11 



determined as can now be estimated. In the following table of 

 analyses, made by Hugo Miiller, the figures for water extract are 

 probably much too low, and include a number of definite and known 

 substances, such as tannins, coloring matter, sugars, starch, etc., 

 while a number of other definite compounds which it is now possible 

 to estimate are covered by the term "incrusting matter." 



Analyses of various woods (Mutter). 



It may be said further with reference to these figures that at 

 present no definite relation can be established between the composi- 

 tion of woods and the chief distillation products obtained from them, 

 namely, alcohol, acetic acid, acetone, and charcoal. The data avail- 

 able, however, indicate that cellulose gives maximum yields of methyl 

 alcohol and but little acetic acid when subjected to destructive distil- 

 lation, the latter product being evidently derived chiefly from the 

 more unstable "incrusting matter." 



YIELD OF DISTILLATION PRODUCTS FROM DIFFERENT WOODS. 



While any kind of wood may be used for the production of alcohol, 

 acetates, and charcoal, the hard woods give much larger yields than 

 do the soft woods, while resinous woods yield the most turpentine, 

 wood oils, and tar. Of the hard woods the maple, birch, beech, and 

 oak are preferred, although other woods, such as poplar, elm, willow, 

 aspen, and particularly alder, give nearly as high yields. The quan- 

 tities of the several products obtained in modern plants from one cord 

 of wood are shown in the following table: 



Amount of products yielded per cord of wood. 



[Cir. 361 



Lightwood. 



b Sawdust. 



