RECENT WORK IN AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE. 



AGRICULTURAL CHEMISTRY— AGROTECHNY. 



Physical and chemical data of nitrogen compounds, compiled by G. W. Todd 

 (London: Min. Munitions, Munitions Invent. Dept., 1918, pp. 49, pis. 41). — 

 Tins publication contains a summary of physical and chemical data of nitrogen 

 and some of its compounds, particularly nitric acid and ammonia. Data are 

 also given <»f the equilibria which form the basis of the more important methods 

 for the technical preparation and purification *f hydrogen. In the presentation 

 of data the graphic form is used as far as possible. 



Legumins in peas, O. Hammaksten (Hoppe-Seyler's Ztschr. Physiol. Chem., 

 102 (1918), No. 3-4, pp. 85-104; abs. in Jour. Chem. Soc. [London], 114 (1918), 

 No. 613, I, pp. 509, 510). — The author points out that the legumin prepared 

 from peas by extraction with salt solution and subsequent removal of the salt 

 by dialysis, as described by Osborne and Campbell (E. S. It., 10, p. 214), differs 

 from the insoluble legumin obtained from peas by extraction with water or 

 dilute alkali and subsequent precipitation with dilute acetic acid. To the 

 former he applies the name o-legumin and to the latter o-legumin. Slight differ- 

 ences In these properties are described, which indicate that ft-legumin Is not 

 formed from a-legumln by the action of acid, alkali, or water, but is a distinct 

 protein. 



Alfalfa saponin. — Alfalfa investigation, VII, C. A. Jacobson (Jour. Amcr. 

 Chem. /?oc, 41 (1919), No. 4, pp. 640-648). — In continuation of the previously 

 reported (E. S. R., 34, p. 710) alfalfa investigations at the Nevada Experiment 

 Station, the author reports the results of a study of alfalfa saponin obtained 

 from dry alfalfa hay by extraction with alcohol. 



The pure saponin, the yield of which was about 1 per cent of the original 

 alfalfa, was similar to other saponins In its physical and chemical properties 

 but differed somewhat in its toxicological properties, as it was not toxic when 

 ingested by animals or fish, and did not hemolyze blood. The empirical formula 

 was found to be CjtHjtNOio. On hydrolysis a sapogenin was formed having the 

 formula Ci«HuNOio, together with a glucose derivative. It is pointed out that 

 alfalfa saponin and solanln are the only saponins known to contain nitrogen, 

 and that they form the connecting links between the true saponins and the 

 alkaloids. The water solution of the saponin had a very high surface tension, 

 minute quantities in water producing decided foaming under agitation. 



The protein extract of ragweed pollen, F. W. Heyl (Jour. Amcr. Chem. 

 Soc., 41 (1919), No. 4. pp. 670-682).— In continuation of the investigations on 

 ragweed pollen previously noted (E. S. It., 37, p. 612), a study is reported of the 

 nitrogen distribution in the pollen. 



The pollen was percolated with ether and with cold 95 per cent alcohol, and 

 then extracted with water, saline solution, and dilute alkali. From the water 

 extracts an albumin coagulating at low temperatures (45-50° C.) and proteoses 

 were obtained, the former to the extent of about 1.2 per cent and the latter 3 



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