TRANSACTIONS OF SECTION B. 527 



Like Jauiet, we have failed to prepare crystalline salts or other derivatives of 

 ergotinine. 



Ergotinine apparently contains no phenolic hydroxyl and no methoxy-group. 

 It is probable that there is a methyl group attached to one of the nitrogen 

 atoms. In methyl iodide solution a gelatinous methiodide is formed ; and when 

 one molecular proportion of bromine is added in chloroform solution, the hydro- 

 bromide of monobromo-ergotinine separates out. 



From the ethereal mother liquors of crystalline ergotinine Jauret obtained 

 another non-crystalline alkaloid, which he termed amorphous ergotinine. A. 

 similar resinous substance of alkaloidal nature and great physiological activity 

 was de.scribed by Kobert as cornutine. 



We have now obtained the second alkaloid in a state of chemical purity. 

 Though itself amorphous, it forms a number of crystalline salts. The oxalate 

 crystallises from alcohol in minute plates, mostly arranged in rosettes ; the tartrate 

 forms prisms, the phosphate fine needles, frequently grouped in sphaerites. 



Unlike ergotinine, the second alkaloid readily dissolves in aqueous caustic 

 soda, and gives a benzoyl derivative by the Schotten-Baumann method. It 

 probably contains a phenolic hydroxyl group. 



The analytical data so far obtained point to a formula diflering but slightly 

 from that of ergotinine ; and as both alkaloids occur in the same plant it is 

 probable that they are closely related chemically (as are, for instance, quinine and 

 cinchonine). 



Both alkaloids give strongly fluorescent solutions, and both give with sulphuric 

 acid and ferric chloride the play of colours originally described by Keller as 

 characteristic of ergotinine. 



According to the physiological experiments of Mr. H. H. Dale, the amorphous 

 alkaloid produces in doses of a few milligrams all the typical effects of ergot 

 described by him in a recent paper.^ There seems little doubt that it is the most 

 important, if not the one essential, active principle ; whereas pure crvstalline 

 ergotinine is physiologically almost or quite inactive. 



8. The Hydrolysis of Sugars. By R. J, Caldwell, B.Sc, 

 See Reports, p. 267. 



TUESDA Y, A UG UST 7. 



Joint Discussion loith Section I {Physiology) on the Factors tvhich determine 



Minimal Diet Values. 



Tbe following Papers and Reports were read : — 



1. The Absorption of Ammonium Salt by Clay and other Soil 

 Constituents. By A. D. Hall and C. T. Gimingham. 



The continuous application of ammonium chloride and sulphate to certain of 

 the experimental plots of Rothamsted has resulted in the production of an acid 

 reaction in the soil. To ascertain the cause of this the action of ammonium salts 

 upon various soil constituents in a pure state has been reinvestigated. Dilute 

 solutions of the salts were shaken with the materials in question for twenty-four 

 hours, which time was found more than sufficient to complete the reaction. With 

 silica there is no action. With kaolin, pure clay, and peats of various origin the 

 reaction is always one of substitution, ammonium going out of solution and being 

 replaced by equivalent amounts of calcium and magnesium, &c. 



No measurable amount of absorption takes place, nor is there any development 

 of an acid reaction. Experiments with pure ground natrolite showed that the 



' Journal of Phynohgy, 1906, vol. xxxiv., p. 163. 



