MORINGEZ. 399 
rous, and yellowish, and has the same properties in a less 
eree, 
Micrescopic structure-—The parenchyme cells of the bark 
distinct. 
Chemical composition.—The root distilled with water yields 
an essential oil which appears to have much pungency, but the 
odour is distinct from that of oil of mustard and garlic, and 
more offensive. The husked seeds yield, according to Cloéz, 
36:20 per cent. of oil. (Compt. Rend. LXL., p. 236.) 
_ Moringa bark contains a white crystalline principle answer- 
ing to the reactions of an alkaloid and occurring in the spirituous 
ract. 1t is scarcely soluble in water and ether, but readily 
uble in acidulated water, alcohol and chloroform. Sulphuric 
dissolves it with a red-brown colour, nitric acid with a 
llow colour. The bark also contains two resins, one soluble 
other insoluble in ammonia, an organic acid, a quantity of 
ucilage, and it left on incineration 8-2 per cent. of carbonated 
ash. An alcoholic extract of 30 grammes of bark was adminis- 
red to a small dog and produced no poisonous effects. The 
+ 
tions of neutral and basic plumbic acetate, and is not affected 
‘alcohol, ferric chloride, oxalate of ammonia or borax, The 
insoluble portion is seen under the microscope to be composed 
mucilage cells. No starch or tannin is present in the exuda- 
. When holding 11 per. cent. of water it has a specific : 
vity of 1-46 at 15° C. It absorbs 20 times its weight of : 
nitric acid (1-2), forming an orange jelly which when heated ae 
decomposed and produces oxalic acid, Ash 2°45 ee 
t. ee 
