IRIS 115 



to an orange-brown; calcium oxalate in long solitary prisms with 

 pyramidal ends, as in quillaja, and varying from 0.100 to 0.350 mm. 

 in length; parenchyma cells containing small amylo-dextrin grains, 

 colored reddish with iodin and occasionally with typical starch grains 

 giving a blue reaction with iodin. Trachea with spiral or reticulate 

 thickenings. 



Constituents. About 25 per cent of acrid resins and a small quan- 

 tity of volatile oil. An alkaloid has also been reported to occur in 

 Iris. The so-called " irisin " or " iridin " is a mixture of the resins 

 and the powdered drug. 



Adulterants. The drug on the market varies considerably owing 

 to some extent to the lack of uniformity in its collection. The con- 



FIG. 46. Specimens of "orris root" of commerce consisting of the dichotomous 

 rhizomes of Iris florentina. 



stituents are apparently very labile, the resins becoming changed to 

 insoluble and inert substances. 



Literature. Bastin, Amer. Jour. Pharm., 1895, p. 78. 



Iris Florentina. IRIDIS RHIZOMA, FLORENTINE ORRIS, OR 

 ORRIS ROOT. The prepared rhizome of Iris florentina and other 

 species of Iris (Fam. Iridacese), cultivated in Italy. The rhizomes 

 are gathered in the fall, freed from the roots and outer cortical layer 

 and slowly dried. The fragrant odor is developed during the drying 

 process. There are two principal varieties, Florentine and Verona, 

 the former is more fragrant, lighter in color and is preferred. 



Description. In irregularly cylindrical, somewhat flattened, 

 more or less branched pieces (Fig. 46), from 5 to 10 cm. in length and 



