150 



flask coutaiuing the spores being agitated at frequent intervals during that 

 period. Tlie supernatant liquid was drawn off and filtered, and 50 cc. of 

 it transferred to a separatory funnel and subjected to tlie "shaking out" 

 process as outlined in Sturmer and Vanderkleed's "Course in Quantitative 

 Analysis: 01-64, 1898, under 'Process 1— General for Total Alkaloid.' " 

 The results obtained from this method by the reagents were quite similar, 

 although more marked, to those of the preceding ones. 



Reagent 1. A slight turbidity was obtained which, on standing for 

 some time, deposited a dark brownish substance on the bottom of the 

 glass. 



Reagent 2. A marked cloudiness was obtained which, on standing for 

 some time deposited a whitish crystalline precipitate on the bottom of 

 the glass. 



Reagent 3. No visible reaction or any deposit after standing. 



Reagent 4. No visible reaction, but on standing a slight deposit was 

 noticed on the glass. 



TESrS FOR ALKALOIDS IN COMMERCIAL EXTRACTS OF ERGOT 



AND CORN SMUT. 



The uniformity of the results obtained from the reagents employed, 

 the first two giving positive and the last two negative reactions in each 

 instance, led to an examination of the commercial extracts of both ergot 

 and corn smut. 



Ergot of rye test.— The commercial fluid extract of ergot was obtained 

 from a leading wholesale druggist in the city, whose supply was obtained 

 from the well-known firm of Park Davis & Co., of Detroit, Michigan. The 

 fluid extract was evaporated to dryness over a steam bath, the residue 

 treated with dilute sulphuric acid and filtered. Tests of the filtrate were 

 made, and the reactions obtained were as follows: 



Reagent 1. A yellowish brown, curdy-like precipitate was obtained. 



Reagent 2. A cloudy white precipitate was obtained which on stand- 

 ing changed to a purplish brown, curdy-like substance. 



Reagent 3. A reddish brown precipitate was obtained. 



Reagent 4. No visible reaction obtained. 



Corn smut ergot test.— The material used was obtained from the same 

 local druggist, who in turn received his supply from the well-known firm 

 of Merrill & Co., Cincinnati, Ohio. The fluid extract was treated in the 



