1836.] Analysis of Opium. 381 



The opium is first taken up by cold water, and then con- 

 centrated, chloride of calcium is added to the solution, in 

 the proportion of 2 ounces to the pound of opium. It is 

 then boiled and allowed to crystallize. When the whole 

 has become solid, the crj^stals are submitted to pressure. 

 The crystals contain Codeine and Morphine united to muri- 

 atic acid. 



The liquid portion which possesses a very black colour, 

 with the consistence of syrup, contains, Bimeconate of Zzwe, 

 pure Morphine, Narceine, Thehaine, Meconine, pure Narco- 

 tine. In order to separate these substances, the liquid is 

 brought to the consistence of molasses, and in order to free 

 it from an immense quantity of a peculiar black substance, 

 which is improperly termed fat, it is diluted with water 

 acidulated with muriatic acid. The addition of the acid 

 causes this matter to swim on the surface ; it is then 

 skimmed off; it contains much ulmine. Ammonia is next 

 poured into the purified liquid, by which means. Morphine 

 and Thebaine are precipitated. This deposit is dried, pul- 

 verized and treated with boiling ether. The Thebaine 

 though little soluble in this liquid, dissolves. The ethereal 

 solution is distilled when the Thebaine remains behind in 

 the form of small reddish crystals. These are purified by 

 dissolving them in alcohol, and by animal charcoal ; lastly, 

 in order to have it perfectly pure, it should be dissolved in 

 ether and evaporated spontaneously. 



The ammoniacal liquid is concentrated to the consistence 

 of liquid honey, and agitated strongly with ether. This 

 liquid dissolves the Meconine. By distilling the ether this 

 substance remains ; it is purified by solution in water and 

 charcoal, and when the aqueous solution is evaporated, 

 white crystals of long prismatic needles make their appear- 

 ance. 



When we wish to obtain the other substances, all these 

 processes are not necessary, it is sufficient after having 

 precipitated the infusion of opium by muriate of lime, to 

 concentrate the liquid and treat it directly with ether. By 

 this means, rather more meconine is obtained. When the 

 ether has ceased to act, the black liquid thus taken up is 

 decanted and exposed in a cool place where it assumes a 

 crystalline form ; it is then expressed and treated with 



