228 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. 



Studies on anthocyanin, III, V. Geafe (Sitzber. K. Akad. Wiss. [Vienna], 

 Math. Natunv. Kh, 120 (1911), I, No. 6, pp. 765-810, figs. 2).— In studies on 

 the coloring matter of Pelargonium, the author was able to separate the 

 material studied into two main parts, one, deep yellowish-red and crystallizable, 

 the other, brown-red, drying to an amorphous mass. He considers the latter 

 probably a decomposition product of the former. Further particulars of a 

 microscopic and chemical study and of their relations to known compounds 

 are given 



Investigations on the origin of alkaloids in plants, G. Ciamician and C. 

 Ravenna (Ann. Chim. et Phys., 8. ser., 25 (1912), Mar., pp. JiO.'t--k21) . — Experi- 

 ments were made by inoculating tobacco and Datura, plants which contain 

 known alkaloids, with solutions of various nitrogenous and nonnitrogenous 

 compounds. The experiments are not considered extensive enough to demon- 

 strate the origin of the alkaloids, but they are thought to indicate that th6 

 amido acids play an important part in their synthesis. In general, pyridin 

 and ammonia exerted little influence in increasing the total alkaloids, while 

 the injection of asparagin resulted in a great increase. Glucose increased the 

 nicotin content of tobacco plants, while phthalic acid reduced the alkaloid 

 content. 



In connection with these investigations it was found that the alkaloids 

 increased in the check plants that were simply wounded without the injection 

 of any substance. 



The tannin-colloid complexes in the fruit of the persimmon, F. E. Lloyd 

 (Biochem. Bui., 1 (1911), No. 1, pp. 7-41, pis. 3). — From further studies on 

 tannin in fruits (E. S. R., 25, p. 28), it is concluded that tiie explanations here- 

 tofore given concerning the fate of tannin during the process of ripening in 

 the date and the persimmon are inadequate. The author claims that tannin 

 as such is not insoluble, but that it has in large part combined with an asso- 

 ciated colloid to form an insoluble colloidal complex. Evidence for this has 

 been found in the behavior. of the tannin-mass in relation to free tannin and 

 chemical reagents. The tannin-mass is claimed to have an internal structure, 

 consisting of a system or complex of canals, spaces, etc., which have a definite 

 existence. Their behavior during the maturing of the tannin cell and their 

 forms are described in considerable detail. The material called the tannin- 

 mass is a tannin-colloid complex, the second portion of which appears to be a 

 cellulose mucilage. During the course of ripening of the fruit the amount of 

 free or soluble tannin is reduced, and as long as any is present it may escape 

 from the tannin-mass. The view is advanced that during ripening the supposed 

 cellulose mucilage increases in quantity and that eventually sufficient forms 

 to engage most of the tannin. 



Influence of iron on the growth of certain molds, B. Sauton (Ann. Inst. 

 Pasteur, 25 (1911), No. 12, pp. 922-928; ahs. in Rev. Sci. [Paris], 50 (1912), I, 

 No. 11, pp. 336, 337). — A study was made of a number of species of Aspergillus, 

 Penicillium, Mucor, Rhizopus, and Racodium gi'own in Raulin fluid in the 

 absence of any iron salt. Aspergillus and Penicillium did not increase in weight 

 to any appreciable extent, while the other fungi seemed to be able to grow in the 

 absence of iron. 



It is observed that the simultaneous presence of iron and oxygen seems essen- 

 tial for the formation of spores ; they always appeared in the parts of the 

 culture which had the greatest access to the air. Spore formation seems to be 

 accompanied with the flxation of oxygen, and this is probably brought about 

 through the action -of the iron. 



The extraordinary sensitiveness of Aspergillus niger to manganese, G. 

 Bertband (Compt. Rend. Acad. Sci. [Paris], 154 (1912), No. 9, pp. 616-618).-—> 



