pe J. H. MAIDEN AND H. G. SMITH. 
been discovered, although succinic acid in combination with lime 
has been detected as an exudation on the stem of the White 
Mulberry tree ( Morus alba). In another reference’ to the presence 
of succinate of lime occurring in this exudation, the statement is 
made that the occurrence of succinic acid in the juices of a large 
number of herbs had long been known, but that it had not hiterto 
been found in liquids from trees. It was thought in this instance 
that the presence of a brown, humus-like substance, pointed to the 
fact that the succinic acid in this case was the product of a patho- 
logical process and not a physiological secretion. 
The occurrence of succinic acid was considered to be due toa 
fermentation process, in consequence of which the malic acid 
occurring in the juices of the mulberry tree (Gmelin, 10,206) was 
converted into succinic acid, a metamorphosis which according t0 
Fitz (Ber., 12,481) takes place somewhat readily in schizomyceti¢ 
fermentations. 
The following formula represents the change 
3C,H,O, = 20,H,O, + C,H,O, + 2CO, + H.0 
(Malic Acid) (Suceinic Acid) (Acetic Acid) 
As we have found acetic acid in the original substance from 
Grevillea robusta, we suggest that the succinic acid in this case is 
also the effect of fermentation of malic acid, as this acid is of very 
common occurrence in plants, and is by fermentation readily con” 
verted into succinic acid. We have not yet succeeded in obtall- 
ing the fresh sap of Grevillea robusta, so that we are unable a 
present to state whether malic acid is present or not in the grow 
ing tree, and any more definite statement as to its mode of form 
tion must be held over for the present. If malic acid be found to 
occur in the sap of Grevillea robusta, we think there can be but 
little doubt as to the origin of succinic acid contained in the 
Present material. Not only is the material of interest from the 
Presence of succinic acid, but that the base of the salt should be 
* Gmelin, Handbook of Chemistry, Cavendish Soc., Vol. X., P- 108- 
2 Journ. Chem. Soc., XLI., 602 (1882). 
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