30 DR ANDERSON ON CODEINE, AND 
These results correspond exactly with the formula C,, H,, N,O,. The method 
of its formation, however, indicates unequivocally, that its rational formula must 
be C,, H,, NO, 2C, N, representing it as formed by two equivalents of cyanogen 
coupled with one of codeine, and belonging to the same class of compounds as 
cyaniline. It differs, however, from that substance, in containing two equi- 
valents of cyanogen; and owing to this circumstance, I was at first inclined 
to take a different view of its constitution, and to consider it as the hydro- 
cyanate of a cyanocodeine formed by substitution, and represented by the for- 
mula C,, H,, Cy NO, + H Cy, according to which its formation could obviously 
be equally well explained, and I considered the evolution of hydrocyanic acid, by 
treating it with acids, as favourable to this view. Attentive observation, however, 
convinced me, that though hydrocyanic acid always is produced by heating it 
with strong acids, it is never evolved immediately, as it necessarily must be, if it 
existed as such ; but that it only makes its appearance after the lapse of some 
time, and that only as the result of an advanced decomposition ; for long before it 
is observed, the addition of potash to the acid solution causes an abundant evolu- 
tion of ammonia. 
The ease with which dicyanocodeine is decomposed has prevented my ex- 
amining any of its compounds. I attempted to prepare a platinum salt by rapid 
solution in hydrochloric acid, and precipitation by bichloride of platinum ; but 
the instant the latter substance was added, evolution of hydrocyanic acid was 
observed, and the results obtained were, as might be expected, wholly incon- 
gruous and unsatisfactory. The decompositions of dicyanocodeine evidently 
afford several different substances; but I have not attempted to follow them out, 
as their investigation seemed to present some difficulties, among which, not the 
least was that of obtaining the base itself in sufficient quantity. 
VIII. Action of Alkalies on Codeine. 
Codeine, when treated at moderate temperatures with potash, yields more 
than one volatile base, according to the circumstances in which the experiment is 
made. I have found that similar results are obtained by the use of hydrate of 
potash, or of potash-lime, or soda-lime prepared in the usual way. The method 
employed in the experiment was to mix codeine with four or five times its 
weight of potash-lime or soda-lime, and introduce the mixture into a retort with 
a tubulated receiver, having a doubly-bent tube attached to its tubulature, the end 
of which passed into a small flask containing hydrochloric acid, in order to retain 
any of the very volatile base which might not be condensed in the receiver. The 
retort was introduced into an oil-bath, and kept at a uniform temperature of 
250° Fahr. As soon as this temperature is reached, a slight peculiar odour is ob- 
served, which soon becomes more powerful, and a small quantity of water, retain- 
