BY J. H. MAIDEN. 403 



dark as, but resembling kino in appearance, soluble in water, 

 tough, difficult to powder [not correct as applied to these two 

 kinos, J. H. M.], it adheres to the teeth when chewed, is intensely 

 astringent to the mucous membrane, useful in diarrhoea, relaxed 

 throats, and given with success to check the purging of mercurial 

 pills." 



But the following statements pertaining to the percentage of 

 tannic acid, and the solubility, are somewhat misleading, since I 

 have shown the enormous variation in the properties of kinos 

 caused by age. 



11 Of 100 parts 90 are dissolved in cold water, the solution being 

 clear. 27 parts of isinglass precipitate all the astringent matter." 

 Squires' Companion to the B.P. 



Dr. Wiesner says of a sample : — " Easily soluble in water and 

 alcohol ; solution neutral, free from gum-resin. Broken masses of 

 a zircon-red, sometimes light brown, mixed with bits of dark." 



47. " Red Gum;" purchased in Sydney, 22nd November, 1888. 

 Of Victorian origin. 



In lumps up to the size of peas, though angular. Prevailing 

 colour purplish- brown. Is readily powdered between the fingers, 

 forming an ochrey-brown powder. The mass of kino has not the 

 brilliant appearance of the kinos of the ruby group, owing to this 

 friability. 



In cold water it dissolves fairly readily and almost entirely to a 

 reddish-brown liquid. 



Its composition (determined November, 1888) is : — 

 Catechin and tannic acid ... 84*3 



Ligneous matter, &c 3 



Moisture ... ... ... ... 15*2 



Ash ; ... -2 



100-00 

 Tannic acid determination (Lowenthal) 46*22 per cent. 

 No. 47. E. rostrata, var. " Creek Gum," Tarella, Wilcannia, 

 23rd August, 1887. Diam., 1-2 feet. Height, 30-40 feet. 



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