This paper, translated from Russian, concerns the mode of degradation of cellulose. Theoretical arguments are advanced suggesting that, to alter the nature of heterogeneous hydrolytic degradation of cellulose, it is necessary to influence the condition of its amorphous section and, consequently, the chance collapse of molecular chains. Experiments are then described bearing on the hydrolysis of cellulose. A method is developed of changing the molecular weight distribution in cellulose through preliminary modification of its thin molecular covering. (Abstractors Note: The translation is somewhat awkward and difficult to understand, and figures, for which captions are provided, are missing.)