ON A COMPOUND OF ALBUMIN WITH PHENOL. 509 
I prepared the compound several times and always observed 
essentially the same properties. 
As it appeared to me of some interest to test whether this 
product would show, in the absence of air, antiseptic properties on 
account of the introduction of phenyl groups, I dissolved 1 grm. 
pi potassium hydroxide solution of 1 per cent and added dilute 
acetic acid until a precipitate commenced to be formed, diluted 
to 100 cc., and infected the solution fromputrified meat. The 
filled flask was provided with a stopper, carrying a U-tube con¬ 
taining some mercury to exclude the air. 
After seven weeks standing at the ordinary temperature, 
the liquid appeared turbid and contained a flocculent sediment. 
Upon opening a putrid smell was noticed and the microscope 
revealed a rich bacterial vegetation. 
Triphenylalbumin is therefore a good nutrient for microbes 
and is subject to fermentation like the ordinary albumin. 
