1 4 i CHE NOT 01)1 A CE^. 



size with a triangular midi^ib, channelled on the upper surface, 

 and short, thick, spinous lobes which vary much in shape. 

 The plant has a gummy, rather disagreeable taste. The fruit 

 is occasionally found mixed with the drug in considerable quan- 

 tity. It is a woody nut, ^ of an inch long, formed by the 

 fusing together of the different parts of the perianth and ovary, 

 somewhat triangular in form ; at the base are spines formed by 

 the calycine segments; at the apex the perianth forms a number 

 of tooth-like processes which surround the top of the ovary. 

 The seed is ovoid, horny, and has a terebinthinate odour. 



Chemical composifhn,—T]ie chopped plant, air-dried, was 

 treated for several days with warm 80 per cent, spirit, the 

 resulting tincture distilled to remove alcohol, and the residue 

 finally deprived of the last traces of alcohol by spontaneous eva- 

 poration. The extract was then mixed with water acidulated 

 with sidphuric acid and agitated with petroleum ether. The 

 petroleum ether extract was greenish, soft, with a camphoraceoun 

 and peppermint odour and taste. Treated with warm proof 

 spirit a portion dissolved, forming a clear yellowish liquid while 

 warm, but from which rcsinoid matter separated on cooling- 

 The solution had a strongly acid reaction and gave a greenish 

 coloration with ferric chloride. After the addition of sulphuric 

 acid, it afforded a very marked precipitate with Mayer's and 

 other alkaloidal reagents. With alkalies the solution was colour- 

 ed of a bright yellow hue ; basic acetate of lead gave a bright 

 yellow precipitate, a similar precipitate, but smaller in amount, 

 being also afforded by lead acetate. The soft resinous residue 

 insoluble in proof spirit, after standing deposited a small amount 

 of bright yellow matter which was destitute of crystalline 

 structure on microscopic examination. In ammonia the residue 

 was insoluble. 



During agitation of the extract with petroleum ether a consi- 



separated ; this resin had a 



e in ether. 



dark, soft 



mass which could be kneaded by the fingers ; on drying at 

 lOO^C. a nearly black brittle mass was left, easily pulverised 



amount 



peppermint 

 jpeated wasl 



