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THE OCCURRENCE OF METHYL L^VO-INO.STTOL IN 

 AN AUSTRALIAN POISONOUS PLANT. 



Bv .Iamivs M. Pktkik, D.Sc, F.I.C, Linxkan Maclhay Fellow 

 OF THE Society in Biochemistky. 



(With two Text-figures.) 



(From the P/njsioloyicaf Lcihoralory of the University of Sydney.) 



Heterodendron olecefolmm Desf., (Family Sapindace?e) is a large 

 shrub growing on the plains of the Western and Northern In- 

 terior of New South Wales, and is also found in all the other 

 States of Australia. It has been described as a valuable forage- 

 plant in the stock country because of its drought resistant 

 character. 



Some time ago this plant was suspected to be the cause (jf 

 certain fatalities among cattle and horses, and a sample was 

 received by the writer U)v chemical in\ estigation. It was found, 

 when examined, to be a strongly cyanogenetic plant. 



The main object of the extensive investigation cariied out on 

 this plant was, therefore, the attempt to isolate the cyanogenetic 

 principle and to study its pro[)erties. During the course of the 

 work there was separated a reuiarkable and intei'esting comp(jund 

 of hcvo-inositol, and this })aper will be confined to an account of 

 the method by which it was obtained, and a general description 

 of its characteristic features. 



The material for the in\ estigation was c»^llected near Coonamble 

 by Stock Inspector E. W. Procter, and forwarded to the Uni- 

 versity through the kindness of the Chief Inspector of Stock, Mr. 

 S. T. D. Symons, M.R.C.V.S., to whom the author expresses his 

 indebtedness and thanks. 



