56-2 
supposed malarial types, where it was often substituted for cinchona, The berries _ 
were used as an antiscorbutic. 
PART USED AND PREPARATION.—The fresh bark is chopped and pounded 
to a pulp and weighed. Then two parts by weight of alcohol are taken, the pulp 
thoroughly mixed with one-sixth part of it, and the rest of the alcohol added. 
After stirring the whole well, it is poured into a well-stoppered bottle and allowed 
to stand eight days in a dark, cool place. | 
The tincture, separated from the above mass by filtration, has a reddish-. _ 
brown color by transmitted light, a bitter taste, and an acid reaction. : 
CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS.—So far as I am able to ascertain, no analysis 
of the bark of this species has been made to determine its specific principles; a 
glance, however, at the chemistry of the European species may be of benefit, 
Sorbus (Pirus) acuparia. 
Amygdalin, C,,H,,NO,,—This glucoside occurs in the bark, buds, flowers 
and kernels of many rosaceous plants; it separates as pearly scales, which crys- 7 
tallize from water as transparent prisms, having the formula C,,H,,NO,,(H,0),. | 
Amygdalin loses its water of crystallization at 120° (248° F.), liquefies at 200° 
(392° F.), and caramelizes and decomposes at higher temperatures; it is soluble 
in water and alcohol, but not in ether, Under the action of dilute acids it splits 
up as follows: | 
- Benzaldehyde 
Amygdalin, Water, capa ht Ang or Oil of Glucose, 
— Bitter Almonds, 
C,,H,,NO,, + (H,O), ces CNH 32 C,H,O + (CHO) 
Sorbin, C,H,,O,, is the glucose found in the berries; it forms in large, sweet 
crystals, which melt at 110° (230° F.). 
Sorbic and Parasorbic Acid, C,H,O,, two isomeric acids of the acrylic group, 
are also found in the berries of this species. 
Citric Acid, C,H,O,.—This widely-distributed body occurs, together with malic 
acid, in the fruits of both species. Citric acid crystallizes in rectorhombic, glassy | 
forms, readily soluble in water, alcohol and ether, and having a pure and pleasant — 
acid taste. These crystals become white when exposed to the air, lose two mole- 
cules of water at 100° (212° F.), fuse at 150° (302° F.), and decompose with a 
specific empyreumatic odor at higher temperatures, a 
Malic Acid, C,H,O,—This acid is found in the berries as they begin to co Baie ; 
It is obtained from its aqueous solution in small, colorless, deliquescent prisms, 
having a strong but pleasant acid taste. 7 
PHYSIOLOGICAL ACTION.—The tincture produced, in Dr. Gatchell and 
others under his observation,* a set of symptoms showing an irritation of the 
* Am. Hom. Obs., 1878, p. 520. 
