Compound Celluloses 



177 



process of digestion with nitric acid (dilute) and KC1O 3 (p. 96). 

 The cellulose was estimated and analysed j the following are 

 representative results : 



A further consideration of these results by the statistical 

 method, taking the empirical composition of the woods as 

 the basis of comparison, led Schulze to adopt the formula 

 CigH 24 O 10 (C = 55*3 p.ct.) as approximately representing 

 the composition of the non-cellulose or lignone complex a 

 formula which is in very close agreement with that which we 

 have adopted for the lignone of the typical lignocellulose. 



N. Schuppe has also investigated the composition of woody 

 tissue, upon similar lines and with similar results (Pharm- 

 Journ. [3], 14, 52). He arrives at the formula C 19 H 18 O 8 for the 

 lignone complex, and at the mixed expression 



as representing the average composition of woody tissue. 



It is evident from these results that woody tissue is similarly 

 constituted to the typical lignocellulose, the main difference 

 being the higher percentage of carbon (higher proportion of 

 lignone) and lower proportion of cellulose. 



We have not as yet endeavoured to connect the process of 

 lignification in any definite way with the products viz. the 

 lignocelluloses but the moment has now arrived for briefly 

 setting forth a general theory of the process. It is many years 



N 



