LOGANIACE@. 507 
s _ ofthe two portions of albumen constituting the bulk of the seed ; 
at one point a slight irregularity of the ridge marks the situation 
_ of the radicle, from this runs a faintly projecting line to the 
~ umbilicus, which is central and well marked, a hardly perceptible 
_ depression marks the opposite side of the seed. The integu- 
ments are yellowish grey and covered with fine silky hairs. 
‘The albumen horny but not quite so hard as that of Nux-vomica. 
) the embryo consists of a club-shaped radicle and two delicate 
heart-shaped cotyledons. 
+ Chemical composition.—We found the seeds as difficult to 
’ powder as those of Nux-vomica, and they had to be treated ina 
similar manner before they could be pulverised. The pow- 
dered seeds were boiled with strong alcohol acidulated with 
sulphuric acid, caustic potash in slight excess added, and then 
acetic acid to acid reaction. The solution was then evaporated 
ily principle when agitated with the acid extract. After . 
Separation of the benzolg the still acid solution was agitated 
with ether, which extracted resinous matter which became of a 
2p yellow colour on the addition of alkalies, The aqueots 
Solution was then rendered alkaline with carbonate of soda 
and agitated first with ether and subsequently with chloroform. 
- In both cases intensely bitter extracts were obtained, the 
ether extract exceeding that yielded by chloroform. These 
extracts were purified,* and afforded all the reactions for 
alkaloids, the special colour reactions in both instances indicat- 
ing the presence of brucia, and it is interesting to note that 
the larger amount was found in the ether extract. Portions of 
these extracts were injected into frogs, but beyond inducing 
muscular irritability no tetanizing effects were induced. Ace- 
tates of the alkaloids were. employed for the hypodermic 
injections. We failed in obtaining any reactions for the pre- 
Sence of strychnia in either of the extracts. We are not 
v prepared to state that other alkaloidal principles are 
ted that the ether extract when first dissolved in dilute sulphuric — 
of a yellow colour, but.changed to grass green on standing. 
* 
rm, 
i asdociate seiated with brucia im the seeds. We noted that on the e 
