310 Dr. Hancock on Quinine. 



which, after this long and tedious operation, leaves the quinine, 

 not much improved, I presume, in the essential properties of 

 the bark *. (See the Pharm. Univ. 1828, torn. ii. p. 374.) 



It is well known, on the other hand, that the simple infusion 

 of the bark, taken freely, will cure intermittent fevers, although 

 it is supposed to contain little or no quina or quinine, for with- 

 out the acid it is considered nearly insoluble in watery fluids. 

 This doubtless is the case ; for I find that the sulphate of 

 quinine is scarcely soluble in water alone, and, even in hot 

 water, it is very imperfectly so ; but on adding sulphuric acid, 

 it dissolves instantly, like ice thrown into hot water. In spi- 

 rituous menstrua, it is also very readily soluble. 



All the world, however, agrees, that quinine is an absolute 

 specific for intermittent fever : according to the old adage, 

 "Every body says so, and it must be true!" This I con* 

 sider a mere hue and cry, emanating from high authorities, 

 founded rather on the estimation in which the Peruvian bark 

 itself is justly held, than on patient investigation and a careful 

 comparison of results. The simple infusion of quassia likewise 

 cures intermittents, especially if taken warm. 



That those alkaloids, the quinine, cinchonine, &c. do contain, 

 in a certain degree, the febrifuge properties of the bark, I by 

 no means intend to dispute ; and therefore, in so far as this 

 fact is well established, let us freely offer our meed of praise to 

 those distinguished continental chemists for their valuable dis- 



* We know that alcohol is the most effective solvent for nearly all of 

 the active vegetable principles — or those capable of acting with energy on 

 the animal economy, — (gum, albumen, &c. pertaining exclusively to a 

 watery menstruum, are comparatively inert) — yet the active principles 

 are, in different degrees, soluble in water also ; — the substances acted on 

 must, therefore, after repeated coctions, washings, exsiccations, &c. retain 

 but very little of those constituents on which Iheir natural and clinical 

 powers depend — especially in a substance like the Cort. Cinchona;, con- 

 sisting of several distinct elements, all of which are more or less neces- 

 sary to its full and proper action, and which, it is quite evident, are thrown 

 away in the process for obtaining quinine. 



f It is not to the French chemists, however, but to Dr. Duncan, of 

 Edinburgh, I presume, that we owe the establishment of that peculiar 

 principle or agent which is considered the more active one, in the bark of 

 cinchona, a circumstance which seems now to be, in a great measure, 

 overlooked, and for the reason, I suppose, that the same learned physician 

 had not indulged in the affectation and quackery of applying every disco- 

 very or new principle, right or wrong, to some use as a medicinal agent ! 



