The following facts may be deduced from the experimental results recorded 

 in Table I and the accompanying graphical representations : — 



(1) The fermentation takes place in two main directions. On the one 

 hand, there is formation of lactic acid, and, on the other, a group of 

 substances which seem to be related more closely to one another as regards 

 their origin than they are related to lactic acid. This group comprises 

 alcohol, formic acid, and carbon dioxide (which arises from it by further 

 decomposition), acetic acid and succinic acid. 



(2) Succinic acid and acetic acid are complementary as regards the extent 



