MENISPERMACEZ. 59 
not exhibit any fluorescence, and the colour was the same when 
viewed by either reflected or transmitted light; examined 
-spectroscopically there was marked absorption towards the 
violet end of the spectrum, with a slight absorption in tle 
yellow, but no bands. The addition of dilute acids to the 
alcoholic solution altered the colour to dirty yellow. . Some of 
the dry extract was treated with water, and gently heated, 
a dark resin-like mass was insoluble; the aqueous solution 
_ had an acid reaction, and a fragrant odour. A few drops of 
dilute H Cl. were now added and the clear yellow solution 
filtered from insoluble matter, and agitated for a very brief 
_ period with chloroform. The chloroform, of a yellow colour, 
. was separated ; ou evaporation the extract was not wholly 
soluble in dilute HCl. The filtered acid solution gave with 
q alkalies a pink colour, while brick-red flocks separated, not 
soluble in excess: the addition of dilute acids immediately 
destroyed the red colour. With potassio-merenric iodide, 
E- . phospho-molybdic acid, platinic and auric chlorides, and 
a picric acid, marked amorphous precipitates were yielded. 
. The aqueous acid solution which had been agitated with 
_ chloroform for a short period only, was now rendered alkaline 
_ with ammonia and again agitated with chloroform. The chlo- 
q roform was separated, and evaporated off at a gentle heat, the 
_ residue was dissolved in dilute H Cl., with alkalies white flocks 
? separated, .and the solution . further Bare, precipitates with all 
alkaloidal re-agents. 
These experiments would indicate that two principles were 
_ extracted, one possessing the properties of an acid, and pie: 
ing a red colour with alkalies; the other an alkaloid. 
_ The reddish alkaline solution left after agitation with chloros 
form-ether, was gently heated to expel ether, and-when cold 
Bi the solution was ie agitated with chloroform, which — 
Viskohion a green varnish-like non-crystalline residue 
ft. The chloroform solution examined spect 
idified with dilute H Cl., when the colour changed to dirty 
