222 ANNUAL OF SCIENTIFIC DISCOVERY. 



APOMORrniA. 



Dr. ]\I.itthiessen found that, by the action of hydrochloric acid 

 on morphia, a new base was produced, wiiieh, as to composition, 

 dilVered trom the former merely by the removal of one equivalent 

 of watt-r. But the physiolofifical action of the new base was ut- 

 terly (lilferent from that of the original one. While morphia is a 

 powerful narcotic, the use of which is apt to be followed by sub- 

 sequent depression, the new base was found to be free from nar- 

 cotic properties, but to be a powerful emetic, the action of which 

 was unattended by injurious after-eflects. It seems likely to be- 

 come a valuable remedial agent. — Druggists' Circular. 



EVOLUTION OF AMMONIA GAS FROM MUSHROOMS. 



M. El. Borscow says that, many years ago, the late Professor 

 Sachs observed that when a glass rod, moistened with dilute h}'- 

 drochloric acid (specific gravity 1.12), was brought near vigor- 

 ously and healthily growing mushrooms, there appears a white 

 vapor, evidently due to the formation of chloride of ammonium. 

 This fact has been confirmed by Dr. G. Lehmann, while the late 

 Alexander von Humboldt stated that mushrooms constantly give 

 off not only ammonia, but also hydrogen. The author of this 

 paper has thoroughly investigated this subject, taking due care 

 to eliminate all sources of error from his experiments by every 

 precaution modern science can suggest and successfully apply. 

 Several engravings would be absolutely necessary for the proper 

 understanding of these researches; but we briefly notice the 

 following results: (1) difierent kinds and species of mush- 

 rooms give off, while growing vigorously, weighable quantities 

 of ammonia; (2) this evolution of ammonia is not confuied to 

 full-grown mushrooms only, but belongs to young individuals, 

 and even to some varieties of mushroom spawn ; (3) this evolu- 

 tion of ammonia is a proper*function of the living organism of 

 these eryptogamic vegetables, and is ver}' little, if at all, influ- 

 enced by exterior causes; (4) there is no direct relation between 

 the quantity of ammonia and that of carbonic acid given off 

 during a given period of time. The quantity of ammonia given 

 oft" during a certain length of time bears no direct relation to the 

 weight of the substance from which it is given oft*. — Druggists' 

 Circular. 



INCLOSED CRYSTALS IN DIAMONDS. 



Sorby argues that the supi)osed cavities in diamonds, described 

 by Brewster, are in reality inclosed ciysttils, and the conclusion 

 arrived at from the consideration of the whole structun^ of the 

 diamond is not opposed to its having been formed at a high tem- 

 perature. 



The crystals inclose^ ju djamonds are frequently seen to be 



] 



