530 LIQUID PARTS OF ANIMALS. 



alkaline ley it is partially dissolved, and the solution is precipi- 

 tated by muriatic acid white. Sulphuric acid mixed with twice 

 its weight of water gives this substance a dark-red colour, but 

 does not dissolve it. From these characters Fromherz and Gru- 

 gert conclude that the insoluble portion of the caseous matter 

 from liquor amnii is albumen. 



Thus it appears that the constituents of the caseous matter are, 



Cholesterin. Carbonate of soda. 



Salivin. Phosphate of lime. 



Coagulated albumen. 



II. The liquor amnii of the cow was also examined by Vau- 

 quelin and Buniva. But there is reason, from the subsequent 

 experiments of Lassaigne, to conclude that these chemists con- 

 founded together in their experiments the liquor of the amnios 

 and of the allantois. We have, however, an examination of the 

 true liquor amnii of the cow by Lassaigne in 1821,* and by 

 Proutf ^ 1815. 



The liquor amnii examined by Dr Prout had been taken from 

 the uterus of a cow slaughtered in an early period of her gesta- 

 tion. It had a yellowish colour, with the appearance of very mi- 

 nute shining particles floating in it. Smell fragrant, something 

 like that of new milk or butter. Taste bland and sweetish like 

 fresh whey. Foamed a good deal when shaken. Did not af- 

 fect litmus or turmeric paper. Specific gravity 1O13. It con- 

 tained a very sensible quantity of the sugar of milk, which sepa- 

 rated in crystals from it when it had been concentrated by eva- 

 poration. It coagulated partially by heat ; some flakes fell, and 

 the liquid was left nearly transparent and colourless. Acetic 

 acid produced no coagulation, and prevented it from coagulating 

 by heat. Hence it contained albumen. Chloride of barium 

 produced a copious white precipitate. Dr Prout analyzed it 

 and obtained, 



Water, ...... .' 977-0 



Albumen, , j. &, &?* v 2-6 



Substances soluble in alcohol, li fciii 16-6 



Substances soluble in water, chiefly ^ 

 sulphate of soda ? and other salts, v 3*8 

 Also sugar of milk, J 



1000-0 



Ann. de Cbim. et de Phys. xvii. 300. f Annals of Philosophy, v. 416. 



