330 J. H. MAIDEN AND H. G. SMITH. 
powder is directly treated with acids, the temperature rises con- 
siderably as it goes into solution. 
When the powdered original substance is boiled for a long time 
in distilled water, practically nothing dissolves, nor is anything 
dissolved when it is boiled with alcohol. There appears to be no 
free acid in the material as determined by its insolubility in H,0 
and C,H,O, and because it is not possible to obtain succinic acid 
when distilled in a tube without previously adding to the powder 
some bisulphate of potassium, or some suitable substance, so that 
the whole of the acid is present in combination with the base. 
Nitrogen was sought for in the original material but was found 
to be absent. 
Determination of the presence of Acetic Acid. 
When the original substance was first received, it had a sour 
and rather unpleasant odour, which diminished somewhat 0 
keeping. In the systematic examination for acids, acetic acid 
was detected in minute quantities. To determine the presence of 
this acid, a portion of the original substance (between three and 
four grams.), was dissolved in sulphuric acid and distilled ; the 
distillate was distinctly acid to test paper, had a slight odour of 
acetic acid,and gave the reactions for that acid with ferric chloride. 
Only a small quantity was present, as the distillate was readily 
neutralized with a very small quantity of an alkaline solution. 
When the original material is dissolved in sulphuric acid, 
alcohol added, and the whole boiled, the odour of acetic ether is 
distinctly detected, especially on shaking as the liquid cools. 
When dissolved in soda and the solution acidified with sulphune 
acid, alcohol added, and boiled, the odour of acetic ether is more 
readily obtained. The identification of acetic acid in the original 
substance is of some importance, as perhaps indicative of the mode 
of formation of the succinic acid by fermentation. 
Composition of the original substance. 
When heated in a closed tube much water is given off. A 
Portion of the powder was heated at 100° C. to 110° C. for on® 
See yee 
