The passage discusses the discovery of two new nitrogen-containing extractives in lower vertebrates: homarine in lobster muscle and asterubin in starfish. It also highlights increased attention to bacteria, with reports on metabolism, soil microbiology, and fungal biochemistry. The authors express appreciation for the contributions of experts and the value of their summaries in annual publications. The review of Prof. Joel H. Hildebrand's book on the solubility of non-electrolytes is positive, despite the book's thermodynamic focus making it challenging for some readers. The book introduces the concept of 'regular solutions' and discusses Menko's work on liquid structure, forces between polar and non-polar molecules, Langmuir's theory of interfacial energies, and Butler's work on metallic solutions. The new edition is praised for its concise content. The review of Prof. L. Cuenot's book on the species problem is positive, noting its helpful account of the concept of species, specification, and isolation. The book covers genetic phenomena and meiosis but lacks discussions on gene-complex, polymorphism, and relative growth. Despite these shortcomings, it is described as stimulating and well-referenced.The passage discusses the discovery of two new nitrogen-containing extractives in lower vertebrates: homarine in lobster muscle and asterubin in starfish. It also highlights increased attention to bacteria, with reports on metabolism, soil microbiology, and fungal biochemistry. The authors express appreciation for the contributions of experts and the value of their summaries in annual publications. The review of Prof. Joel H. Hildebrand's book on the solubility of non-electrolytes is positive, despite the book's thermodynamic focus making it challenging for some readers. The book introduces the concept of 'regular solutions' and discusses Menko's work on liquid structure, forces between polar and non-polar molecules, Langmuir's theory of interfacial energies, and Butler's work on metallic solutions. The new edition is praised for its concise content. The review of Prof. L. Cuenot's book on the species problem is positive, noting its helpful account of the concept of species, specification, and isolation. The book covers genetic phenomena and meiosis but lacks discussions on gene-complex, polymorphism, and relative growth. Despite these shortcomings, it is described as stimulating and well-referenced.