The nature and composition of the mucilage of the seed of white mustard (Brassica alba)

IN comparison with the immense bibliographies of starch and cellulose for example, the literature of the gums and mucilages is scanty. This, doubtless, is due in part to the great commercial importance of the former, but a contri- butory cause may be sought in the practical difficulties involved in dealing with the latter. The gums Und mucilages are complex colloids which are not infrequently found to be mixtures of almost equally complex substances of closely similar physical and chemical properties. Separation of the constituents is consequently difficult, nor, when a separation has been achieved, is the characterisation of the components an easy matter. Nevertheless, increased knowledge of the chemical nature of such substances should be of interest to the plant biochemist and physiologist alike, and it is conceivable that the industrialist may also benefit ultimately as a result of such studies.