441 
of Edinburgh, Session 1864-65. 
As before stated, the substance dissolves’ readily in the strong- 
mineral acids, and to a considerable extent in glacial acetic acid. 
These solutions are precipitated by water. It also dissolves in 
water and chloroform. All these solutions are green. It is in- 
soluble in alcohol and ether. It is soluble with a brown colour in 
alkaline solutions. When no excess of alkali has been used, these 
solutions are precipitated green by dilute acids ; but when allowed 
to stand, even for a few minutes, with excess of alkali, they undergo 
a change, and acids then produce a slimy-brown precipitate. The 
same change takes place when the aqueous or alkaline solution is 
heated to 100° Cent. 
The neutral ammonia solution gives precipitates of a dirty green 
or brown colour with most metallic solutions. 
When the substance is fused with dry caustic potash, a power- 
ful ammoniacal odour is given off ; It therefore contains nitrogen. 
These observations lead to the conclusion that the substance is 
a weak acid, and that it forms compounds of slight stability with 
the stronger acids. Any speculations as to its nature are, however, 
premature, until we obtain analyses of the body itself, and of some 
of its compounds. 
Since writing this note, I have observed in the “ Comptes 
Rendus,” vol. Ivii. p. 50, a paper by M. Fordos, apparently on the 
same subject. M. Fordos was not aware of the origin of the green 
colour, and seems to have obtained only a very small quantity of 
it. He has anticipated me in the observations as to its solubility 
in strong acids and chloroform, and has proposed for it the name 
of Acide xylochloerique.” 
7. On the Motion of Interpenetrating Media. By Alfred 
E. Catton, B.A., Assistant to the Professor of Natural 
Philosophy in the University of Edinburgh. 
The following Gentlemen were balloted for, and elected 
Fellows of the Society ; — 
3 M 
VOL. V. 
1. Charles Lawson, junior, Esq. 
2, Alex. Keiller, M.D., F.R.C.P.E. 
