1820.] Physical Science during the Year 1819. 31 



treated with peroxide of copper, it yields only carbonic acid and 



water. 



Brucia dissolves veiy well in sulphuric acid, and is capable of 

 neutralizing it. The neutral sulphate of brucia crystallizes in 

 lono- slender needles, which, when examined with a glass, appear 

 to be four-sided prisms terminated by pyramids of uncertain 

 form. It is very soluble in water, and somewhat soluble in 

 alcohol. Its taste is very bitter. It is decomposed by the alka- 

 lies and alkaline earths ;' but no acid appears capable ofseparat- 

 ino- the brucia from the sulphuric. When an excess of acid is 

 ad'^ed to the solution of this salt, it crystallizes more readily, and 

 the crystals are larger. These crystals retain the excess of acid 

 after repeated solutions and crystallizations. The sulphate of 

 brucia is composed of 



Sulphuric acid 8-84 5-000 



Brucia 9M6 51-561 



100-00 



Muriate of Brucia crystalhzes in four-sided prisms terminated 

 by an inclined face. It is not altered by exposure to the air, 

 very soluble in water, and decomposed when exposed to a heat 

 sufficient to destroy the vegetable base. The constituents of 

 this salt are : 



Brucia 5-9533 



Muriatic acid 94-0467 



100-0000 



Phosphate of Brucia does not crystallize unless it contain an 

 excess of acid. In that case it forms pretty large rectangular 

 tables with bevelled edges. It is very soluble in water. When 

 exposed to the air, it effloresces somewhat. 



Nitrate of Brucia does not crystallize unless it contain an 

 excess of acid. It then forms very distinct acicular crystals 

 consisting of four-sided prisms, terminated by two-sided 

 summits. 



When brucia is treated with strong nitric acid, a red colour is 

 immediately produced, as happens when strychnia is exposed to 

 the action of the same reagent, but the shade of colour is quite 

 different. This change is no doubt owing to the same cause as 

 the alteration of strychnia by nitric acid. Pelletier and Caventou 

 are of opinion that the brucia is converted into anew substance, 

 still possessing alkaline qualities, but a good deal weaker than 

 before the action of the nitric acid. 



Acetate of Brucia is very soluble, and does not seem capable 

 of crystallizing ; but oxa/ate of brucia crystallizes in long needles, 

 especially if it contain an excess of acid. 



Brucia is vei-y soluble in alcohol, insoluble in sulphuric ether, 



