SACCHARINE MATTER OF INDIAN CORN. j^j 



This solution mixed with water underwent no change, re- No resin. 

 maining perfectly clear; which is a proof, that the alcohol 

 had dissolved no resin, and that the saccharine matter only 

 was in the solution. 



After having separated the alcohol in the common way? Not ciysalliza- 

 the substance remained fixed, and would not crystalHze. It 

 comported itself like the treacle of the shops. 



Not being by any means satisfied with the results above Clarified with 

 mentioned, I again diluted the sirupy matter, that had been j^^^^^" 

 dissolved by the alcohol, with a sufficient quantity of water; 

 I added a little lime and white of egg in the clarification ; 

 and after filtering and evaporating to a due degree I set it by 

 for two months hi a stove, but without obtaining any crystals. ^^ crystals. 



I employed successively al! the processes employed insu- Various me- 

 gar-houses, without any success. I carried juy experiments without sue- 

 so far as to bod it wicn charcoal, and after I had clarified it, cess. 

 I was equally unsuccessful, Tt retained, and stlU retains, 

 for I have left it to the effect of tim , its honeylike appear- 

 ance ; yet it possesses all the other characters of the true su- 

 gar extracted from the sugar-cane of the West Indies. 



IV. The substance that remained insoluble in the alcohol Matter insolu- 

 was completely dissolved in distilled water. Its taste was 

 saponaceous and slightly saccharine. After evaporating to 

 the consistence of an extract, it weighed four ounces and 

 half. One ounce of this was treated with nitric acid, which Treated with 

 dissolved it in the same manner as it would have done a gum. comDorted 

 During the solution a great deal of nitrous gas was evolved, itself as gum. 

 and at the same time oxalic acid was formed. 



The remaining three ounces and half of extract were af- Incinerated. 

 terward incinerated. During the combustion a large quan- 

 tity of carbonic acid was given out; the matter swelled up, 

 BO that the coal was twenty times the original bulk, and very 

 porous; the residuum, after incineration, weighed half an 

 ounce ; and this, when dissolved, filtered, and evaporated, 

 was reduced to two drams. 



I found by the processes I employed, that the salt re- Carbonate of 

 sjulting from these operations was carbonate of potash with P"*|^^ ^" * 

 g little magnesia. nesia. 



From all that has been said above it follows : 



Jst, That the stalk of Indian corn cannot be employed General con- 



£qj. elusions. 



