SECTIONAL TRANSACTIONS.—A, B. 417 
August 9. But if, consistently with the three other violent storms of this 
cycle, it was connected with the large disturbed area, the case is decisive 
against a radial discharge of electrical particles. It is not inconsistent with 
the hypothesis of a wide diffusion of electrical particles, by mutual repulsion, 
in the form of a belt of clouds round the sun. 
30. Prof. G. Forsus.—Radial Velocity of Stars. 
31. Report of the Seismology Committee. See p. 206. 
32. Report of the Committee on Tides. See p. 217. 
SECTION B.—CHEMISTRY. 
(lor references to the publication elsewhere of communications entered in 
the following list of transactions, see p. 464.) 
Thursday, September 8. 
1. Presidential Address by Dr. M. O. Forsrmr, F.R.S., on The 
Laboratory of the Living Organism. See p. 36. 
2. Prof. R. Roprnson, F.R.S.—he Genesis of Plant Pigments and 
Related Substances. 
Two types of naturally occurring substances containing a C,; nucleus can 
be distinguished : those related to the sesquiterpene series and probably derived 
by polymerisation of three isoprene molecules, and those which are most easily 
regarded as condensation products of carbohydrates. Santonin, for example, 
clearly belongs to the former class, whilst the greater number of plant pigments 
belong te the latter. The molecules of the flavones, flavonols, anthocyans 
and related substances contain two aromatic nuclei (A and B) which in different 
members of the series exhibit a varying state of oxidation. Nucleus A is 
normally present as a derivative of trihydroxybenzene, whilst the normal 
condition of B is that represented by a dihydroxybenzene. This is the natural 
consequence of an hypothesis the main feature of which is that each nucleus is 
derived from a hexose, and that these are connected by aldol-condensations 
with glycerose (dihydroxyacetone). ‘The details of the molecular changes 
required in order to reach individual flavones, flavonols, &c., involve no unusual 
assumptions. Brasilin and hematoxylin are derived by the introduction of a 
molecule of formaldehyde to the complex, and the relation is very similar to 
that between the papaverine and berberine groups. The theory is extended 
to plant pigments of the naphthalene and anthracene series. 
Friday, September 9. 
3. Prof. H. E. Frerz.—The Modern Dyestujff Industry. 
Figures are given indicating the relative importance of the artificial dyestuff 
industry and of other principal industries. Whilst in.1913 95 per cent. of this 
industry was in the hands of Germany, it is now widely distributed. Its relation 
to the manufacture of other classes of chemical substances is shown, and it is 
maintained that the future existence of a self-contained dyestuff industry is 
impossible, and that it must form an integral part of a much larger organisation. 
A. Joint Discussion with Section A on The Structure of Mole- 
cules. See p. 468. 
Monday, September 12. 
5. Joint Discussion with Section I on Biochemistry. 
Prof. W. Gownanp Hopxins, F.R.S.—Ozidations and Oxidalive 
Mechanisms in Living Tissues. 
The reactions and mechanisms involved in the oxidation of foodstuffs 
with special reference to the following: The B-oxidation of fatty acids; 
the equilibrium between dextrose and_ lactic acid, and the oxidation of 
the latter; general aspects of the oxidation of amino-acids, and the particular 
