Studies of the processes operative in solutions. part I.―The sucroclastic action of acids as influenced by salts and non-electrolytes

The investigation of which the results are now recorded is an extension of that undertaken in conjunction with E. Frankland Armstrong in which the sucroclastic action of acids was contrasted with that of enzymes; it forms a necessary part of a larger inquiry which is being carried out at the Central Technical College in the hope of determining the precise nature of enzyme action and of hydrolytic change generally. Evidence was advanced that the processes must be regarded as similar, notwithstanding the extraordinary difference in activity manifest on comparing the two classes of hydrolytic agents, except that and in so far as third substances produce somewhat different effects, the rate of change being modified in the case of enzymes only by substances which act selectively, whilst in the case of acids the added substance appeared to exercise an influence which might be regarded as a concentration effect. It is now obvious, however, that a fallacy underlay our conclusion in so far as the action of acids is concerned and that a like fallacy more or less affects, if it do not invalidate, the conclusions of previous workers in similar fields. It will be clear that to determine the influence of any added substance, this should be made the only variable at first: in point of fact, a second variable—the amount of water present,—has also been introduced.