quantity of tar was obtained which was added to the main portion. 



A solution of the poisonous tar in 95;^ alcohol did not reduce 

 Fehling solution and did not give a precipitate with lead ace- 

 tate except the separation of a small quantity of tar, which 

 was not a lead compound. The lead compound of the poison wsis 

 apparently soluble in 95^ alcohol as well as in ether, for it 

 would not precipitate in this medium, although it was found 

 in the original precipitate by lead acetate. The alcoholic 

 solution of the tar hecaDie turbid on diluting with water. 



In order to see if the poison is volatile with vapor of 

 acetic acid, since this acid is found in the plant and it is 

 thought by some that the poison is volatile, a portion of the 

 tar was distilled under diminished pressure with acetic acid. 

 It was soluble tn some extent in the acid. The temperature 

 did not go higher that 55°C. during the distillation. A tube 

 containing cotton wet with sweet oil was placed between the 

 receiver and the water suction so that the uncondensed vapors 

 would have to pass through the cotton. This cotton was rubbed 

 on the skin and was not poisonous. The yellow distillate 

 collected in the receiver was also tested and was not poisonous. 



HYDROLYSIS OF THE TAR. About 5gm. of the tar free from 

 gallic acid and sugar was dissolved in alcohol and dilute (Z/)) 

 sulphuric acid was added. Some of the tar separated out on 

 diluting the alcohol with tne acid. The mixture was heated 

 on a water-bath during work hours for four aays. A purple 



-45- 



