Chemistry and Physics. | 139 
of the three series of fatty acids at present known, and the authors 
believe it to be a member of a new series characterized by a pecu- 
liar mode of union of the carbon atoms.— Ber. Berl. Chem. Ges., 
vii, 1216, Sept., 1874. G. F. B. 
3. On the Direct Synthesis of Methyl aldehyde.—Brovte has 
hoy obtained was marsh gas; and this equally whether car- 
nous oxide or carbon dioxide was used. By a modification of 
ide, h 8 
*,e y + 
the conditions of the experiment with carbon dioxide, he ha 
effected the expected synthesis 
after 
marsh gas and 5-2 of methyl aldehyde. This latter amount be- 
fol equivalent to 276 percent. The reaction appears to be as 
ollows: 
. CO,+(H,),=COH,+H,0 : 
Brodie believes that methyl aldehyde was formed in his former 
°xperiments, but was subsequently decomposed thus: 
(COH,),—=CO,+-CH, 
Ann. Ch. Pharm., elxxiv, 284, Nov., 1874. ‘G. F, B. 
nthesis of an Isomer of Cane-sugar.—The relation of the 
as Vaporated, treated with ether to remove a bitter substance, 
tain ap dried in vacuo at 100% A colorless body is thus ob- 
ea analogous to gu nd dextrin in appearance and taste, 
oe Soluble in water, and very hygroscopic. Upon analysis, its 
to Se | It has no sweet taste, 
18 not ae se" 84 13° h ? 
per Precipitated by ammoniacal lead acetate, reduces the cop 
‘est only with difficulty and is dextrogyrate. ~ It is not fer- 
