RECORDS OF MEETINGS 293 



It has been found that in a series of addition compoimds like the 

 ammoniates of PtCl4 that the diammoniate forms no ions, the tri- 

 ammoniate furnished one Cl-ion, the tetra-ammoniate two Cl-ions and 

 the hexa-ammoiiiate four Cl-ions. By examining the composition of 

 these various complex ions it becomes apparent that for each additional 

 NHg beyond (NH3)2 one CI is displaced. It also becomes evident that 

 there is a constant grouping of six about the central Pt-atom. The co- 

 ordination number is therefore independent of whether the groups are 

 held by molecular or atomic valences. Many other complex addition 

 compounds show this same coordination value of six, others show coordi- 

 nation number of eight. Basicity of an acid seems to be the difference 

 between the coordination number and the atomic valence of the central 

 atom. 



Molecular valence manifests itself in addition compounds which are 

 electrolytes as equivalent to two atomic valences. This is well illus- 

 trated in the constitution of ammonium chloride H — NH3 — CI, in which 

 the ISTHg enters in between the H and the CI of the HCl. It therefore 

 becomes evident that the molecular valence holding the ammonia and 

 the HCl together manifests itself as equivalent to two atomic valences. 



The coordination number seems to be a function of the room or space 

 about the central atom. Thus (JSTHg) PtClg exists in two isomeric 

 forms and the double pyramid configuration proposed by Werner accounts 

 for the two possible isomers of a disubstituted complex of this kind. 



Dr. Falk stated that he had studied the different ways in which the 

 ester hydrolyzing enzyme, lipase, may be inactivated, including the action 

 of acids, bases, neutral salts, alcohols, acetone, esters and heat. A con- 

 sideration of these results led to the hypothesis that the active groupi- 

 ing of lipase molecule might be due to a tautomeric form of the peptide 

 linking, which rearranged to the ordinary form on inactivation. This 

 view was tested by means of the action of alkali on inactivated lipase 

 material, casein, and gelatine. Lipolytically active substances were ob- 

 tained from all three. 



Professor Pegram gave a simple proof from the standpoint of the 

 electron theory, that the seat of the E. M. P. in a unipolar induction 

 apparatus is in the moving conductor, not in any stationary part of the 

 circuit; the facts of unipolar induction are shown to be entirely con- 

 sistent with the Einstein relativity theory. 



The Section then adjourned. 



V. E. Levine, 



Secretary. 



