Tl; and there is no reason why it should be true in the case of a completely ionised salt, where it is difficult even to suggest a theoretical justification for it. It therefore appears more likely that the high conductivity of fused silver chloride may be due to the presence of something analogous to the

ionic micelle " in a colloidal electrolyte, i.e., to complex aggregates of ions carrying multiple electric charges, since these would have the effect of increasing both the viscosity and the electrolytic conductivity of the melt. Such aggregates might be formed by an incomplete destruction of the crystal lattice and it may be supposed that the conductivity of a fused salt is determined very largely by the character of the aggregates that persist when the crystalline salt is melted.

[NHPhMe, Br], in which the oppositely charged ions cling together, just as they must do in a salt-vapour of normal vapourdensity and, therefore, do not migrate in opposite directions under the influence of a small electro-motive force; or we must postulate the existence of some subtle type of bond, which binds the ions into a molecule of such an unstable character that it is unable to persist in aqueous solution (compare Hantzsch's hypothetical pseudo-ammonium halides). Until, however,the existence of such molecules has been proved, it is sim

pler to admit that a salt, even if it is completely ionised in the crystalline state, will not become a good electrolyte when fused, unless the lattice is resolved into oppositelycharged fragments. If the cleavage of the lattice on fusion tends predominantly to produce neutral ionic aggregates like those which are formed on vaporisation, the conductivity of the fused salt may be reduced to such an extent as to give rise to the properties of a typical "weak electrolyte." This effect, it is clear, is most likely to appear in salts which are earily vaporised, i.e., which break down readily into volatile neutral doublets.

Proceedings and Notices of Societies

THE ROYAL SOCIETY.
Thursday, January 19, 1928.

Among the papers read were the following:--

Enzymatic Function of Mitochondria in the Germinaton of Cereals. By E. S. HORNING AND A. H. K. PETRIE. Communicated by A. J. Ewart, F.R.S.

In resting stage of maize grain mitochondria occur in moderate numbers in scutellum and endosperm. During germination they become numerous in scutellum, and are secreted in large numbers from epithelial cells into adjacent starch-containing cells of endosperm. These secreted mitochrondria aggregate round starch grains prior to their corrosion. As corrosion commences the associated mitochondria seem to disappear. Throughout the period of endosperm depletion, mitochondria are thus secreted and migrate through the emptied cells to the zone of active hydrolysis, where they become associated with the starch grains in this manner.

This behaviour of mitochondria appears to lend support to the enzymatic conception of mitochondrial activity, supposing the starch-splitting enzyme located within them or at their surface, and liberated when these bodies reach the surface of the starch grains.

During germination mitochondria originally present in endosperm increase by fission, although the same profuse numbers are not found as from scutellum. In isolated endosperms these mitochondria of intracellular origin effect starch hydrolysis and depletion at a slower rate corresponding to their lesser numbers.

There is no evidence for secretion of mitochondria from aluerone layer or of depletion being affected by secretion of enzyme therefrom.

Similar secretion of mitochondria from epithelial cells of scutellum takes place during germination of wheat and barley.

Triplet Children in Great Britain and Ireland. By R. A. FISHER. Communicated by Sir Arthur Keith, F.R.S.

Existing data on twins have given rise to much difference of opinion on heredity of twinning tendency; moreover, good measurements are exceeedingly scanty. In order to obtain data from a fresh source, in the collection of which adequate safeguards could be taken against the chief causes seeeming to have vitiated twin material, an enquiry was commenced on triplet cases recorded as recipients of the Royal Bounty. Results of measurements, and of genealogical enquiries on three years' data from this source, are given.

Six physical measurements taken on 117 children show correlation between pairs of unlike sex conformable with that obtained by the author from Lauterbach's measurements on twins, and with that between adult brothers and sisters. Pairs of like sex are more highly correlated, the results being well fitted by the supposition that about 54 per cent. of the surviving like-sex pairs are monozygotic in origin, and that these have a correlation 0.94.

Relationship data confirm paternal influence, and sex distribution of related twins strongly suggests that this is confined to causation of di-embryony. If maternal influence conditions both dizygotism and diembryony, the slightly higher values obtained from these and other data for maternal influence indicate that, contrary to Weinberg, di-embryony is the more strongly inherited phenomenon-a view in accord with the large known effect of mother's age on dizygotism.

The Differential Effect of the Ions of Three-Salt Solutions on the Growth of Potato Plants in Sand Culture. By F. G. GREGORY. Communicated by V. H. Blackman, F.R.S.

A method of statistical analysis is developed enabling assessment of the effect of single ions on growth of plants in culture solution consisting of mixture of salts, and has been applied to data published by E. S. Johnson (" Growth of Potato Plants in

It is found that the kations in the solution have for each relative ionic concentration (ionic proportion) a greater effect than any of the anions used. The effects of the six ions used are presented numerically and graphically for the ions singly and in molecular combinations.

Agreement of predicted values for yield in solutions employed by Johnston is compared with his experimental results. Agreement between predicted values and experimental values proves to be closer than agreement found between duplicate experimental sets of results.

