YUCCA AXGUSTIFOLIA. 261 



amjl alcohol; readily soluble in ether; not appreciably soluble in chloroform, benzole, 

 and carbon di-sulphide. It was dissolved by sulphuric acid to a colorless solution, 

 which, on warming, turned to a yellow color, and gradually darkened to a dull brown 

 color, fading to a pale yellow. 



An attempt was made to separate the white needle-shaped crystals mentioned 

 above. The ethereal residue was agitated with acetic ether. The liquid was filtered 

 from the insoluble matter and evaporated. Traces of a resinous substance were sepa- 

 rated. The insoluble matter was treated with boiling ether, filtered hot, and the fil- 

 trate concentrated. On cooling, the white needle-shaped crystals reappeared. They 

 were insoluble in water and in acetic ether. 



A separate portion of the ethereal extract was evaporated, and treated with warm 

 distilled water. The aqueous extract was made up to a definite volume, and a known 

 quantity evai)orated, dried, and weighed. The amount of total solids was almost in- 

 appreciable by weight. The aqueous extract was not colored by iron salts, and it did 

 not form a precipitate with alum and gelatine solution, lead acetate, potassio-mercuric 

 iodide, nor gold chloride solutions ; showing absence of tannin, gallic acid, and alka- 

 loids. The ethereal extract was directly tested for these compounds, and with nega- 

 tive results. A portion of the aqueous extract was evaporated to dryness, and treated 

 with potassa solution, and the residue dissolved Avith no coloration. Another por- 

 tion of the aqueous exti-act was agitated with acetic-ether, and the liquids were sepa- 

 rated ; on evaporating the acetic ether solution, traces of a residue were obtained 

 which sulphuric acid acted upon. A resinous substance separated from the gi-een- 

 ish-colorcd acid liquid, the former was partially disintegrated by cold water. 



The specific gravity of the resin was 1.091. 



Extract (2), the Wood of the Hoot. 



The residual powder from the petroleum spirit extraction was macerated in 

 stronger ether. The ethereal extract was of a reddish-yellow coloi-; slightly acid in 

 reaction. It was slowly evaporated at the ordinary temperature, and as the liquid con- 

 centrated, white needle-shaped crystals appeared, and presented the same physical 

 structure as the crystals found in the ether extract (1). 



The ethereal residue was identified as a resin. It was a transparent, ruby-colored 

 8ul)stance, and acid in reaction. It was heated to 50° C, at that temperature its color 

 deepened, and at 70'^ C. it melted. The specific gravity of the resin was l.OUl. A 

 definite volume of the el/ier extract was evaporated, dried, and weighed to determine 

 the amount of total solids. 



