I. The Constitution of Naphthenic Acids. II. Heterocyclic Nitrogen and Sulfur Studies. III. The Structure of Pirylene

The preparation of 4-methyl-5-(hydroxymethyl)-thiazole by several different methods has been investigated. It may conveniently be obtained by a two-step synthesis starting from chloroacetone. The thiamin analog was prepared from 4-methyl-5 (hydroxymethyl)-thiazole and found to be completely devoid of vitamin activity when tested with Phycomyces Blakesleeanus and with rats. The effects of acetyl choline, histamine, atropine and adrenaline on the long muscles of the Sea Cucumber and on lobster intestine were investigated. Lobsters can be passively and actively sensitized to ovalbumen and upon anaphylaxis a substance is given off into their blood stream that causes guinea pig small intestine to contract. This substance could very well be histamine.