GENTIANINE. 
For the discovery of this alkali we are indebted to MM. Henry and Ca- 
ventou.* Gentian root, according to the analysis of the above-named gentle- 
men, contains—l, a very fugacious, odorous principle , 2, a yellow, crystal- 
line, bitter principle (gentianine); 3, a matter identical with bird-lime; 4, 
a fixed oil; 5, a greenish substance ; 6, a free organic acid; 7, incrystalliz- 
able sugar; 8, gum; 9, a yellow colouring matter; 10, woody fibre.+ 
Preparation of Gentianine. Digest powdered gentian-root in cold ether, 
which, at the expiration of forty-eight hours, furnishes a greenish-yellow 
tincture ; this being filtered, poured into an open vessel, and exposed to heat, 
(if the liquor be sufficiently concentrated,) upon cooling, settles into a yellow 
crystalline mass, possessing a decided smell and taste of gentian. This mass 
is to be digested in alcohol, until it ceases to give a lemon colour; the wash- 
_ings are to be added together and exposed to a slight heat: the yellow crys- 
talline mass then re-appears, which, towards the end of the evaporation, be- 
comes solid, This mass is very bitter. If re-digested in more weak alcohol, 
the whole will be re-dissolved, except a certain portion of oily matter. 
This last spirituous solution, besides the bitter principle of the gentian, 
contains an acid substance, and its odorous matter also. 
* A singular circumstance attended the discovery of this substance, which deserves to 
be recorded. Both these gentlemen were employed at the same time in this pursuit, 
without being aware of the coincidence. Their results were so identical, that it almost 
appeared as if they had acted in concert ; they therefore agreed to publish their labours 
conjointly—“A remarkable fact,” says M. Magendie, “ first, because it proves how per- 
fect the means of analyzing vegetables have recently become: and secondly, because it 
shows the change which the progress of science has made in those who follow scientific 
pursuits. One hundred years ago, such a coincidence would have produced a violent 
quarrel, whilst now it only induces a feeling of joy in those who find their discoveries 
confirmed by others.” 
+ Schrader discovered a resinous and narcotic principle in it; M. Planche also as- 
serts that he found the latter. 
