134 report — 1879. 



The following table shows the approximate quantities of the different 

 alkaloids contained in a kilogramme of each root examined : — 



Total . . . 4-20 .... 0-80 



The V. album roots were consequently about five times as rich in 

 total alkaloids as the V. viride roots. 



The following are the chief characteristics and properties of the new 

 alkaloids examined ; in many respects the statements of former observers 

 concerning the alkaloids of these two kinds of roots appear to be 

 erroneous, probably owing to the complete separation of jervine, &c, 

 from the other substances now shown to be also present never having 

 been previously effected. 



Jervine. — When crystallised, C 26 H 37 N0 3 , 2H 2 : if the crystals sepa- 

 rate from too hot or concentrated alcoholic liquors, somewhat less water 

 is frequently present ; readily becomes anhydrous at 100° ; melts at 237°- 

 239° (purest specimens— corrected) . Forms an almost insoluble sulphate, 

 and a very sparingly soluble hydrochloride and nitrate. The gold salt is 

 C 26 H 37 N0 3 , HC1, AuCl 3 , H 2 0, the water of crystallisation being lost 

 only slowly at 100°. With strong sulphuric acid dissolves to a yellow 

 fluid, quickly darkening to a greenish brown, which soon becomes a fine 

 green by absorption of a little water from the air if in an open dish ; if in 

 a test tube, becomes green by cautiously adding minute quantities of 

 water. Not sternutatory: not saponifiable. The formula assigned in 

 1837 by Will to jervine (isolated by Simon), C 60 H 45 N 2 5 (C=6, 0=8), 

 modified by Gernardt and his followers to C 30 H 46 N 2 3 , is considerably 

 incorrect, the error being apparently due to an imperfect nitrogen 

 determination (by volume), and to the presence of pseudojervine in the 

 substance examined. 



Pseudojervine. — Crystallises anhydrous, C 29 H 43 N0 7 . Externally 

 resembles jervine closely : melts at 299° (corrected) : forms a sulphate 

 crystallisable and soluble in water, especially when hot. Hydrochloride 

 very sparingly soluble in water even when hot, provided no free hydro- 

 chloric acid is present. Gives with sulphuric acid exactly the same 

 colour reaction as jervine. Not saponifiable : not sternutatory. 



Bubijervine. — Crystallises anhydrous, C 26 H 43 N0 2 : resembles jervine 

 in appearance, and melts at nearly the same temperature (236° purest 

 specimen — corrected). Sulphate and hydrochloride crystallisable and 

 readily soluble in water, especially if warm. With strong sulphuric acid 

 forms a yellow solution, becoming brownish yellow, brownish orange, 

 brownish blood-red, and ultimately brownish purple by absorption of 

 moisture : by cautious dilution with water the brownish blood-red fluid 

 becomes successively crimson, purple, dark lavender, dark violet, light 

 indigo. Not saponifiable ; not sternutatory. 



Veratralbine. — Amorphous, approximately C 2S) H 43 N0 5 . No crystal- 

 lisable salts obtained as yet. With sulphuric acid dissolves to a yellow 

 fluid, becoming brownish orange and brownish blood-red, with a strong 



