Chemistry and Physics. ' AQT 
but none from the seeds themselves, nor from the plants when the flow- 
ers had formed. 
composition is C,(H, Cu 6—ihat of asparagine free from water 
of crystallization, C, H, N,O,. ‘The asparagine may be obtained un- 
altered from this substance, by the use o ‘ similar compound 
with potassium has been noticed in this Journal for March, 1847, p. 258 
Action of Ferments.—Under the influence ef an azotised prin 
in the plants, the impure asparagine in solution, or the juice its 
dergoes fermentation, emitting a putrid odor; and there is found re- 
maining a quantity of succinate of ammonia, formed by the fixation of 
Asparagine C, Hy Nz 0,-+2HO-+H, = C, H,,.N, Og succ. amm. 
Action of Acids and Alkalies.—It is well known that these agents 
decompose asparagine into aspartic acid C,H, NO, and ammonia— 
2HO being added. ; ‘ 
It.is incorrectly stated that concentrated hydrochloric acid produces 
_M. Piria proved the analogy of this reaction of hyponitric acid upon 
oxamid, succinamid and butyramid. In all cases nitrogen was giv- 
en off, and the oxalic or other acid remained in solution. Urea too is 
transformed, as is well known, into nitrogen and carbonic acid. 
The remarkable facility of this decomposition, which t lace 
even in the cold solutions, is strikingly contrasted with the tedious and 
to make allowance for the oxy 
some instances take place ; but 
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