23 
NOTES ON THE CHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF 
CERTAIN ROSACEZ. 
P. Q. KEEGAN, LL.D. 
Patterdale, Ulieswater. 
THE following notes summarise the results of a series of chemical 
analyses effected on various parts and organs of several of the 
common species of the extensive and interesting order Rosacea. 
A strict quantitative analysis was not attempted, the main object of 
the investigation being to trace a connection between the vivid and 
powerful pigments exhibited by the floral organs, leaves, etc., and the 
products of metabolism such as can be referred to the benzene or 
n som 
more or less conjectural; but all the while the link of analogy 
between these and other unquestionable cases is so close and clear 
that tolerable certainty is fairly warranted. Some of the results have 
been already published by eminent chemists; others are, so far as 
I am aware, here signalised for the first time. All the plants analysed 
were obtained within the boundaries of the Lake District—a region 
not unprovided in most parts with climatic and other agencies suited 
to develop to the full the wealth of colouration, which is the eminent 
characteristic of the Rosacea. 
Hawthorn (Crategus oxyacantha). The flowers of the aa 
white variety contain a yellow colouring matter, rutin, CywH;,O,,, but 
no tannin could be detected ; their odoriferous principle is nitrogenous, 
of the rose, etc.; the flowers distilled with aqueous potash yield 
trimethylamine (CH,),N, a body with a fish-like odour. The buds 
; 
yielded an iron- greening tannin, which precipitates gelatine, but not 
tartar-emetic ; it yields a phlobaphene with acids, and boiled with 
principle, crateegin, and also amygdalin, which is the glucoside of the 
oil of bitter almonds 
Mountain Ash (Sorbus aucuparia). The composition of the 
flowers of this tree is very similar to those of the hawthorn, but in 
addition they contain amygdalin, and hence, on soaking and distilling 
Jan, 1895. 
