Sa 8 a EN So 
? Ce ee 
Constitution of G'elatine and its Transformations. 77 
The number calculated from this present as close a correspond- 
ence with the results of analysis as those of Mulder; C,, H,, 
N, O, require C, 50-704; H, 7:04; N, 19°71; O, 22-53. The 
oxygen agrees very well with that obtained by Scheerer in his 
analyses, which differ in this respect by about two per cent. from 
the number required by Mulder, the carbon corresponds closely, as 
well as the hydrogen which is decidedly too low in the old formu- 
la, while the nitrogen is considerably above that obtained by ex- 
periment ; but the formula is altogether a closer approximation 
than that of Mulder, and when we consider the results of the de- 
composition of gelatine which cannot be accounted for by that, 
it can scarcely be doubted that it is the true one 
vegetable structure. . 
Phat gelatine, although not capable of replacing the proteine 
compounds, is one of the substances fitted for the support of an- 
mal life is generally admitted ; but although Liebig with his ac- 
customed sagacity, placed it among the elements of respiration, 
a definite knowledge of the manner of its assimilation is still 
wanting. The proteine bodies are found in the circulation but 
slightly modified, and sugar is detected in the blood when it or 
any amylaceous substance has been taken as food; but I am not 
rine that gelatine has ever been observed either _— pascal 
blood. What becomes of it when taken into the stom 
This question may be readily solved upon the view which Thave 
SS dear site, oo auires examination ; Berzelius (Traité, 
fom. vit, oer har fain, a . 3) tba! that it pide oxalic and malic ph As 
® saccharic is a product of the action of dilute nitric acid upe sugar and w 
by the earlier chemists mistaken for the malic, it is probable. that Heat Soteteed 
poeme earlier chemists mistaken for t e mance, se alo ie that malic acid 
. : tigen : : he soluble form by the a 
Selling wasn sis aly seed no gat aide Ths tase 
constitutes almost the whole of the og the grape a1 rasabe S i 
nal de Pharm. et de Chimie, June, 1847, p. 417, and Aug. iP p- 94. 
