450 RECORD OF SCIENCE FOR 1887 AND 1888. 



(Ann. Chem.jCCXLVii, 1.) Some higher homologues of the same series, 

 synthetically prepared, are also described by Jaeckle. {Ibid., ccxlvi, 

 32.) 



A new base from fen. — Under the name theophylline, A. Kossel de- 

 scribes a new allialoid which occurs with cafleine, but in very small quan- 

 tities, in tea. Its formula, C7Hg]sr402, makes it isomeric with theobro- 

 mine and paraxanthine ; from which bases, however, it distinctly differs. 

 Unlike theobromine, it crystallizes with one molecule of water, and in 

 crystalline form it is unlike either of its isomers. It melts at 2G4°, 

 while paraxanthine melts at above 280^, and theobromine sublimes 

 without fusion at 290°. Its salts crystallize well. As it is convertible 

 into caffeine by methylizatiou, it is doubtless a dimethylxanthine, but 

 the position of its methyl groups is not yet determined. (Berichte, xxi, 

 2164.) 



Some homologues of cocaine. — Starting from cocaine as methyl-benzoyl- 

 ecgonine, F. G. Novy has prepared the corresponding ethyl, propyl, 

 and isobutyl compounds, of which the first had already been described 

 by Merck. In each case benzoyl-ecgoniue was heated in a sealed tube 

 with the proper alkyl iodide and the corresponding alcohol. The new 

 alkaloids and their salts crystallize easily, and all possess like cocaine 

 strong anesthetic i^roperties. (Am. Chem. Journ., x, 145.) 



Isatropyl cocaine. — This alkaloid, discovered by Liebermann, was ob- 

 tained as a bye-product in the extraction of cocaine from coca leaves. 

 It is amorphous, forms amorphous salts, and has the composition rep- 

 resented by the formula C]9H2:jISr04. Upon prolonged treatment with 

 hydrochloric acid i't is easily split up into methyl alcohol, ecgoniue, and 

 two isomeric isatropic acids, Cs^HgOj. In constitution it is probably a 

 cocaine, in which the benzoic radicle is replaced by one from isatropic 

 acid. Physiologically, the new alkaloid is highl3^ poisonous, differing 

 from cocaine and atropine, and acting mainly on the heart. (Berichte, 

 XXI, 2342.) 



The allaloids of areca nut. — From the areca or betel nut Jahns has 

 obtained two new alkaloids. The first, arecoline, CsHjsNOj, is a color- 

 less, oily liquid of strong alkaline reaction, which boils at about 220°. 

 Its salts are easily soluble, and mostly crystallizable. It appears to be 

 the physiologically active principle of the nut, and to be near pelletier- 

 ine in its properties. The second alkaloid, arecaiue, C7H,iN02.H20, 

 forms colorless, easily soluble crystals, whose solution reacts neutral. 

 It loses its water at 100°, melts at 213°, and chars upon stronger heat- 

 ing. Physiologically it is inactive. Probably it is related to betaine. 

 (Berichte, xxi, 3404.) 



Atropine and hyoseyamine. — Ladenburg, investigating the isomerism 

 of these two alkaloids, concludes that it is "physical" in character, 

 and that they are related to each other like tartaric and racemic acids, 

 atropine being the inactive compound optically. The actual transfor- 

 mation of one into the other is yet to be accomplished, the supposed 



