le to great variation,
inasmuch as it is inferred that the fatty matter originates from
starch through its exposure to the general deoxidising influence
which prevails in plants.[40] There are also many difficulties
attending the accurate determination of this matter, and which are
probably the cause of the higher proportion often given. It is
properly remarked by M. Peligot that the ether employed in this
process should be free from water, and that the flour ought also to
be very dry. By neglecting these precautions, we separate not only
the fatty matter, but also a certain amount of matters soluble in
the water, which is furnished as well by the wheat as by the ether.

It would not, I think, be difficult to point out some incorrect
views entertained by this chemist, and more especially those which
relate to the fatty matter. Some of his processes for the separation
of various substances, if not faulty, require so many conditions for
success as to render the results, at least in other hands,
exceedingly uncertain.

But the capital error which he has committed is that concerning the
bran, already adverted to, which he considers injurious to the
flour, chiefly in consequence of the large proportion of fatty
matter which it contains.

In regard to the soluble nitrogenous matter usually called albumen,
from its resemblance to the animal substance of the same name, I
have to remark that in my trials the proportion has been found to be
considerably less than that often given in tables of the composition
of wheat. In one sample it was found to be as low as 0.15 per cant.,
in another it did not rise above 0.20 per cent. The amount was
usually so inconsiderable, that I did not think it worth while to
retard the progress of the work by following out processes which
could add little to the utility of these investigations.

Although much time and labor have been expended upon the analyses of
the ash of plants, I have but slight confidence in the results
heretofore given. The difficulties which attend the obtaining the
ash in a proper condition, and the fact that the products of all the
organs and parts of the plants have been analysed together, must
necessarily impair the accuracy of the experiments, and render the
inferences drawn from them of uncertain value. Much, indeed I may
s