402 BOTANICAL GAZETTE [May 
of respiration which may be called the catalytic theory. Loew holds that 
contact with the living proteid, whose intense kinetic energy is predicated, so 
increases the lability of the CHOH groups in sugars and of the CH, groups 
in the fatty and amido acids that combination with free oxygen follows, to 
such an extent that these substances are totally oxidized. In the course of 
this oxidation, the O, is split up into its atoms, but not before. By the energy 
thus set free as heat, appropriate substances may be raised to the labile con- 
dition, and other work done. The protoplasm, in rendering the foods labile, 
suffers a loss of energy, but this loss is again covered by the energy set free 
in the oxidation. If free O is wanting, the sugar breaks up into other prod- 
ucts (fats, lactic acid, etc.), constituting intramolecular respiration. Loew 
combats vigorously the accepted idea of a continuous dissociation and 
regeneration of living substance, holding that the impairment involved would 
be more likely to result in death than in life. For, if the amount of thermo- 
genous foods in a cell becomes considerably diminished, the lability of the 
plasma proteid leads to its own direct assumption of oxygen; and when only 
‘a small part of the proteid has been altered by oxidation, disorganization 
follows ; that is, death by hunger. 
The theory of vital energy thus set forth is a consistent one, and is 
supported by many strong arguments from the chemical side. It is, of course, 
diametrically opposed to the view which Pfliiger and many other physiolo- 
gists hold, that lability of protoplasm is due to the presence of cyanogen 
groups (CN), and that respiration is the oxidation of protoplasm itself, 
at which climax of chemical power it decomposes continuously, to be as con- 
tinuously rebuilt out of available foods. 
There are difficulties in both theories, and physiologists will do well 
to read and ponder this clear and interesting book by Dr. Loew. ay Re 
NOTES FOR STUDENTS: 
M. Epmonp Garn has endeavored to determine whether the material 
known as aéinite, which is recommended for increasing the fertility of the 
soil through the activity of bacteria, was efficient for this purpose. ee 
active microbe of this product is Bacillus Ellenbachensis a (8. Ase 
DeBary). His experiments, though not numerous enough to determi 
question satisfactorily, indicate that “the addition of alinite piodict nee 
ficial effect, which manifests itself in greater vegetative development of the 
plants [buckwheat and flax], and in a larger crop of seeds. R. B. 
PURIEWITSCH has determined that the splitting of most a ” 
fungi is accomplished extracellularly, through the splitting action of emu — 
into glucose and benzene derivatives.’ This action is carried oD both DY 
5 Revue gén. de Botanique rz : 18-28. 
Berichte der deutsch. bot Gesells. 16: oe 1898. 
