e of oil. This observer has patented (Eng. Pat.
8,304, 1904) the preparation of an "extract" by triturating crushed
castor or other seeds with castor oil, filtering the oily extract, and
subjecting it to centrifugal force. The deposit consists of aleurone and
the active enzymic substance, together with about 80 per cent. of oil,
and one part of it will effect nearly complete hydrolysis of 100 parts
of oil in twenty-four hours. In a subsequent addition to this patent,
the active agent is separated from the aleurone by extraction with
benzene and centrifugal force. By the use of such an extract, the
quantity of albuminoids brought into contact with the fat is reduced to
about 10 per cent. of that in the original seeds, and the middle layer
between the glycerine solution and fatty acids is smaller and can be
saponified directly for the production of curd soap, while the glycerine
solution also is purer.

In a further patent Nicloux (Fr. Pat. 349,213, 1904) states that the use
of an acid medium is unnecessary, and claims that even better results
are obtained by employing a neutral solution of calcium sulphate
containing a small amount of magnesium sulphate, the proportion of salts
not exceeding 0.5 per cent. of the fat, while in yet another patent,
jointly with Urbain (Fr. Pat. 349,942, 1904), it is claimed that the
process is accelerated by the removal of acids from the oil or fat to be
treated, which may be accomplished by either washing first with
acidulated water, then with pure water, or preferably by neutralising
with carbonate of soda and removing the resulting soap.

Lombard (Fr. Pat. 350,179, 1904) claims that acids act as stimulating
agents in the enzymic hydrolysis of oils, and further that a simple
method of obtaining the active product is to triturate oil cake with its
own weight of water, allow the mixture to undergo spontaneous
proteolytic hydrolysis at 40 deg. C. for eight days, and then filter, the
filtrate obtained being used in place of water in the enzymic process.

Hoyer, who has made a large number of experiments in the attempt to
isolate the lipolytic substance from castor seeds, has obtained a
product of great activity, which he terms "ferment-oil," by extracting
the crushed seeds with a solvent for oils.

The Verein Chem. Werke have extended their original patent (addition
dated 11th December, 1905, to Fr. Pat. 328,101, Oct., 1902), which now
covers the use of vegetable ferments in the presence o