442 . LEGUMINOS 2. 
associated with the albumose ;: but until we know the chemical _ 
constitution of the proteid molecule we cannot assert that, this 
degree of heat does not so alter the construction as to prevent - 
the development of the toxic action. In this uncertain condi- 
tion the matter must at present rest. It may be considered | 
that the toxic action is not due to the proteid nor to a ferment. — 
attached to it, but to some chemical toxic body carried down ~ 
with the proteid in its preparation, - The effect of heat on the : 
toxic activity of abrus would seem at once to dispose of this 
view. Toxic bodies, such as ptomaines and leucomaines, 
_ formed from proteids, are not so sensitive to heat as the abrus 
poison ; and if the details of the preparation of abrus globulin 
and albumose be referred to it will be seen that the prolonged 
dialysis in running water and the long extraction of the 
albumose by alcohol. preclude the presence of any crystalline 
product.in the residue obtained. 
The concentrated aqueous infusion of abrus Se has a dark 
brown colour, and a somewhat acrid taste accompanied by faint 
sweetness. When it is mixed with an alkaline solution of tar~ 
- trate of copper,. red cuprous oxide is deposited after a short © 
time; hence we may infer that the root contains sugar. One 
- drop of hydrochloric or other mineral acid mixed with the 
infusion produces a very abundant flocculent precipitate, which 
is soluble in alcohol. If the infusion is mixed with a very little ~— 
acetic acid, an abundant precipitate is obtained, but is dis- 
‘solved by an excess. This behaviour’ is similar to that of gly- 
cyrrhizin. The leaves contain a sweet principle similar to that , 
- of liquorice. (Pharmacographia.) Warden and Waddell have 
. pointed out that the stems and roots of the Abrus plant possess 
toxic properties similar to the seeds. This fact is of impor- 
tance when itis remembered that the roots are referred to in 
the Pharniacopeia of India as a substitute for liquorice. 
Dr. Warden has succeeded in isolating an acid from the 
seeds, which he represents by the formula C2! H2+ N* 04, and 
has named abric acid. He also obtained a small quantity of 
i volatile oil, but: both these substances proved tobe - 
