APPENDIX. 139 
and no butyric acid could be detected. Hydrocyanic acid was 
found in the oil and in the seeds, being determined. as 0°03 per cent. 
in the former and ():62 per cent, in the latter. No amygdalin could 
be detected in the seeds, but hydrocyanic acid, benzaldehyde and 
grape sugar, possibly the decomposition products of it, were found. 
small quantity of cane-sugar was also separated in the crystallized, 
form (Pharm, Journ., May 30th, 1891). 
Saponin. 
The varying statements made by different authors in respect to 
saponin have induced Dr. Hesse to attempt to ascertain whether the 
substances described in recent years under that name are identical ; 
and, if so, by what empirical formula saponin would be best repre 
sented (Annalen, cclxi., 371), The first question he answers in th 
affirmative, having arrived at the conclusion that pure saponin from 
quillaia bark is identical with that obtained from various caryophyl-. 
laceous plants, and with senegin. As to the second, Dr. Hesse favours 
the formula C*?H*?O'", assuming the correctness of the formula 
attributed by Rochleder to sapogenol, the decomposition product,. 
together with three molecules of glucose, of saponin, and that the 
reaction goes on in the normal way, one oo of water being. 
taken up for each molecule of glucose split o he successive. 
decompositions effected by acids may then be Sueatea as follows :— 
aes +6 H°O=2 C“H??0? +6 C°H!20°, 
Sapogenol, 
2 weaae 5 Os O*H**O? +5-0°H"*0*, 
Sapogenin. 
2 ©37H°201F 45 H?0= CHO" Se C*°H?205, 
Saponetin 
2 Orn 4 H?0= 2 C?°H 207 +4 Bad Soe © hdl 
Saporetin. 
(Pharm, Journ., May 2nd, 1891.) 
R. Kobert considers that there are a series of saponins of the 
general formula C"H*"*O"°, several of which are known. Saponins 
of the same er and = sg same ee properties. appear to 
have different physiol ,and show great differences 
in their poidonous action, The sapotoxin of the Agrostemma Githargo 
{corn cockle), one of these substances, is absorbed both by 
