BY JAMES M. PETRIE. 867 



stituents, which also possess side-chains in the 1. 2. 4. positions 

 on the benzene ring, corresponding to the positions of the 

 hydroxy! groups of tlie active inositol esters: a few of these ma\^ 

 be mentioned, such as vanillin, eugenol, safrol, coniferyl alcohol, 

 protocatechuic and caffeic acids. 



In conclusion, the author desires to express his indebtedness 

 to Professor Sir Thomas Anderson 8tuart, in whose laboratory 

 this work has been done. 



►Summary. 



The endemic Australian plant, Hetprodendron oleccfoliuin Desf., 

 Family Sapindacea?, contains the methyl ester of Ifevo- rotatory 

 inositol. 



The amount isolated was equivalent to 0'65% of the dried (at 

 100X\) leaves. 



This substance is not optically isomeric with the pinite of 

 Maquenne, which is the methyl dextro-inositol, possessing a 

 different melting-point and optical rotation. 



It is apparently identical with Tanret's quebrachite, and has 

 been previously recorded from three plants only — Aspidosperma 

 quebracho (iVpocynacere), Ilfivpa brasiliensis (Euphoi-biacea?), and 

 GreviUea rohusta (Proteacene). 



The occurrence of this compound is, therefore, exceedingly rare, 

 and is in great contrast to the occurrence of inacfii^p inositol, 

 which exists as a plastic substance in most plants. 



HeterodendroH also contains a cyanogenetic glucoside. 



