PREFACE. 



The ceaseless flow of new facts into every branch of science is well 

 illustrated in the particular section of organic chemistry embraced 

 under the heading Alkaloids, Bitter Principles and (rlucosides. The 

 streamlet that started at the commencement of this century, when 

 Derosne and Serti'irner made the discovery of Morphine, has swollen with 

 ever-increasing rapidity, until at the present time the Hood of matter 

 accumulated almost defies management. 



It becomes every day more desirable that something be done towards 

 classifying the substances so constantly being augmented in number, and 

 that the details bearing upon them, now more or less scattered throughout 

 chemical literature, should be tabulated in a convenient form — one that 

 will permit not only that a i/iven attribute of any substance shall be readily 

 found, but also will indicate wherein such substance differs from, or resembles, 

 another of its class. 



The present work, which treats of nearly GOU of these bodies, has been 

 prepared with the hope that it may contribute to the attainment of the 

 above objects, and be found of service to those who have occasion to deal 

 with these compounds or study them — particularly the analyst, professor, 

 research chemist, student, and manufacturer. 



No efforts have been spared to render as full as possible the information 

 supplied (particularly as regards tests and chemical reactions) ; wherever 

 practicable, it has been drawn from the original sources, and embodies the 

 results of the latest researches. 



Easy access to any fact contained in the book has been aimed at, 

 and it is earnestly requested that the reader will peruse the intro- 

 ductory and explanatory part, that he may the better acquire this 

 facility. 



London, Uctobei; 18'J3. 



