ASCLEPIADEZ. ABS 
_A solution of one-per cent. hydrochloric acid was employed 
to remove the oxalate of calcium; a microscopical examination — 
‘of the powdered leaves ‘showed a Sale sprinkling of the conglo- 
merate crystals or raphides so well known to exist in Rhubarb. 
The dilution of the-acid wenstruum rendered this process very 
tedious, so a stronger acid was used, _and the mare washed with 
it until ammonia produced no cloudiness. The collected 
liquors were allowed to deposit, the sediment was then collected 
_ on afilter, dried and weighed, then incinerated and weighed 
< again. The calcium carbonate was calculated into oxalate, and. 
_ the difference between this and the first weighing was reckoned 
_ 4s pararabin, No oxalic acid was foundina free state. The 
ash of Gymnema sylwestre is very high, a fact in accordance 
with the amount of lime salts it contains, . Gentle ignition of 
_ the air-dried leaves left as much as. 11-65 per cent, and about 
_ one-half of this was calcium carbonate. One hundred parts 
contained ; , ; 
ee nae 
15:41 soluble in water. 
78:71 soluble in acid. 
_ 5:88 sand and siliceous residue. _ 
5 The followiig is a tabulated analysis of the sun-dried and 
- powdered leaves ;-— 
Ether extract (chlorophy and rediinn) 551 
Alcoholie extract (gymnemic acid, ‘tartaric acid, 
glucose, nentral bitter attic resin, &c.) ......... 19°50: 
EAgaeons extract (gum 1°45 per cent., glucose, cashobes 
rate and extractive) .. 16:87. 
Alkaline extract, by difference (albuminons = 
coloring ma tters) 3°15 
{pee 2 eeaiats iil Sectende 
: Acid solution 
Ash (balance of) 
Cellulose 
