1879.] NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 13 



sufficient quantity for separation, and an ultimate organic analysis. 

 It gives out a fecal odor, and seems to be derived from fecal matter. 

 The analysis, the details of which are subjoined, shows that the 

 substance is a mixture of various salts and organic matter, the 

 latter constituting about one-half, and containing traces of urea, 

 together with uric, hippuric, and benzoic acids. We also obtained 

 from the material a small quantity of a substance having a sweet 

 taste, and which is probably glycocol(?) derived from the breaking 

 up of hippuric into benzoic acid, and this substance. 



Hyraceum is undoubtedly derived from the urine of some animal, 

 but the large amount of lime (6 per cent.) in proportion to the 

 other salts, and the character of the organic matter contained, in- 

 dicates that it also contains fecal matter. 



Analysis of Hyraceum. Water, by dessication, 7 per cent. 

 A microscopical examination revealed nothing of importance. 

 Woody fibres, particles of sand, and a general granular appear- 

 ance were found. 



Dried Material. 



Ash 34.15 



Organic substances soluble in water . . . 37.44 

 " " " alcohol, ether, 



and chloroform 14.54 



Woody fibre, and insoluble organic substances ; 

 residue 13.87 



100.00 

 Ash. 



Soluble in water 19.20 



Insoluble " 14.95 



Potassa 2.95 



Soda 8.95 



Lime 6.00 



Magnesia 2.10 



Iron 12 



Sand 2.00 



Sulphuric acid GO 



Carbonic " 3.64 



Phosphoric acid 97 



Chlorine 6.45 



Traces of nitric acid, and loss 37 



4.15 



