152 SOLANINE, 
Preparation of Solanine. To obtain this substance, digest the filtrated 
juice of these berries in ammonia; a greyish precipitate falls, which when 
washed on a filter, and digested in boiling alcohol, gives, by evaporation, 
the Solanine in a state of sufficient purity, if perfectly ripe berries have been 
acted upon ; but if green berries have been acted on, the Solanine is mixed 
with a certain portion of chlorophylle, or green colouring principle, which 
cannot be separated without considerable difficulty. 
Properties of Solanine. This substance, when perfectly pure, is in the form 
of an opaque, white or pearly powder. It is inodorous ; its taste is nauseous 
and slightly bitter; and its bitterness is promoted by solution in acids, es- 
pecially the acetic. Its salts are incrystallizable; the solutions by evapora- 
tion give gummy, transparent masses, which may be readily powdered. It 
unites with acids; even in the cold and perfectly neutral, solutions may be 
obtained, if care be used. Its alkaline properties are slightly manifested by 
its action on turmeric, and it restores the blue of turnsol paper, when red- 
dened by acids. It is saturated by a very small portion of acid. Itis insoluble 
in cold water, and hot water dissolves one-eight-thousandth part only. 
Action of Solanine on the Animal Economy. From experiments made with 
this alkali on animals, it appears that a few grains excite violent vomiting, 
followed by a disposition to sleep. Four grains were introduced into the 
stomach of a dog, which produced violent vomiting, followed by a sleep of 
several hours. Eight grains were insufficient to cause death in a young cat. 
After vomiting violently, the animal slept soundly for more than thirty-six 
hours. On man, a very small quantity of Solanine occasions great irritation 
in the throat, and excites a nauseous bitter flavour in the mouth; which is 
more intensé, if the substance be dissolvedin a small quantity of acetic acid. 
It appears to resemble opium in producing vomiting and sleep; but whilst 
its emetic properties are more apparent than in opium, its narcotic effects 
“are evidently much less so. The acetate of Solanine is the only salt which 
has been tried on man, nor has it been administered in cases of disease, but 
it might probably be used with advantage, where the nightshade or Dulca-. 
mera are indicated. 
