HISTORY. 39 
been observed by Savary in 1773; in 1784 he first prepared citric 
acid in a pure state, and in 1785 separated malic acid. Hydro- 
cyanic acid was likewise discovered by Scheele in the year 1783, 
although it was not allotted to this celebrated investigator to 
also prepare this substance from plants. 
Johann Bartholomzus Trommsdorff, who rendered such valu- 
able services to pharmacy (from 1790 to 1837), and in 1795 
established a Pharmaceutical School (Institute) at Erfurt, de- 
voted a portion of his varied labors to the chemical investigation 
of vegetable medicinal substances. Notwithstanding these ef- 
forts, in his ‘‘ Handbuch der pharmaceutischen Waarenkunde ” 
(Erfurt, 1799, pp. 624; third edition, 1822), no essential ad- 
vancement of pharmacognosy can be recognized. 
The greatest progress in this department was inaugurated in 
the year 1816 by the apothecary Sertiirner, through his dis- 
covery of the first alkaloid, morphine. Since this brilliant 
- discovery, chemical research of the nineteenth century continues 
to give expression to the most important facts; and, for the reason 
previously intimated (p. 1), it more rarely occurs at the present 
time that a plant is able to attain permanent and prominent 
importance among valued medicinal agents. As accessions of 
the last eight decades are to be mentioned: Carrageen, Cortex 
adstringens brasiliensis, Cort. Granati, Cort. Monesie, Flores 
Koso, Folia Coca, Galle chinenses, Guarand, Gutta Percha, 
Helminthochorton, Herba Lobelie, Herba Mutico, Kamala, 
Laminaria, Lupulin, Pengawar Djambi, Rad. Ratanhie, Rad. 
Scammonie, Secale cornutum, Semen Calabar, Sem. Colchici 
and Tuber Aconiti. The very unequal, and in part very 
questionable importance of these drugs is at once apparent. As 
examples of drugs which have appeared more recently, and 
have directly received the condemnation of science, may be men- 
tioned: Lignum Anacahuite (from Cordia Boissiert D. C., a 
Mexican shrub), Cortex Condurango, the leaves of Sarrazinia 
purpurea, of Peumus Boldo, of Eucalyptus globulus and of 
Grindelia robusta, furthermore Cortex Coto, Cortex Quebracho 
and Radix Gelsemii. On the contrary, as permanent and im- 
portant acquisitions since the year 1873, may be considered: 
