150 TIlK CHEMISTRY OF DORYPHORA SASSAFRAS, 



respectively — bark 100 cc. , leaves 55 cc, fruit 20 cc. ; so that 

 the approximate amount of alkaloid in the leaves is 0-3%, and 

 in the fruit 0-1% (calculated on the dried material). 



Ultimate Analysis of the Alkaloid. — The following data 

 were obtained by analysis of the amorphous powder, and 

 must, therefore, be considered as provisional only. 

 Combustions. — 



01808 gm. gave C0-455gm. CO,, C =68 64 per cent. 



^0102gm. HjO,H= 627 

 01541 gm. gave/ 3904 gm. CO,, C = 6909 

 t 00886 gm. H^O, H= 639 



Nitrogen by Dumas' method. — 



0-219 gm. gave 82 cc. N gas at 23-rC. and 758 bar. N = 4-20%. 

 0193 gm. gave 7-2 cc. N gas at 21 ^T. and 766 bar. N=-4-27%. 



Nitrogen by Kjeldahl's method using zinc dust, salicylic acid, 

 potassium H sulphate, and sulphuric acid — 



0-407 gm. required 12-6cc. /tt acid. N = 4-33%. 



Results — • 



Ci3 is hydroxycodeine, mol. wt 315. 



Ci9 is tubocurarine, mol. wt 327. 



Cjo is papaverine and canadine . ... 339. 



Physiuloyical Action of the Alkciloid. — A definite weight of 

 the amorphous alkaloid was converted into sulphate, and dis- 

 solved in normal saline. This solution was injected into the 

 lymph sacs of frogs (Byla aurea and Limnodynastes), and 

 1 mg. doses proved fatal. In 1 to 5 mins. after injection, the 

 frogs became sluggish, their activity quickly decreased, so 

 that they were soon unable to turn over, when laid on their 

 backs. The voluntary muscles, first of the hind limbs, then 

 of the fore limbs, were relaxed, and the reflexes disappeared 

 entirely. In this general comatose condition, respiration 



