214 REPORT ON THE CHINCHONA SUCCIRUBRA. | 
resinous-looking body, having the usual bitter taste, also crystallizing —— 
not only as a sulphate, but as an oxalate of Quinine (the latter being 
the more critical test), but nevertheless presenting a characteristic im- 
plication with resinous or extractive matter, such as is usually met with 
in the very smallest quills or canutillos of South American bark, in 
analysing which it is frequently difficult to purify the Quinine from 
this adhesion. I obtained first from these leaves to the extent of 0:11 
of alkaloid,* of which part was soluble in ether, the remainder in spirits 
of wine, and afterwards 0°19 of precipitate still more combined with 
astringent matter. From these data, it seems to follow that the leaves 
will not supply a material for the extraction of Quinine, but that they 
will, nevertheless, be very useful when used fresh or in recently-pre- 
pared decoction or infusion for the cure of the fevers of the country. 
To this end the abundance of kinovic acid they contain, equal (weighed 
in the rough state) to 4:20 per cent., may also conduce. 
I have not much to remark as'to the No. 8 (bark renewed over 
spaces previously cut), as the quaniity sent was too small for much 
chemical examination, but I obtained abundantly by heat the crimson 
sublimate which marks the presence of alkaloids, and the promise from 
the external characteristics was good. The No. 4 bark (covered up with 
moss for some months) seems to me a successful experiment of Mr. 
M‘Ivor’s, especially since I notice very abundantly in this bark the 
crystals of kinovate of Quinine, which I have describedT as I found 
them in the * red bark " of South America, and now find again, quite 
as plentifully, in the older bark sent from India. I may add, generally 
speaking, the structure of the barks as shown by the microscope makes 
it evident that the plants had grown vigorously and under circumstances 
favourable to their full development. 
I reserve any opinion as to the best method of drying the bark, to 
which Mr. M‘Ivor alludes, till I have had the opportunity of examining — 
further specimens. 
The green leaves, dried in the shade, have since yielded me 0°20 of alkaloid, 
soluble in ether, and traces of Chinchonidine (forming a resinous hydriodate), and 
Chinchonine.—J. E. H. 
t ‘Illustrations of Nueva Quinologia, Mic. Obs., p. 7. 
SEM xd leui. Y gis à TRES ET. opts e È 
Ms ee a a S SE 
