RANUNCULACE.. gi 
~ alkaloid dissolved easily and completely.in the ether. It was 
finally obtained in the form of a pale yellow resinous mass, 
yielding a white powder and dissolving completely in dilute 
acids. No attempt to crystallize it was successful, . 
The alkaloid dissolved by chloroform was purified by similar 
treatment with ether, which solvent removed a notable quantity 
of the first alkaloid. After purification by solution and treat- 
ment with animal charcoal, the second alkaloid was obtained 
in the form of a white or pale reddish powder. Fifteen kilos 
of the dry root yielded 170 grams. (1°13 per cent .) of alkaloid 
soluble in ether, and 120 grams. (0°8 per cent.) of alkaloid 
soluble in chloroform. 
Alkaloid soluble in eee this Fyooctsatas was antici- 
. pated, but it was found on examination to differ materially 
__ from that alkaloid, especially in being non-crystallizable. As 
it could not be identified with any known =, the name 
L of lycaconitine was proposed for it. 
Ultimate analysis showed the aiobable formula to be C2? 
 H*N°0°+2H?°0, the two molecules of water being given off 
_ ata temperature of 110° C., at which, however, the alkaloid 
itself undergoes change. The accuracy of the formula was 
confirmed by the examination of the salts as well as of the 
_ platinum and gold compounds. The latter, and, indeed, the 
double salts generally, are unstable, suffering partial decom- 
position when washed with water. 
None of the salts could be crystallized, but as they are e easily 
diffusible, they are probably crystallizable. 3 
Aten per cent. solution of lycaconitine in’ absolute alcohol 
-- is dextro-rotatory (a), —+31°5°. After “drying in vacuo, | 
 lycaconitine begins to melt at 1]1: 79, and is completely fused 
_ at 114°8° (corr.); the alkaloid undergoes, as previously — 
_ observed, partial decomposition. a 
i The reactions of lycaconitine show but little that is cha- : 
_ racteristic. With sulphuric acid it gives a reddish-l | 
solution ; 15 sulphoselenic acid is gg wate Tose or pale 
