584 SOLANACEZ. 
Chemical composition.—Herr Ahrens reports that he has 
separated two basic substances that are probably isomers of 
hyoscyamine (Annalen, ccli., 812.) The residue from the 
evaporation of an alcoholic extract of the roots was treated with 
acidulated water, the solution treated with potassium carbonate 
in excess and then shaken with ether and the ether evaporated, 
when a deliquescent alkaloidal substance was left, which when 
dried over sulphuric acid resembled a brittle resin. When neu- 
tralized with sulphuric acid it formed a sulphate crystallizing 
in white scales, a solution of which dropped into the eye dilated 
the pupil. Analysis of the gold salt gave results pointing to the 
formula C’7H*NO*,HCI, AuCl, or the same as that of hyoscy- 
amine, atropine and hyoscine. But although the gold salt had 
much of the external appearance of hyoscyamine gold salt, and 
a melting point only six or eight degrees lower, the properties 
of the other salts studied differed widely from the corresponding 
salts of hyoscyamine, and moreover the new substance was not 
converted into atropine by prolonged contact with alkaline 
liquor. Herr Ahrens is therefore convinced that the substance 
is a new isomer of the belladonna alkaloids and has named it 
“‘mandragorine.” The press residue left after the extraction 
with alcohol was then treated with acidulated water and the 
aqueous solution supersaturated with potassium carbonate was 
shaken with ether, which left on evaporation an oily base 
that did not crystallize over sulphuric acid. A solution of the 
sulphate of this substance, which could not be obtained crys- 
talline, when applied to the eye also dilated the pupil. The 
mercuric chloride, platinochloride and gold double salts were 
obtained crystalline; but the quantity available was too small 
to allow of the determination of its composition, although Herr 
Ahrens thinks it is probably another isomer of the belladonna 
alkaloid. (Pharm. Jour. June 8th, 1889.) 
DATURA STRAMON IUM, Linn 
Fig.—Eng. Bot., t. 935; Bentl. and Trim., t. 192. Thorn 
apple (Hng.), Pomme épineuse, Herbe aux sorciers (Fr.). 
Hab.—Temperate Himalaya, Afghanistan, Persia. 
