704 



SCIENTIFIC AND APPLIED PHARMACOGNOSY 



quinone, and forms crystals, which are very soluble in water, alcohol 

 and ammonia; partly soluble in ether; and insoluble in fixed and 

 volatile oils. Cochineal also contains 0.5 to 4.2 per cent of a wax, 

 coccerin; from 1.5 to 2 per cent of myristin; from 4 to 6 per cent of 

 a mixture of fats and fatty acids; and ash, from 0.5 to 6 per cent. 



FIG. 310. Microphotograph of larva in cochineal insect of commerce showing: 

 outspreading antennae (a) and feet (/); the characteristic beak or proboscis 

 (6); and wax-hairs on the body (h). 



The carmin of commerce is a mixture of principles and is extremely 

 subject to adulteration with inorganic salts. It should not yield 

 more than 12 per cent of ash. 



Commercial Grades. There is considerable variation in the 

 quality of the commercial article, depending upon the locality in 

 which the insects are cultivated, the crop of the season that is bar- 



