710 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. [Vol.40 



Note on the stabilization of dilute sodium hypochlorite solutions (Dakin's 

 solution), G. E. Cuxlen and R. S. Hubbard (Jour. Biol. Chem., 37 (1919), No. 4, 

 pp. 511-517). — A study is reported of the influence of various substances on the 

 rate of decomposition of dilute sodium hypochlorite solutions with a view to 

 determining a simple method of stabilizing the electrolytically prepared solu- 

 tions for use as Dakin's solution. 



It was found that 0.5 per cent sodium hypochlorite prepared by the elec- 

 trolysis of sodium chlorid may be conveniently stabilized for use as Dakin's 

 solution by the addition of 0.5 per cent borax, of from 0.5 to 1 per cent of 

 carbonate mixtures of pH 10 to 9.5, or by the addition of 0.2 gm. of sodium 

 hydroxid per liter. The use of borax Is said to combine a maximum of con- 

 venience and safety. 



The solubility of casein in dilute salt solutions and its dependence on the 

 H-ion concentration, S. Ryd (Ark. Keini. Min. och Geol., 7 (1917), No. 1, pp. 

 1-15, figs. .',). — The solubility of casein in dilute solutions of common salt was 

 determined by the use of an apparatus in which the exact strength of the salt 

 is determined by titration of sodium hydroxid and hydrochloric acid, and in 

 which the mixture of casein and salt solution is thoroughly stirred by means 

 of a paddle operated by a small motor. 



The solubility of the casein was found to depend upon the H-ion concen- 

 tration of the solution. Opalescence began to appear at a constant 11-ion 

 concentration in the neighborhood of the Isoelectric zoi 



The chemical composition of Agave americana. with remarks on the chem- 

 istry of succulent vegetables in general. J. Zi.i.i.m:r (Hoppe-Seyler's ZtSChr. 

 Physiol Chan., 103 (1918), No. 1, pp. 2-10).— The author reports the chemical 

 composition of A. americana to be as follows: Petroleum ether extract 1.03 per 

 cent, ether extract 0.74, water extract 50.75, and Insoluble matter -lT.is ,„.,- 

 cent. The water extract consisted of amorphous carbohydrates (calculated as 

 CoHioOt) 12 per cent, sugar (calculated as glucose) 12. GS. malic aeid (esti- 

 mated) 8, free acid (in H-lons) 0.02, ash extract 7..". t, and other unidentified 

 substances 10 per cent. The Insoluble matter consisted of crude cellulose 17.S5 

 per cent, pentosan 7. ! 1, methyl pentosan 1.01, pectin, hemiceUulose, oxalates, 

 etc. (by difference) 13, mineral matter 1.82, and crude proteins (including the 

 so-called soluble nitrogen-containing matter) 3.25 per cent. 



It is pointed out that the composition of the agave differs from that of ordi- 

 nary green foliage leaves, in addition to Its higher water content, in having 

 a higher content of water-soluble material, of calcium oxalate, and of sugar, a 

 considerable amount of pectin-like matter, a low content of nitrogen-containing 

 substances, and a deficiency in iron. These differences are considered for the 

 most part to be characteristic of succulent leaves, 



The possibility is suggested of ext fading the juice of the leaves and e\ap 

 orating it in vacuo, the resulting product being a sweet, slightly acid marmalade 

 suitable for human consumption. 



The distribution and characters of some of the odorous principles of plants, 

 F. B. Power (Jour. Indus, awl Engin. Chem., 11 (1919), No. ■',. pp. SUS52).— 

 The botanical classification has been employed in the discussion of the distri- 

 bution of the odorous principles of plants, points of chemical interest connect., 1 

 with them, and their important uses. The value of essential oils in commerce 

 is noted briefly. 



Para cymene. — I, Nitration, mononitrocymene, C. E. Anurews (Jour. Indus. 

 and Engin. Chan., 10 (1918), No. 6, pp. 1,53-1,56). 



Intermediates used in the preparation of photosensitizing dyes. — I. Quino- 

 lin bases, L. A. Mikkska. J. K. Stbwabt, and L. E. Wise (Jour. Indus, and 

 Engin. Chan., 11 (1919), No. 5, pp. 45G-45S). 



