502 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. [Vol.36 



and gallic acid should be repeated, because (1) it seems strange that two 

 plants so closely related botanically should have such widely different poisons 

 chemically; (2) all three of the so-called constituents of the poison ai'e found 

 in two nonpoisonous species of Rhus; (3) the natural glucosid of fisetin, 

 rhamnose, and gallic acid is nontoxic; and (4) there is not sufficient evidence 

 that the poisonous substance which Syme attempted to decompose was not a 

 complex and containing a poisonous body in addition to one or more nontoxic 

 glucosids. 



On the constituents of poison ivy (Rhus toxicodendron), S. F. Agree 

 (Jour. Amer. CJiem. Soc, 38 (.1916), No. 7, pp. U2 1-1425). —The author indicates 

 and discusses the reasons for the variation in tlie results obtained by Syme and 

 those reported in the above abstract. The botanical difference between the two 

 plants investigated is considered to be the principal reason for the variation of 

 the results. 



Lignoceric acid from rotten oak wood, M. X. Sullivan {Jour. Indus, and 

 Engin. Chem., S (1916), No. 11, pp. 1027, 1028).— The author definitely isolated 

 lignoceric acid from rotten oak wood. While no tests for cerebrosids in wood 

 have been made, the presence of cerebronic acid in rotten wood is strongly indi- 

 cated. 



The experimental procedures are described in detail. 



Relation between the physical and chemical constants of oils and fats, 

 H. J. Backer (Chem. Weekhl, IS (1916), No. 35, pp. 95^-967).— The author dis- 

 cusses the relations that exist between the various constants and the molecular 

 structure of oils and fats. Oils and fats poor in esters of saturated monocarboxy- 

 acids exhibit a close relationship between the refractive index, density, saponifi- 

 cation value, and iodin value. A formula for determining various constants 

 from previously determined constants has been devised and is submitted. 



Tabular data of the physical and chemical constants of a number of oils and 

 fats are included. 



Storage changes in vegetable and animal oils, H. A. Gardneb (Jour. Indus, 

 and Engin. Chem., 8 (1916), No. 11, pp. 997, 958).— Detailed analytical data of 

 the specific gravity, iodin number, saponification number, acid number, and 

 refractive index of a number of oils obtained during various periods of storage, 

 together with data on the effect of sterilization on these constants, are sub- 

 mitted. 



The fruit of Smilax rotundifolia, Celia Rogers (Chem. News, II4 (1916), 

 No. 2967, p. 172).— The fruit of the common greenbrier was examined and found 

 to contain sugar to the extent of 7.5 per cent. The specific gravity of the oil 

 extracted was found to be 0.8585, and it possessed a saponification value of 

 357.14. The ash was found to comprise 3.06 per cent of the dried fruit, and on 

 analysis yielded the following percentage composition: Silica, 0.08; FeiOi and 

 AL0O3, 17.6 ; CaO, 0.79 ; MgO, 0.24 ; SO^ 7.92 ; Mn, 0.76 ; P2O,, 13.38 ; KCl, 32.38 ; 

 NaCl, 5.28 ; and some carbon dioxid and unburned ash. 



The nitrogen found was 1.12 per cent, which is equivalent to about 7 per cent 

 of protein in the dried fruit. Citric and tartaric acids were shown to be present, 

 but were not determined quantitatively. 



The fruit of Vaccinium corymbosum, C. H. Harris and W. D. Thkams 

 (Chem. News, II4 (1916), No. 2960, p. 75). — The following percentage composi- 

 tion of the dried fruit of V. corymbosum (blueberry) is reported: Nitrogen, 0.7; 

 oil, 0.93 (specific gravity at 18' C. 0.9, and saponification value 350.96) ; total 

 fiugar (identified as fructose), 41.46; and ash, 0.138. 



On analysis the ash was found to have the following percentage composition: 

 SiO:, 6.33; AUO,, 17.39; Fe^Oa, 10.5; CaO, 18.11; MgO, 11.48; K2O, 5.65; Na^O, 

 2.20 ; SO,, 10.94 ; P,0., 14.36 ; MnO, 0.35 ; and a little undetermined carbon dioxid. 



