Regarding this reagent as another form of 'active oxygen,' it is important to contrast its actions with those of the hydrogen peroxide. Instead of the beta-hydroxyfurfural (_ante_, 115) we obtain the delta-aldehyde as the first product. The aldehydic group is then oxidised, and as a result of attendant hydrolysis the ring is broken down and succinic acid is formed, the original aldehydic group of the furfural being split off in the form of formic acid. The reactions take place at the ordinary temperature and with the dilute form of the reagent described by Baeyer and Villiger (Ber. 32, 3625). These results have some special features of interest. The alpha delta-hydroxyfurfural has similar colour reactions to those of the alpha beta-derivative, and may also therefore be present as a constituent of the lignocelluloses. The tendency to attack in the 1.4 position in relation to an aldehydic group further widens the capabilities of 'active oxygen' in the plant cell. Lastly, this is the simplest transition yet disclosed from the succinyl to furfural grouping, being effected by a regulated proportion of oxygen, and under conditions of reaction which may be described as of the mildest. In regard to the wide-reaching functions of asparagin in plant life, we have a new suggestion of genetic connections with the furfuroids. VERGLEICH DER PENTOSEN-BESTIMMUNGSMETHODEN VERMITTELST PHENYLHYDRAZIN UND PHLOROGLUCIN. M. KRUeGER (Inaug.-Diss., Goettingen, 1895). ~COMPARISON OF METHODS OF ESTIMATING FURFURAL AS HYDRAZONE AND PHLOROGLUCIDE.~ The author traces the development of processes of estimating furfural (1) by precipitation with ammonia (furfuramide), (2) by volumetric estimation with standardised phenylhydrazine, (3) by weighing the hydrazone. In 1893 (Chem. Ztg. 17, 1745) Hotter described a method of quantitative condensation with pyrogallol requiring a temperature of 100 deg.-110 deg. for two hours. The insoluble product collected, washed, dried at 103 deg., and weighed, gives a weight of 1.974 grm. per 1 grm. furfural.