252 Experiments on (he Sanguinaria canadensis. 



to be a compound of the alkali and acid, in proportions dif- 

 ferent from those existing in the soluble compounds. 



The coloring matter in the root of the S. canadensis, is a 

 compound of the sanguinarina and an acid, or a salt; and it 

 is not known with certainty what acid exists in it, whether it 

 be a peculiar acid, or one which is already well known. Mr. 

 Augustus A. Hayes, an indefatigable and successful cultivator 

 of science, — who was formerly my pupil, and subsequently 

 assistant in my Lectures, and to whom I am indebted for much 

 assistance in the examination of this vegetable, — is favorably 

 situated for ascertaining the nature of the acid contained in 

 the blood-root, and is engaged in prosecuting the inquiry. It 

 is not improbable that the coloring matter of other vegetables 

 may be found to consist of a salifiable basis and an acid : but 

 I forbear to enter into the speculations which might arise from 

 the facts now presented to the Lyceum. I believe that it may 

 be considered established — 



1. That the S. canadensis contains a peculiar vegeto- 

 alkali, or salifiable basis. 



2. That this vegeto-alkali possesses the general properties 

 of similar bodies, but is distinguished from all others by form- 

 ing colored salts with acids : and, 



3. That the coloring matter of the blood-root is a vege- 

 table salt. 



An early opportunity will be embraced to present a more 

 particular account of the combinations of this substance. 



