212 Dr. A. von Planta and Mr. W. Wallace on Apiine. 



whilst the disc was only 6 inches diameter. Results of calcula- 

 tions accordingly approximate as closely to those of experiment 

 as the circumstances warrant us to expect ; the rarefaction given 

 by theory being much greater than that found from experiment 

 with the above-named proportions of aperture and disc^ and with 

 the position of minimum density further from the centre. 

 London, Januai*v 23, 1851. 



XXIX. On Apiine. By Dr. Adolph v. Planta of Reichenau, 

 and William Wallace*. 



A PIINE was discovered by M. Henry Braconnot. He found 

 "^^ it while endeavouring to prepare for culinaiy purposes a 

 volatile oil^ or distilled water of parsley, as a substitute for the 

 fresh plant at times when the latter is tUfficidt to procure. 



He called it apiine, from the Latin word api or apium. He 

 gives its reactions and some of its characteristic properties, the 

 most of which correspond with those described in this paper ; 

 while others differ considerably, arising obviously from his not 

 having prepared the substance in a state of purity. 



M. Braconnot's experiments will be found described in detail 

 in the Annales de Chimie et de Physique, vol. ix. 3rd series, p. 250. 



The following experiments were undertaken with the view of 

 ascertaining more perfectly and more extensively its properties, 

 reactions and decompositions; and also, more particularly for 

 the purpose of establishing its composition and equivalent pro- 

 portion. Dming our investigations, our attention was also espe- 

 cially dii'ected to the best and quickest method for its prepamtion 

 in a state of purity f. ' 



I. Preparation. 



The leaves of the Apium j}etroselinum, or common parsley, 

 were extracted by boiling with water, and the solution strained 

 from the insoluble residue evaporated nearly to dryness in a water- 

 bath. The residue was washed with cold water as long as the 

 washings left any residue on evaporation. The washed floccu- 

 lent powder was then completely dried at a very moderate tem- 

 peratui-e. Forty pounds of parsley leaves yielded about four 

 ounces of this crude product. In this state it formed a rather 

 coarse powder of a deep green colour, containing about two- 

 thirds of its weight of apiine ; the other third consisting of in- 

 organic matter, chlorophyle, with the waxy matter which usually 



* Communicated by the Authors, having been read before the Philoso- 

 phical Societ}^ of Glasgow, December 18, 1850. 



t These expei-iments were conducted at the laboratory of Professor Will 

 in Giessen tlvuing the months of January, Febniarj^ and March 1850. G 



