WIXTERGREEN. 33 1 



recorded analytical data well accord, while its boiling point is 

 stated to be at IGO'-"' C, and its vaponr density 4*92 (calculated for 

 Cio Hj g, 136 = 4-71). In Fehling's " Xeiies Handworterbuch 

 der Chemie," iii., p. 343, it is recorded, evidently as the result of a 

 more recent observation, that the vapour density of this body is 

 4-74 (in still closer agreement with the calcnlated number), also 

 that H CI is abundantly absorbed by it, forming a liquid of 

 a camphor-like odour which boils at 185^ C. 



It is certainly very interesting that a body possessing a pepper- 

 like odour, as described by Cahours, should be associated with so 

 fragrant a compound as methyl salicylate in the natural oil of 

 wintergreen, and the writers of the above-mentioned Paper, 

 availing themselves of an opportunity afforded them of obtaining 

 " a perfectly pure " oil of wintergreen direct from the distiller, 

 E. A. Wilson, of Black Eiver Falls, and having themselves 

 prepared a specimen of the oil from a choice quality of the winter- 

 green leaves, isolated the terpene therefrom, with a view of testing 

 the accuracy of previous statements respecting its physical and 

 chemical properties." Two hundred grams of pure oil of winter- 

 green were therefore mixed with 60 grams of caustic soda and 200 

 grams of water, and boiled for about five hours in a fiask provided 

 with a reflux condenser, when complete saponification of the ester 

 was effected. The liquid was then further diluted with water and 

 distilled until globules ceased to come over, and the first distillate 

 treated in a similar manner, in order that any terpene dissolved 

 by the water might be separated to the greatest possible extent. 

 A bright yellowish oil, lighter than water, was thus obtained, 

 which was dehydrated by means of potassium carbonate. The 

 total amount of this body from 200 grams of the original oil was 

 only 0*62 gram, or 0"31 per cent." (being almost precisely the same 

 as that found by Pettigrew*). " The liquid obtained by us, which 

 we must consider to be the terpene or gaultherilen of Cahours, 

 possesses a pungent, pleasantly aromatic odour, but also strongly 

 recalling that of black pepper. This odour is most apparent when 

 the liquid is diffused by rubbing it on the hand, or when mixed 

 with water, as in the original distillate. Its specific gravity, as 

 accurately as we can determine it with the small amount available, 

 is 0*940, and it does not appear to fulminate in contact with 



* Am. Joiirn. Pharm., 1884, p. 266. 



