SPERMATIN. 227 



it. The solution is precipitated by prussiate of potash; but not 

 by carbonate of ammonia nor corrosive sublimate. It is precipi- 

 tated also by infusion of nut-galls. 



Spermatin coagulated by alcohol is softened in a concentrated 

 solution of caustic potash, but not dissolved, unless the action be 

 assisted by heat. The solution is not precipitated by acetic acid. 

 But if we supersaturate the liquid with this acid, evaporate to 

 dryness, and wash out the acetate of potash with alcohol, the ani- 

 mal matter remains undissolved. Water only dissolves it par- 

 tially, and the solution is precipitated by corrosive sublimate and 

 infusion of nut-galls. 



The alcohol in which semen has been coagulated has an opal 

 tinge, and does not filter clear. When evaporated to dryness, it 

 leaves a residue which has the same properties as that left by 

 water in which the semen has coagulated. 



When the semen falls into water at the instant of its emission, 

 it coagulates pretty much as in alcohol, constituting a white fi- 

 brous mass, which, on the least touch, separates into threads, and 

 when taken out of the water, dissolves in acetic acid. The solu- 

 tion is copiously precipitated by prussiate of potash. If these fi- 

 laments are left in water, they gradually dissolve and disappear 

 except a few threads, which subside very slowly. When these 

 are separated by the filter and the watery solution evaporated, 

 it exhales for a long time the peculiar smell of semen, becomes 

 opal-coloured, and when evaporated to dryness, leaves a trans- 

 parent varnish, scarcely visible, at the bottom of the vessel. 

 Water softens this varnish, and dissolves a little of it, which gives 

 it a yellow colour. When we evaporate this solution and treat . 

 the residue with absolute alcohol, a portion is dissolved, which, 

 when freed from alcohol, has the form of a yellow extract, which 

 reddens litmus-paper. 



Cold water dissolves very little of the matter on which the al- 

 cohol does not act. But boiling water takes up more, and leaves 

 a yellowish-brown and very mucous matter. The aqueous solu- 

 tions, whether hot or cold, have the same properties. When 

 evaporated to dryness, they leave a yellowish transparent matter, 

 having the smell of toasted bread and a peculiar taste. Water 

 makes it white and mucous, and dissolves it rapidly. The solu- 

 tion is precipitated by acetate of lead, protochloride of tin, cor- 

 rosive sublimate, nitrate of silver, and infusion of nut-galls. 



