230 



SCIENCE 



[N. 8. Vol. LII. No. 1340 



the known morphologic features of cell dif- 

 ferentiation, it is not impossible that one and 

 the same molecule whether falling in the 

 category of proanlagen nutritive or enzymatic 

 substance might, regardless of the oxidative or 

 reductive changes incident to its elaboration, 

 show the same capacity of absorption of 

 energy in the two-cell stage as in the gastrula 

 no neural-plate stages. A constant and uni- 

 form alteration of this molecule might be as- 

 sumed to lead to a correspondingly constant 

 and uniform embryological result. To the 

 mind of the author, however, this assumption 

 appears less probable than the hypothesis that 

 certain protoplasmic substances maintain a 

 constant structure, both physical and chemical, 

 during the early stages of ontogeny. It argues 

 equally well for the results produced whether 

 we determine the nature of this constant con- 

 tent to be nutritive or enzyme, since it is con- 

 ceivable that the deprivation of the enzymes 

 of the substances out of which the morpholog- 

 ical structures of difFerentiation are formed 

 would lead to the same developmental result 

 as the inhibitive efiect of energy acting upon 

 the ferments themselves. The presence of re- 

 tardation effects is well attested both by this 

 and by the earlier experiment and might well 

 be accounted for on these grounds. 



It is significant that in these specimens there 

 is an absence of evidence pointing towards the 

 destruction either of protoplasmic or of nu- 

 clear material. A more severe degree of in- 

 jury brought about by the use of a greater 

 amount of energy was evident through the 

 presence of both protoplasmic and nuclear 

 detritus. Furthermore, it must be pointed out 

 that the change broug'ht about is not incom- 

 patible with the vitality of the cells. There 

 appears to have been suspended apparently the 

 function of but one physiological factor of cell 

 development, that of differentiation, unat- 

 tended by any morphologic indication of de- 

 struction. The precise nature and location of 

 this alteration, if morphologic, can not at pres- 

 ent be identified. 



W. M. Baldwin 



TJnion TJniversitt Medical College, 

 Albany, N. Y. 



THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY. 

 V 



DrvrsioN OF industrial chemists and chemical 



ENGINEERS 



H. D. Batohelor, chairman 

 H. E. Howe, secretary 



The aymposium on cellulose chemistry attracted 

 considerable attention and it was voted to hold a 

 second symposium at the time 'Of the autumn meet- 

 ing in Chicago. The purpose of these symposia is 

 to determine whether the formation of a section of 

 Cellulose Chemistry within the society is feasible, 

 some seventy-five members having expressed them- 

 selves in favor of such a project in discussing the 

 matter by correspondence. The question of specifi- 

 cations for reagent chemicals and the standardiza- 

 tion of laboratory apparatus and instruments 

 brought out a number of valuable contributions, 

 both from manufacturers and consumers, indicating 

 ■willingness on the part of aU concerned to cooper- 

 ate in bringing a,bout the standardization which is 

 recognized as necessary. The subject of stimulat- 

 ing research in pure and applied chemistry and 

 devising an incentive to such research gave rise to 

 ft lengthy discussion in which the economic status 

 of the chemist was brought in. The present situa- 

 tion with reference to professors and instructors 

 was discussed at length, involving the conditions 

 for research in the various institutions and what 

 might be done toward improving circumstances. 

 The result of Dr. Oomey's investigation would 

 seem to indicate that at present the chemist is be- 

 ing as well paid for his services on the average as 

 are the members of any of the other professions 

 and that those in responsible positions in industry 

 have shown a remarkable advance in earning 

 power during the last few years. At the Septem- 

 ber meeting a symposium on the conservation and 

 utilization of fuel will be held in addition to the 

 symposium on cellulose chemistry and general 

 papers. 



Mechanism of the reactions of cellulose: Jessie 

 E. Minor. The charge upon the cellulose is the 

 result of the selective adsorption of the ions of an 

 electrolyte by means of the residual valence which 

 certain atoms or groups of atoms upon the sur- 

 face of the colloid are capable of exerting. The 

 subsequent swelling of a colloid in the presence of 

 acids and bases is due to the absorption of water 

 by the colloid as a result of a dialyzing or a re- 

 pulsive force associated with the presence of the 

 electrolyte ion. The hydration of cellulose is due 



