52 Chittenden and Cummins—Amylolytic Action 
the proteid matter in 30 c. ¢. of the extract, which would then contain 
00023 per cent. combined HCl in the form of acid-proteids.* 
Our first experiments were made to ascertain the influence of small 
percentages of combined acid on the action of the ferment, viz: the 
influence of such additions of dilute acid to the neutral malt extract 
as would completely saturate the proteid matter present, without 
giving any free acid whatever. The results plainly show that the 
addition of very small quantities of dilute hydrochloric acid to a 
neutral solution of diastase increases the amylolytic action of the 
ferment. Following are a few of the results obtained. 
A. Malt extract, neutral to test papers, required 2°4¢. ¢. 0°1 per cent. 
HCl to completely saturate the proteid matter in 30 ¢. ¢.; the 
fluid was then acid to test papers but contained no free acid. 
a. with 30 c.e. of the malt extract. 
Per cent. Total amount 
combined HCl. Wt. Cu in 4. reducing bodies. Starch conyerted. 
0 071630 gram. 0°3332 gram. 29°98 per cent. 
00024 071749 0°3578 32°19 
b. with 15 c. ec. of the malt extract. 
0 071285 gram. 0°2516 gram. 
23°54 per cent. 
0°0012 071460 0°2976 26°78 
B. Malt extract, neutral to test papers, required 3:1 ¢. c. 0-1 per cent. 
HCl to saturate the proteid matter in 30 c. ¢. of the extract. 
a. with 30 ec. ce. of the malt extract. 
Per ceut. Total amount 
combined HCl. Wt. Cu in ¥. reducing bodies. Starch converted. 
0 0°1595 gram. 0°3258 gram. 29°32 per cent. 
0°0031 00-1761 03602 32°41 
b. with 15 c.c. of the malt extract. 
0 0°1319 gram. 0°2686 gram. 24°17 per cent. 
0°00155 071599 0°3266 29°39 
C. With 30 ¢. c. of malt extract; two distinct preparations. 
Per cent. Total amount 
combined HCl. Wt. Cu in 4, reducing bodies. Starch converted. 
0 0°1575 gram. 0°3214 gram. 28°92 per cent. 
0°0023 0°1766 0°3612 32°50 
0 071681 0°3438 30°94 
070023 01770 0°3620 32°58 
* Doubtless, however, it is not wholly as HCl-proteid, since the extract frequently 
contains a trace of sodium lactate, 
ee ee 
