iv PREFACE. 
group of plants leaves much to be desired, to be silent regarding 
an insight into the anatomical structure of their barks; with 
relation also to the most important question, the distribution of 
the alkaloids in these plants, we are imperfectly informed. 
The sudden flooding of the market with Cinchona cuprea, 
which does not belong to a Cinchona, and particularly, with regard 
to its tissue, is altogether distinct from the Cinchona barks in a 
more restricted sense, has brought to light that which for the 
entire world is a surprising fact, that quinine and the allied bases 
are not confined to the genus Cinchona. The new views which 
are forced upon us by this observation presents again very par- 
ticularly the question as to which plants inside the circle of the 
Cinchonez contain in general cinchona alkaloids. The answer to 
this in the meanwhile can be but a very incomplete one. 
There are thus connected with the Cinchona barks many points 
of interest, traditions which have become and remain dear to the 
pharmacist and the physician, as well as views into the future, 
which are likewise worthy of the consideration of a wider circle. 
It was my endeavor to render prominent these points of view by 
the light of the present, to arrange the not always refreshing 
material of past times, and to open the path to a better under- 
standing. The short distance which I have been able to traverse 
_ shows, indeed, some progress, and invites to further labor. 
The following lines, especially with consideration of a larger 
circle of readers, have been abstracted from my ‘“ Pharmakog- 
nosie,” although amplified in manifold directions. The importance 
of the subject appeared to me to justify such a treatment of it. 
I have hereby been assisted, in a manner most worthy of thanks, 
by my friends, Dr. J. E. de Vrij, C. S. L, of the Hague, and Dr. 
G. Kerner (Zimmer's Quinine Manufactory in Frankfurt). 
Tue AuTuor. 
Pharmaceutical Institute of the University of Strasburg. 
