502 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. [Vol. 38 



In further experiments on the absorption of water from phosphate, citrate, 

 and carbonate mixtures varying from the pure acid through the mono-, di-, 

 jmd tri-sodium salts to pure sodium hydroxid, the results yielded a V-shaped 

 or U-shaped curve showing a progressive increase in water absorption to the 

 left or to the right as the acid or alkali content of the mixture was increased. 



" These findings are held to be applicable to the problem of water absorption 

 by protoplasm and to sustain the old contention that even in the presence of 

 buffer salts there is an increase in water absorption (increased turgor or 

 edema) with every increase in the acid (or alkali) content of the protein col- 

 loids found in the involved cell, organ, or organism." 



On the swelling of fibrin in polybasic acids and their salts, M. H. Fischeb 

 and M. Benzinger {Jour. Amer. Chem. Soc, 40 (1918), No. 1, pp. 292-30S, figs. 

 6). — The experiments noted above were repeated using a different protein, 

 fibrin. The results showed a difference in the minimal swelling point for the 

 two proteins, a point which should be kept in mind in a study of biological 

 material representing a mixture of proteins. 



It is the opinion of the authors that the results of these studies emphasize 

 the importance of acids, alkalis, and salts in determining the amount of water 

 absorbed by protoplasm under physiological and pathological conditions. 

 " Through the accumulation or production in protoplasm of an abnormally 

 great amount of acid (or of alkali), we are thus enabled to explain the mech- 

 anism by which the abnormally high hydrations of living cells are brought 

 about, such as are observed in the excessive turgors of plant tissues and in the 

 edemas which involve the animal body." 



On tlie liquefaction or " solution " of gelatin in polybasic acids and their 

 salts, M. H. Fischer and W. D. Coffman {Jour. Amer. Chem. Soc, J^O {1918), 

 No. 1, pp. 303-312, figs. 3). — Experimental data are given to prove that the 

 swelling of a protein colloid and its liquefaction or solution are totally different 

 processes. " There is a progressive increase in the tendency of gelatin to go 

 into solution in mixtures of the salts of polybasic acids as the amount of acid 

 or alkali in these mixtures is increased from a given low point." 



The article closes with a discussion of the bearing of the experiments upon 

 the changes observable in living cells subjected to direct or indirect acid in- 

 toxication and upon the problems of digestion and autolysis. 



On the diastatic decomposition of inulin in chicory root, J. Wolff and B. 

 Geslin {Compt. Rend. Acad. Sci. [Paris], 165 {1917), No. 19, pp. 651-653).— 

 Continuing the observations on inulin previously noted (E. S. R., 36, p. 127), 

 the authors have examined the progressive changes in the inulin of chicory 

 root on standing and conclude that the decomposition of the inulin is a con- 

 tinuous process under the influence of diastatic agents until hexoses are reached. 

 They have chosen the name " inulides " for the intermediary products and 

 point out the resemblance between the inulides and the different dextrius. 

 Three groups of inulides have been identified corresponding to the action of 

 three different yeasts. 



The hydrolyzing action of chicory juice on the inulides contained in the 

 juice is due to a diastase seemingly identical with the sucrase of yeast, as the 

 same results have been obtained by treating either inulides or a solution of 

 sucrose with yeast or with fresh chicory juice. Both of these hydrolyzing 

 agents are withoiit actton on pure inulin. 



The influence of glycerin on the activity of invertase, E. Bourqitelot 

 {Compt. Rend. Acad. Sci. [Paris], 165 {1917), No. 17, pp. 567-569; Jour. Pharm. 

 et CJiim., 7. ser., 17 {1918), Nos. S, pp. 65-71; 4, pp. il3-li7).— Experimental 

 data are given proving that the activity of invertase is weakened by glycerin. 



