466 Mr. J*. R. Green. Changes in the Proteids in the [Dec. 16, 



these compounds when in solution lose their colour almost as rapidly 

 as chlorophyll itself, those containing copper are remarkably stable, 

 since their solutions may be exposed for many weeks to light and air 

 without undergoing any apparent change. 



The products derived from phyllocyanin by reduction are next 

 described. The action of tin and hydrochloric acid on phyllocyanin 

 passes through two distinct stages. During the first stage a colour- 

 ing matter is formed which is remarkable from its solutions showing 

 no less than eight absorption bands. The product formed during the 

 next stage of the process is interesting from its yielding solutions of a 

 bright red colour withont any tinge of green, and from its resembling 

 in some respects the colouring matters of red flowers. 



VI. " On the Changes in the Proteids in the Seed which accom- 

 pany Germination." By J. R. Green, B.Sc, B.A., 

 Demonstrator of Physiology in the University of Cam- 

 bridge. Communicated by Professor M. Foster, Sec. R.S. 

 Received November 25. 



(Abstract.) 



The processes of the germination of the seed have been in recent 

 years investigated by v. Gorup-Besanez, who in a series of papers 

 written in 1874 and 1875,* has stated that the changes in the reserve 

 proteid materials are probably due to the action of a proteolytic 

 ferment, as from the seeds of the vetch, hemp, flax, and barley plants 

 he was able to extract a body which converted fibrin into peptone. 

 Later, in 1878, Krauchj disputed v. Gorup-Besanez's conclusions, 

 and claimed that his results were erroneous on account of imperfect 

 methods of working. As v. Gorup-Besanez based his statement 

 partly on the detection of peptone by the biuret test after the 

 digestion had gone on for some time, and partly on a diminution of 

 the fibrin, Krauch explained his results by saying that the digestive 

 extract itself gave a biuret reaction, and that the diminution of the 

 fibrin was only due to a shrinkage of its flocks. 



During the past year I have been carrying out a series of 

 experiments bearing upon this disputed point, and have succeeded in 

 demonstrating in the seeds of the lupin (Lupinus hirsutus) the 

 existence of such a ferment as v. Gorup-Besanez stated to be present, 

 and in ascertaining some particulars as to its condition in the resting 

 seed, the nature and conditions of its action, and the changes which 



* ' Deutsch. Chem. Gesell. Ber.,' 1874, p. 1478. Ibid., 1875. 

 f " Beitrage zur Kenntniss der ungeformten Fermente in den Pflanzen," ' Land- 

 wirthsch. Versuchs-Stat.,' vol. 27, 1878, p. 383. 



