difference in speed of dissolution was observed between HNO3 and HCIO4, HCIO1 solutions are more stable upon heating and with respect to time. This is in accord with the findings of Dams and Hoste (1). Their work also suggests that, if tungstein is to be determined by homogeneous precipitation, HNO3 should be used in the initial decomposition. If the solution is to be treated with EDTA and base, any of the acids is acceptable.The meechanism of the reaction suggests possible utility not only in this application but also for insoluble or difficultly soluble titanates, vanadates, chromates, etc., which also form soluble peroxy acids (S). The method can be applied to barium titanate without modification and is far superior to the overnight digestion with HC1 followed by Na2COs fusion of the insoluble residue, which has been used by other workers (4, 5).