STRYCHNINE SULPHATE 379 



Derivation. — Nux vomica seeds are powdered and 

 strychnine is extracted with water acidulated with hydro- 

 chloric acid. The solution is concentrated and strychnine 

 precipitated with lime. It is then redissolved in boiling 

 alcohol and the crystals are deposited upon concentration 

 of the solution. 



Properties, — Colorless, transparent, octohedral, or pris- 

 matic crystals, or a white, crystalline powder; odorless, and 

 having an intensely bitter taste, perceptible in even highly 

 dilute (1 in 700,000) solution. Permanent in the air. 

 Soluble in 6,700 parts of water, and in 110 parts of alcohol ; 

 in 2,500 parts of boiling water, and in 12 parts of boiling 

 alcohol ; also soluble in 7 parts of chloroform, but almost 

 insoluble in ether. Upon ignition, it is consumed, leaving 

 no residue. No coloration is produced with nitric or sul- 

 phuric acid, but a drop of the latter and a grain of potassium 

 bichromate, added to a crystal of strychnine upon a porce- 

 lain plate, yields a beautiful violet, changing into pUrplish- 

 red and cherry-red, and finally to orange or yellow. 



Dose, — Same as strychnine sulphate or nitrate (minimum 

 quantities), which are preferable on account of their greater 

 solubility. 



Strychnine Sulphas. Strychnine Sulphate. 



(C,,H,,N,0,), H,S O, + 5 H,0. 



(U. S. & B. P.) 



Derivation. — Made by the action of sulphuric acid on 

 strychnine. 



Properties, — Colorless, or white, prismatic crystals, odor- 

 less, and having an intensely bitter taste, perceptible in 

 highly dilute (1 in 700,000) solution. Efflorescent in dry air. 

 Soluble in 50 parts of water and in 109 parts of alcohol ; 2 

 parts of boiling water and in 8.5 parts of boiling alcohol. 

 Almost insoluble in ether. Upon ignition, it is consumed, 

 leaving no residue. On adding potassium or sodium hydrate 

 to an aqueous solution of the salt, a white precipitate is- 



