1817.] Scientific Intelligence. 485 
VIII. Remarkable Tree. 
It has generally been observed that when a tree is deprived of its 
bark it loses the power of vegetating. Ihave had an opportunity, 
however, of witnessing two exceptions to this rule. The first in a 
tree growing a little on the south side of the Meadows at Edinburgh, 
to the east of the house in which Principal Robertson, the historian, 
died. The trunk of this tree was deprived of its bark for several 
feet from the ground upwards, and fs vegetated at least for three 
years, apparently as well as ever, I do not know whether it still 
exists, for it is five years since I saw it. I forget what species of 
tree it was, but rather think it was an elm. ‘The other example is 
rather more striking. It exists at present in St. James’s Park. At 
that end of the road leading across the Regent’s Bridge which ter- 
minates at the Birdcage Walk there is a large elm-tree nearly in 
the middle of the road. The trunk of it is entirely spripped of its 
bark for at least six feet all around at the lowest part. Last summer 
it was covered with leaves; but at present only two or three 
branches on the west side of the tree are in leaf. All the rest of 
the tree seems dead. ‘These branches, however, may be seen at 
present covered with leaves. Probably this is the last season that 
the tree will put forth leaves. 
IX. Morphium, 
This is the name given by M. Serturner to a substance which, 
according to him, constitutes the characteristic constituent of 
opium. From the properties whicli he has given, it seems entitled 
to be considered as a new species of combustible alkali. It has many 
points in common with ammonia; but differs from that alkali in 
being a solid body instead of a gas. It seems to stand in the same 
relation to ammonia that iodine does to chlorine. 
M. Sertiirner obtained it in the following manner :—Into an in- 
fusion of opium made with water acidulated with acetic acid, pour 
an excess of ammonia. Morphium immediately precipitates in 
abundance. It is somewhat coloured by extractive matter; but M. 
Sertiirner says, that if it be agitated with a little alcohol the colour- 
ing matter dissolves, and the morphium is left in a state of consi- 
derable purity. 
It is colourless. It dissolves only sparingly in boiling water ; but 
it is very soluble in aicohol and ether. The solution has a very bitter 
taste. The morphium may be obtained from it in crystals; the 
shape of which is a sharp four-sided pyramid, whose base is either 
a square or a rectangle. Sometimes these pyramids are applied 
base to base, constituting an octahedron. The solution of morphium 
gives a brown colour to turmeric paper, and restores the blue colour 
to litmus paper reddened by vinegar. 
It combines readily with the different acids, and forms a new 
kind of salts, which deserve particular attention. 
Subcarbonate of morphium is formed when morphium is placed 
