86 EEPORT— 1871. 



where X represents a base containing two atoms of hydrogen more than morphia 

 (i. e. = Oi7 H21 NO3), and Y a base containing one atom of oxygen less than X 

 ({. e. = Cj7 H.,1 NOo). Simultaneously with the production of these substances, 

 iodide of methyl, in quantity representing almost exactly Jg- of the carbon in the 

 codeia used, is evolyed. 



By allowing the action of 10 parts codeia, 30 of 55 per cent, hydi-iodic acid, and 

 3 of phosphorus, to take place at 100°, a compoimd is produced separable from the 

 viscid liquid resulting from the reaction by addition of water, washing, and drying 

 at 100^, and representing in constitution the formula 



4X + 6HI = 0,, H,, I, N, Oj„ 4HI. 



If, however, the reaction take place at a somewhat higher temperature, a similar 

 body containing two molecules of water less is formed, 



4X + 6HI - 2H, = C,3 n,, I, N, 0,„, 4HI ; 



whilst if the mixture be allowed to boil rapidly, so as to distil off most of the 

 excess of hydriodic acid employed, and ultimately raise the boiling-point to 130° 

 or upwards, the product contains four atoms of oxygen less tlian this last com- 

 pound, being 



4Y + GHI - 2H, = C,, H,, I, N, 0„ 4HI. 



Simultaneously with these bodies much phosphorous and phosphoric acids are 

 produced. 



On dissolving these substances in hot water and cooling, there are obtained 

 products apparentlj^ crystalline to the eye, but imder the microscope consisting of 

 coalesced globules only. In this way the following bodies have been obtained :— 



4X + 6111 - 2H, = Ce, H,,IN, 0,„, 4111 

 4X + 4III - 2H, = C,, H,„ N, 0,„, 4HI 

 4Y + 4II1 4- 2H, O = C,, H^, N, 0,„, 4111. 



The free bases of some of the foregoing hydi-iodates have also been obtained. 

 They oxidize very readily, forming orange-coloured substances that ultimately 

 become black. 



Finally, by the action of hydriodic acid on the three bodies of the formulas last 

 given, the elements of HI and also of H^ are taken up ; the following compounds 

 having been thus obtained, 



4X + 7III + 10H,O = C,JI,„l3N,0.,.„ 4HI 

 4Y + 7 [II + 8II:, O = C,, H, „3 1, N . 0::, 4HI 

 4Y + 5III 4- 2H: = Cs3 H,3 I N, 0,„ 4HI. 



The H^ O thus taken up remains firmly imited to the body of the molecule, 

 exposure to a temperature of 100° for days not driving off any water. 



In qualitative reactions, all these bodies are very similar : alkalies throw down 

 a white precipitate of variable composition in the case of those bases which contain 

 iodine united to the molecule of base. In aU cases this white precipitate rapidly 

 becomes yellow, orange, and linallj' brown, oxygen being absorbed. In water and 

 sodium carbonate these precipitates are but little soluble ; in ammonia, and espe- 

 cially caustic potash, readily soluble. 



Oxidizing agents (e. g. nitric acid) produce a bright yellow or orange-yellow 

 tint. 



In most of the above reactions, this set of compoimds differs much from those got 

 by the action of hydi'ochloric and hydrobromic acids ; the free bases of these latl:er 

 derivatives having a tendency to become green by oxidation in the air, and yielding 

 red or imrple colorations with oxidizing agents. 



The codeia used in the experiments above described formed part of a large 

 supply, exceeding twenty ounces, most liberally presented for the purpose by 

 Messrs. J. F. Macfarlane and Co., of Edinburgh. 



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