430 LATEX 



soluble in water, alcohol, and ether, but so far all attempts to purify it or isolate 

 it in crystalline form have failed ; it has been obtained as an amorphous mass 

 of intensely and persistently acrid taste. 



Many species of Euphorbia yields an acrid, milky juice analogous 

 in composition to the above (Hencke, 1886). 



Uses. Euphorbium possesses very acrid properties. It has been 

 employed as a drastic purgative, but is now chiefly used as a vesi- 

 cant in veterinary practice, and also for various technical purposes 

 such as an antifoul for coating ships' bottoms. 



