161-3 
Saligenin, or Oxybenzyl Alcohol, C,H,O,, is obtained by acting upon an aque- 
ous solution of salicin at 80° (176.0° F.) with saliva or emulsion: 
Salicin, Water. Glucose. Saligenin. 
© tt.0; - H,O oe C,H,,O, av C,H,0, 
Saligenin results in small, brilliant rhombic plates, that melt at 82° (179.6° F,) 
and sublime above 100° (212° F.). It is soluble in alcohol and in hot water, 
Saliretin, C,,H,,O,, one of the oxybenzyl compounds, is formed by heating 
salicin with hydrochloric acid. It results as a yellowish amorphous powder. 
Helecin, C,,H,,O,—This glucoside may be obtained by oxidizing salicin or 
saligenin with dilute nitric acid. It results as crystals, having a slightly bitter taste. 
Salicylous Acid, or Sadcylaldehyde, C,H,O,, exists naturally in the leaves of 
the Meadow-sweet (Sfzrea Ulmaria). It can be obtained from salicin by distilla- 
tion with dilute sulphuric acid and potassium dichromate. It results as a fragrant, 
colorless, oily liquid, having an odor similar to that of almond oil, and a burning 
aromatic taste; it boils at 196° (384.8° F.); congeals at 20° (—4° F.) into a trans- 
lucent crystalline mass; has an acid reaction to litmus; and is soluble in water and. 
alcohol. : 
[Salicylic acid, C,H,O,, is a by-product of the above distillation, and only 
differs chemically from salicylous acid in having one atom more of oxygen in its 
composition.] (£¢ supra, Schorlemmer, Wittstein, Thomson.) 
Tannin, resin, gum, sugar, and other general plant constituents are also present. 
PHYSIOLOGICAL ACTION.—The symptoms caused in Dr. Duncan's experi- 
ments with the drug are concisely as follows :* Nervousness and irritability; giddi- 
ness; swelling of right parotid gland; painful flatulence; diarrhoea; pain in right 
hip; feeble pulse; sleeplessness; and alternate heat and coldness followed by 
morning perspiration. 
DESCRIPTION OF PLATE 161. 
. End ofa leafing branch. 
A twig in flower, Ithaca, N. Y., May roth, 1886. 
. Scale and stamen. 
. Stamen. 
. Double anther. 
(3-5 enlarged.) 
Vio te 
* Trans. Hom. Med. Socy., N. ¥., 1870, 328. 
