110 
Assuming that acetic acid is necessary for the formation of 
this resin, which differs from the products obtained without 
the addition of the acetate, the following equation will show 
the way in which the resin has been formed : 
4(C< H 6 0 2 ) + 3(C 4 H 4 0 4 ) = C 2 S H lg 0 2 + 18 HO. - 
In employing formiate of soda I obtained a resin of the 
same composition as that produced when no formiate was 
present. 
0*2100 grm. gave 05795 grm. carbonic acid and 0*1610 
grm. water = 75*25 per cent carbon and 8*57 per cent 
hydrogen. 
The investigation has therefore led to the discovery of the 
following facts : 
(1) The resins which are obtained by the action of caustic 
soda on ethylic and methylic alcohol in sealed tubes differ 
from the resin that is formed by the same substances at the 
ordinary pressure in open vessels. 
(2) Methylic and ethylic alcohol produce resins of the 
same composition. 
(3) Formic acid is formed. 
(4) When acetate of soda is added the resulting resin 
differs in its composition. 
