Micro-chemical reaction.—Blue with iodine solution.
FIG. 5.
General chemical characteristic.—Pure cellulose basis with slight admixture of colouring matters, &c.
| Church. | Müller. | |
|---|---|---|
| Cellulose | 91·15 | 91·35 |
| Fat | 0·51 | 0·40 |
| Aqueous extract (containing nitrogeneous substances) | 0·67 | 0·50 |
| Water | 7·56 | 7·00 |
| Ash | 0·11 | 0·12 |
| Cuticular substance (by difference) | .. | 0·63 |
E. Schunck in his investigation of cotton bleaching (Chem. News, 17, p. 11) finds that in boiling with sodium carbonate solution the fibre loses 5 per cent. in weight. Some portion of the dissolved substances is precipitated on acidifying and is found to contain a wax, brown resinous and colouring matters, and pectic acid. {48}
Forms in which employed.—Fibrous refuse from the decortication of the seeds; spinning waste, threads, rags, new and old.
Class B.
FLAX.