Experimental Researches on Vegetable Assimilation and Respiration-Parts XVII and XVIII. By E. J. MASKELL. municated by F. F. Blackman, F.R.S.

Com

In cherry-laurel leaves at limiting concentrations but under constant lighting there is marked diurnal rhythm of apparent assimilation, falling to very low values at night and rising in morning. At any point in the diurnal march assimilation can be increased by increasing CO, up to limit set by light-intensity used. The observations suggesting that the variations in assimilation are largely due to variations in the stomatal opening, this is tested by means of parallel observations on assimilation rate and porometer rate.

It is shown that diurnal rhythm of assimilation is due to a rhythm of stomatal opening. At small opening assimilation rate is approximately proportional to porometer rate. As stomata open and porometer rate increases, assimilation rate approaches asymptotically to a level determined by non-stomatal resistances in diffusion path of CO, and in phases of photosynthesis.

Results of analysis for assimilation rate are expresed in equation form in terms of stomatal diffusive capacity, of diffusive capacity of intercellular spaces, etc., of seasonal photosynthetic efficiency, of light intensity and of CO, concentration.

THE INSTITUTE OF CHEMISTRY.DANCE.

Members are reminded that the Annual Dance will be held on Wednesday, February 15, and as hitherto, at the Hotel Russell. Tickets, inclusive of refreshments, 7s. 6d. each, or 14s. double ticket. These can be obtained on application to the Hon. Sec., at the Institute, 30, Russell Square, London, W.C.1.

BRITISH SPHAGNUM MOSSES.

An Illustrated Handbook of the British Sphagna. By W. R. SHERRIN, A.L.S. Pp. 74. London: Taylor & Francis, Red Lion Court, E.C. 1927. Price 6s.

That mosses have played an important role in the scientific and cultural advancement of mankind is not generally realised. Mosses or some plants resembling them, constituted the earliest land flora. To-day, peat, the partially carbonised sphagna of past ages, is an important fuel in many parts of the world.

The elastic, bulky and light sphagna find some modern applications as packing material, stable litter in place of straw, and are used by orchid growers. Dry sphagnum moss is able to absorb over twenty times its weight of water and such mosses were successfully used during the war as bandages, especially by the Germans.

In his Foreword to Mr. Sherrin's Illustrated Handbook, Mr. Dixon mentions that not only is Horrell's European Sphagnaceae out of print, but the system of Warnstorf's, on which it was based, is now somewhat out of date, that authority on these mosses having considerably altered his views in recent years so that his latest system differs quite markedly from that upon which Horrell based his treatment.

The present work is limited to species and varieties recorded for Great Britain. Even a cursory study of the habits of the Sphagna will show that the most readily recognisable species are those like S. compactum and S. Tenellum and the Cymbifolia generally, which are found on higher or drier parts of bogs, or even on heathland together with Erica. The Subsecunda and Cuspidata groups of species are, however, very variable and exhibit many perplexing forms. Mr. Sherrin describes forty-eight species as British, established varieties for most of which are also recorded.

Many thousands of specimens have passed through Mr. Sherrin's hands and he has made careful use of his experience in compiling what will be regarded as the standard work on the subject.

J. G. F. D.

THE CHEMISTRY OF CELLULOSE.

(1) Lehrbuch der Cellulose chemie. By PROF. EMIL HEUSER. Third edition. Pp. x + 278. Berlin Gebruder Borntraeger. 1927. Price 16 marks 80 pf.

By

(2) Textilchemische Erfindungen. DR. ADOLF LEHNE. Pp. VIII 100. Verlag A. Ziemsen, Wittenberg, Halle. 1927. Price 10 m.

The first of these important volumes is primarily intended for students in Technical Institutes and Universities and for specialists in the many branches of the cellulose industries.

So much is now being discovered and applied rapidly on a large scale in the field of cellulose chemistry that many of the practices of a decade ago are already obsolete. The earlier literature on cellulose is now largely out of date and the third edition of Prof. Heuser's book will find a wide number of readers both in Germany and also here. His work deals with the alcoholate compounds (mercerisation); esters (chiefly nitrates, acetates and xanthogenate-viscose); the oxidation, building up and constitution of cellulose and finally with the recent X-ray studies on cellulose.

It is remarkable that so few serviceable cellulose esters have been obtained. The reviewer, under the guidance of on of the authorities quoted (but wrongly spelt) by Prof. Heuser, spent some time attempting to prepare definite higher fatty acid esters of cellulose. Some of these, it appears, are now known but have no applications.

The chapter devoted to the constitution of cellulose, discusses the various formula that have been proposed, and the author inclines to Karrer's dimeric anhydrocellobiose formula:

FORTHCOMING EVENTS.

INSTITUTE OF METALS.

Sheffield Local Section.-Friday, January 27, at 7.30 p.m.-(Applied Science Department, University, St. George's Square). "All-Metal Aeroplane " Lecture.

