14 Sigurd Johnsen. 
matoxylin and eosin). The usual test for cellulose and and tunicine, 
bluecolouring with iodine and sulphuric acid was tried on several 
samples of the intestinal mass, only with a negative result. This is of 
no great consequence when we remember that the digestive process 
was far advanced. This is particulary so considered as a tunicine re- 
action, for tunicine in the tunicata is joined to a loose thready 
structure, which is only visible under the microscope. In case of 
the digestion of this element, there can therefore, when the digestive 
process is far advanced, not be expected that much, or any of it, 
can be found in an unchanged state. The concentrated sulphuric 
acid strongly carbonizes the intestinal contents. 
Further examination of the intestinal contents with regard to the 
decomposition of cellulose (including tunicine) became very diffi- 
cult, as it was found that the solution of formaldehyd, which was 
used for fixation, was impure and contained elements belonging 
to the same group as the anticipated components.*) 
Biurets test produced traces of albumen. Osmic acid pro- 
duced a deep macroscopic blacking; under the microscope fat was 
visible in the form of well-defined balls of different sizes, not many, 
however, in proportion to the other solid ingredients. A filtered, 
well-washed sample was white, when dried it became yellowish 
brown & resinous and burnt with a bright flame and smelt of fat. 
This smell was particularly noticeable in samples taken straight 
from the end of the intestine. In warm concentrated sulphuric acid 
the samples dissolved with an intense red colour; when treated 
with a warm solution of potash a portion dissolved, the remainder 
forming yellowish resinous particles. The solutions with potash and 
with sulphuric acid reduce Fehling’s fluid. 
1) A sample of the liquid intestinal contents reduced Fehlings 
fluid, which would seem to suggest the presence of some kind of sugar (a 
monose); the solution of formalhyd used reacted, however, in the same way, 
although this test is just one of those which determine the difference 
between monoses and aldehydes. 
The solution of formaldehyd probably contained the monose formose 
produced by the condensation of the formaldehyd, a process which occurs under 
the influence of lime water; to neutralize the formicacid in the watery for- 
maldehyd solutions marble, chalk and similar things are often employed. 
la the hindermost part of the intestine, the contents after fixation, 
were excreted in larger, cohesive lumps; the remainder had run out, on the 
intestine being opened in several places. The small samples, which could be 
taken from the front part of the intestine, on being treated with sulphuric 
acid and iodine gave a bluecolouring to the tiniest particles. | 
