Abstracts. 89 



3. The Alkaloids of Senecio latifolius, by Henry Edgar Watt. (Journ. 

 €hem. Soc. xev : Mar.. 1909.) 



[Various species of the genus Senecio (fani. Oompositce) have been proved to cause 

 in stock the disease hepatic cirrhosis. In Cape Colony, to S. BiirchelU is attributed 

 ^' Molteno disease " ; in Nova Scotia " Pictou disease," and in New Zealand " Winton 

 disease," have definitely been proved to be caused by iS. Jacobea, the " ragwort " or 

 ■" staggerwort " ; and even iu England, as its trivial name would seem to imply, the 

 plant has been suspected of causuig staggers in horses (see Gilruth, Vet. Reports, N.Z. 

 Dept. of Agric, 1902-6). Senecio latifolius, from Cape Colony, having fallen under 

 suspicion, it has been examined by Dr. Watt. This species occurs in New Zealand, and 

 the statement that it is poisonous adds another toxic plant to the flora. — B. C. A.] 



Two new alkaloids are described: Senecifoline, CigH270gN, Is dextro-rotatory 

 ([ajd + 28^^ 8'), darkens at 190^, melts at 194-5°, forms a nitrate, a hydrochloride, a 

 hydriodide, and an aurichloride ; does not contam methoxy or phenolic hydroxyl 

 groups ; is completely hydrolysed by alkali, with formation of senecifolic acid, 

 CioHi(jOg, probably a monocyclic dihydroxydicarboxylic acid, and a base senecifolinine, 

 ■which was only isolated as the hydrochloride CgHj i02N.HCl. 



Senecifolidijie. CigHsjOyN, is Isevo-rotatory ([a] a -13° 56'), darkens at 200°, 

 suelts at 212°. and forms a nitrate, a hydrochloride, and an aurichloride. 



B. C. A. 



John Mackay, Uovernment Printer, Wellington. — 1909. 



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