Frankforter: the alkaloids of yeratrum. 1027 



The veratrine itself was obtained in two isomeric forms, one 

 soluble in water, and the other insoluble. Analysis gave num- 

 bers which correspond best for the formula 



52 H 86 N 2 15 . 



Mitchell 8 in an analysis of both Veratrum viride and Veratrum 

 album found that the amount of alkaloids and resin varied in 

 different lots of the root, due probably to different time of 

 gathering. His quantitative determination t>£ the alkaloids is 

 interesting as compared with similar determinations made by 

 Bullock 9 , Peugnet and Salzberger. 



Veratroidine is described as a white powder, uncrystallizable, 

 of a bitter taste, producing a tingling sensation, and occasion- 

 ing a violent irritation o£ the mucous membrane. It melts at 

 265° C. and forms salts with acids which are uncrystallizable. 

 Alkalies reprecipitate the free base as a semi-crystallizable 

 substance. The remarkable similarity of this base to cevadine 

 makes it appear necessary that the viride should be re-ex- 

 amined. 



Of equal interest is the quantitative determination of the 

 alkaloids by Mitchell 10 and Salzberger 11 in Veratrum album. 



Veratrum album, grains per lb. Mitchell. Salzberger. 

 Jervine, 



Alkaloids soluble in ether, 

 Resin, 

 Oily matter. 

 Protoveritridine, 

 Proto veratrine, 

 Rubijervine, Quantity undetermined. 



Pseudojervine, " " 



Schmidt and Koppen 12 obtained from the crude substance by 

 dissolving in alcohol and allowing to evaporate spontaneously, 

 well crystallized veratrine which corresponds well with the 



(8) Pharm. J. Trans. 11111. 5: 768, 785, 847 



(9) Am. Jour Pharm. 47:449. 



(10) Pharm. J. Trans. [III]. 5:768,785. 



(11) Inaug. 'Uis. Erlangen. 1890. 



(12) Ann. 185: 224. 



