116 Scientific Intelligence. 
chloroform is decomposed in passing the red-hot portion of the tube 
_ which may be tested by dividing the tube with a file, ammonia beirg 
and the liberated chlorine or hydrochloric acid forms chlorid of silver, 
tried in one half and nitric acid int 
The delicacy of this process may be inferred from the following facts. 
In undoubted cases of death caused by chloroform, the precipitate ap- 
peared as soon as the boiling point was reached. Portions of the mus- 
cles of the leg of a child amputated while under the influence of chlo- 
roform, gave the precipitate, a few minutes longer being required for its 
appearance. ‘Two kittens were killed by the inhalation of less than one 
minim each, the presence of chloroform was detected on six successive _ 
days after death, no precautions having been taken to protect the bodies 
_ from the air. 
It has been ascertained that, at the required temperature,—that of 
boiling water or a little higher,—no chlorids present in the human res 
can affect the t G. C. 
19. On the bites of Cuminic acid in the animal system; by be 
Hormann, (Journ. der Pharm., April, 1850.)—Benzoic and cinnamic 
_acids having been tra nsformed into hippuric acid, in their passage 
through the ‘body, it seemed desirable to ascertain whether cuminic acid, 
a homologue of the benzoic, would undergo the same transformation. 
ener quantities were taken over night by several persons. 
urine on evaporation furnished nearly the whole of the cum minic . 
acid iaativied, without a trace of hippuric acid. A repetition of the 
* experiment gave the same result. 4 
Toluylic acid, another homologue, did not reappear in the urine. 
very — quantity of an unknown crystalline neutral substance was 
aine 
20. Action of Essential Oil of Bitter Almond on the Animal Sys- 
tem; by C. G. Mirscnerticn, (Buch. Report, iv; Chem. Gaz., Aug., 
1850. )—The observations of the author in the main agree with those 
of Wohler and Frerichs. The poisonous effects of the crude oil in 
small doses is due only to the prussic acid it contains. 
€ pure oil in small doses is oxydated and hippuric acid is found 
in the urine. In larger doses, one to two drachms, the aang” is in- 
complete and the unaltered oil is found in the urine. In such doses it 
is less poisonous than oil of mustard but more so than the vibe of juni- 
per, savine, cinnamon, turpentine, lemons, &c. Its effect on the intes- 
tinal canal is similar to that -% the above named oils. 
oduced there is a rapid destruction of — 
and of voluntary motion, while the acbolaneah respiration and pulsa- 
‘ac still continue. . C. 8. 
Il. Mrneratocy anp Grotocy. 
1. Report of Progress, o me Geological —- of Canada, b S 
E. Locan, Esq., Primintt a Geolo i ; “pens | 8vo. Toron d 
1850. «Dating the past sabe, Ze Logan has se occupied with ae 
tigations about Bay St. Paul and Murra ray River, on the north : 
of the St. Lawrence, near oe 704°W., and 1 the s 
side east and west of the Chaudié 
