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XXIV. $ Note upon the Anatomy of the Roots of Ophrydeæ. By Jonn 
Linpiry, Ph.D. F.R.S. & L.S., Professor of Botany in University College. 
Read February 5th, 1839. 
IT is well known, that the substance imported from the Levant under the 
name of Salep, consists of the parboiled tubercles of certain Ophrydeous 
plants, probably belonging to the genus Orchis itself; but while writers are 
agreed as to the source of Salep, there is so much difference among them, as 
to the nature of the principle it contains, that it has appeared to me desirable 
to ascertain whether anatomical examination would not decide the question 
better than the ordinary methods of chemical investigation ; and the result 
has justified my expectation. : 
The following instances of difference in the statements of writers upon 
Salep will serve to show how far we yet are from understanding the nature 
of this very common substance. 
Berzelius says it contains very little gum and starch, but much vegetable 
mucus (Pflanzenschleim). Caventou describes it as containing a substance 
like Bassorine; that is, a gummy principle differing from gum in being inso- 
luble, only swelling up into a jelly, and from all varieties of starch by not 
forming a blue compound with iodine. 
On the other hand, Guillemin says it is composed “ presqu' entiérement de 
matiére féculante” (Dict. Class. xv. 70.), a statement which I quote merely to 
show the prevalent opinion of French writers on such subjects; an opinion 
which is by no means changed. Guibourt, who, in order to form a correct 
idea of Salep, examined Orchis roots before they were prepared, declares that 
they are composed “ d'une grande quantité d'amidon” in grains the size of 
wheat starch; and he adds, that this starch is entirely filled by a pulpy mat- 
ter, insoluble in cold water, but swelling and dividing very much in hot 
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