Purrification of materials Reagents used are A.R., unless otherwise stated. Solvents are distilled in all-glass apparatus. Benzene. This reagent (Mallinckrodt, thiophen-free) is distilled from liquid paraffin (B.P., 50 ml./I.), and redistilled. Ethanol. 95% ethanol (unmatured spirits) is allowed to stand over m-phenylenediamine with occasional shaking for at least 1 week, then distilled twice. Ether. This is shaken with 0-8M-FeSO4 in 0-4N-H2SO4 (3 x 100 ml./l.), washed with water (2 x 50 ml./l.) and distilled. Ethylene dichloride (I.C.I., metal or stoneware containers, or Anachemia, Technical Grade). The solvent is poured through a column of silica gel (1 in. in diameter, 12 in. of length being used for each litre) at a rate of4-6 ml./min. and distilled within 24 hr. of use. Methanol. The solvent (Anachemia, acetone-free) is distilled from liquid paraffin (50 ml./l.). Celite 535 (Johns Manville and Co. Ltd.). This is heated at 4000 for 4 hr., stirred with an excess of conc. HCI (11N) and allowed to stand overnight. The solid is washed with water until the washings are free of C1 (AgNO3 test), Fel+ (SCNtest), and neutral. The material is then dried at 1100 for 48 hr., cooled in a vacuum desiccator and stored in containers with tightly fitting glass stoppers. Cleaning of glassware Glassware is rinsed after use with tap and distilled water. When visibly dirty it is allowed to stand in a chromic acidsulphuric acid mixture for 12-24 hr. It is then rinsed with water, soaked in ethanol to destroy traces of chromic acid, washed with a vigorous stream of water for 2-3 min. and finallv rinsed in distilled water. Preparation of reagents Concentrated carbonate solution, pH 10-5 (approx.), is prepared by diluting 130 ml. of 5N-NaOH to 1 1. with M-NaHCO3. Reagent for oestradiol-17fl. NaNO3 (10 mg.) and quinone (certified chemical, 20 mg.) in 1 1. of H2S04 (60%, v/v) are warmed (at approx. 500) until the solution turns light green and opalescent. Quinol (20 g. of B.D.H. Laboratory Reagent) is added, dissolved by further warming and shaking, and the solution (after cooling) is filtered through sintered glass (porosity no. 4, fine).