1912.] Absorption of Water by Seeds q/"Hordeum vulgare. 553 



Temperature Centigrade. 

 Diagram IV. 



normal " solutions of ethylic acetate differ from those obtained with water is 

 in the actual velocity with which absorption takes place under corresponding 

 conditions. This is higher in the presence of ethylic acetate than in the 

 presence of water alone. The temperature coefficient is apparently 

 unaffected. Viewed in the light of previous remarks, this observation 

 suggests that acceleration of the velocity of absorption in the presence of 

 ethylic acetate may be due, in a large measure, at least, to the simplifying 

 action of the solute on the molecular structure of water. If this be the case, 

 it seems probable that the partial pressure of the vapour of water should be 

 increased in the presence of small proportions of ethylic acetate or, in any 

 case, that the lowering of the vapour pressure through osmotic effects should 

 be in part counteracted by an increase due to the simplifying action of 

 ethylic acetate and such substances as butylic and amylic alcohols. Investi- 

 gation of this question is proposed by one of us. 



