1916.] The Bark of the Hymenodyctyon Excelsum. 163 



0-1063 gave 0-243 C0 2 and 043 H^O : C = 624, H = 4 5. 



C l0 H,O^ requires C = 62-5, H = 42 per cent. 



This substance was scopoletin, 4-hydroxy-5-methoxy cou- 

 marin (see Moore, Chem. Soc. Trans. 1911.99.1043). The cor- 

 rectness of this view was confirmed by the preparation of 

 the acetyl derivative which melted, as stated by Moore, at 177°. 



The ethereal solution from which the scopoletin had been 

 separated was found to contain a mixture of fatty acids which 

 have not so far been subjected to detailed examination. 



The sodium hydroxide solution (C), on acidification, yielded 

 a further quantity of scopoletin which had escaped extraction 



with sodium carbonate. 



In conclusion we may mention that Capt. AC. Ingram, 

 M.D., I.M.S., very kindly tried the effect of the extract of the 

 bark on two frogs (subcutaneous injection), but was unable to 

 detect any physiological action. 