MANCHESTER LITERARY AND PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY. 36, George Street, Manchester. Chemical Section.-Friday, January 27, at 8 p.m.

PEOPLE'S LEAGUE OF HEALTH. 11, Cavendish Street, Cavendish Square. Wednesday, January 25, at 6 p.m.(Particulars from Miss Olga Nethersole, R.R.C., 12, Stratford Place, London, W.1.)

ROYAL INSTITUTE OF PUBLIC
HEALTH.

37, Russell Square, London, W.C.1. Wednesday, January 25, at 4.30 p.m."Tests for Drunkenness, Particularly in Relation to Motor Accidents." By Godfrey Carter, M.B. Vict., D.P.H.

ROYAL SOCIETY OF ARTS. John Street, Aledphi, London, W.C.2. Monday, January 23, at 8 p.m.--Cantor Lecture, by Albert Ernest Dunstan, D.Sc., F.I.C.

Wednesday, January 25, at 8 p.m."Enamels." By H. de Koningh.

ROYAL INSTITUTION.

21, Albermarle Street, London, W.1. Tuesday, January 24, at 5.15 p.m.Mr. P. R. Coursey: 66 Dielectricts for Electrical Condensers."

Thursday, January 26, at 5.15 p.m.Prof. J. F. Thorpe : "Unsaturation of Carbon Compounds."

Friday, January 27, at 9 p.m.-Miss D. A. E. Garrod : " Prehistoric Cave Art." Saturday, January 28, at 3 p.m. Prof. R. W. Chambers: "Some Tudor Biographies."

THE ROYAL SOCIETY. Thursday, January 26, at 4.30 p.m.

66

THE PHYSICAL SOCIETY. At Imperial College of Science, South Kensington.

Friday, January 27, at 5 p.m.

UNIVERSITY OF LONDON. University College, Gower Street.

Monday, January 23, at 2

p.m.

Virgil and the Epic of Rome." By Prof. H. E. Butler.

At 4.15 p.m. "La Mise en Scène dans le Théâtre du Moyen Age." Public lecture. in French, by Prof. L. M. Brandin.

Tuesday, January 24, at 5.30 p.m."Amsterdam in the Seventeenth Century.' First of two lectures by Prof. P. Geyl. (Other lecture, January 31.)

Thursday, January 26, at 5.15 p.m."Customary Law in the British Empire: Asia and the Pacific." First of six lectures by Prof. J. E. G. de Montmorency. (Other lectures, February 2, 9, 16, 23 and March 1.)

New Patents.

These particulars of New Patents of interest to Readers have been selected from the Official Journal of Patents, and are published by special permission of the Controller of His Majesty's Stationery Office.

Latest Patent Applications. 35,451.-Classen, P. A.-Process for removing hydrochloric hydrochloric acid from sugar solutions, etc. December 31. 35,338.-1. G. Farbenindustrie Akt.-Ges. -Synthetic production of methanol. December 30th.

35,321.-Lockwood, A. A.-Process for removal of sulphur from oil. December 30th.

35,285.--Plauson, H.-Accelerating chemical reactions. December 30th.

35,457. Techno-Chemical Laboratories, DecemLtd.-Drying-apparatus.

bes 31st.

Specifications Published.

282,487.-Hatfield, H. S.-Apparatus for automatically determining the amount of gas existing in water and the automatic control of chemical operations.

280,373.-Aromatic acid anhydrides.British Dyestuffs Corporation, Ltd., Hexagon House, Payman, J. B., and Hall, N., Crumpeli Vale Chemical Works, both in Blackley, Manchester.

Benzoic and other aromatic acid anhydrides are produced by treating bodies of the type of benzotrichloride with water or the corresponding acid in presence of a catalyst which is an inorganic or organic salt such as a chloride, sulphate, oxide, benzoate, or sulphonate of a heavy or polyvalent metal such as zinc, copper, iron, aluminium, or tin. In the examples, benzoic anhydride. is obtained by treating benzotrichloride at 100-105° C., with water in presence of pumice containing zine chloride; benzotrichloride is heated at 110-115° C. with dry ferrous sulphate or ferric chloride and benzoic acid; and benzotrichloride is heated as in the first example with ferrous sulphate crystals instead of the water and zinc chloride catalyst, the water being obtained from the crystals. Specification 2878/80 is referred to.

The Latest TRADE MARKS

This list of Trade Marks of interest to Readers has been selected from the Official Trade Marks Journal, and is Published by permission of the Controller of His Majesty's Stationery Office.

TYTOXA.

485,886.-Chemical substances prepared for use in medicine and pharmacy.John Connolly Carroll, 60, Windsor Road, Forest Gate, London, E.7. January 4th.

VULA.

485,308.-Chemical substances prepared for use in medicine and pharmacy.William Pearson, Limited, 61, Mark Lane, London, E.C.3. January 4th. DURUNDA. 485,874.-All goods in class 1 which includes acids, potash salts and other chemical substances used in manufactures. Arthur Sanderson & Sons, Ltd., 52, 53, 54 and 55( Berners Street, London, W.1. January 4th.