. Pakey {Chem. and Drug., 78 {1911), 

 No. 1618, pp. 159, 160; abs. in Jour. Soc. Chem. Indus., 30 {1911), No. 3, p. 

 154). — Ten authentic samples of lemon oil were examined with particular re- 

 gard to determining the value of Chace's pinene test (E. S. R., 22, p. 112), with 

 the result that the test was found not to be a positive one for detecting the 

 adulteration of lemon oils. " Moreover, if a sample of lemon oil is adulterated 

 with oil of turpentine to such an extent that a copious amount of crystals of 

 pinene nitrosochlorid is obtained in the test, such adulteration can be detected 

 more readily and with greater certainty by the ordinary methods of analysis." 



Estimation of formic acid in foods, H. Fincke {Ztschr. UntersucTi. Nahr. u. 

 Oenussmtl., 22 {1911), No. 1-2, pp. 8S-iO//).— Continuing previous work (E. S. R., 

 25, p. 311) the author sought to apply the methods noted to the estimation of 

 formic acid in vinegar. The following topics are considered in the article: 

 Gravimetric determination of small amounts of formic acid, some further tests 

 in regard to the volatility of formic acid in steam, the source of error in the 

 mercury method, and the formic acid content of vinegar and vinegar essences. 



Polarimetric estimation of sugar by the method of Jolles, B. Baedach and 

 S. SiLBEBSTEiN {Ztschr. Untersifch. Nahr. u. Gcnussmtl., 21 {1911), No. 9, pp. 

 51,0-51,3; abs. in Analyst, 36 {1911), No. 1,21,, p. 361).— After pointing out a 

 method by which discoloration can be avoided, thus allowing the use of a much 

 more concentrated solution for polarization without previous treatment with 

 lead acetate, etc., the author states as a result of his tests with solutions of 

 dextrose that the method is an accurate one. 



The unification of reducing sugar methods.— A correction, P. H. Walker 

 (77. S. Dcpt. Agr., Bur. Chem. Circ. 82, pp. 6).— This circular calls attention 

 to certain errors detected by M. N. Straughn in the tables for lactose (E. S. R., 

 18, p. 1020) that were used for compiling the official tables contained in Bulle- 



