478 



BOTANY AND PHARMACOGNOSY. 



the addition of a solution of potassium permanganate a red crys- 

 talline precipitate. Aconitine decomposes quite readily and sev- 

 eral of its derivatives have been isolated : benzaconine, an inert 

 alkaloid and aconine which produces apparently contrary physio- 



V.-- 



Fig. 206. Transverse section of aconite; K, cork; E, epidermis; ST, stone cells; 

 EN, endodermis; C, cambium; T, tracheae; P, parenchyma. 



logical effects to aconitine. The alkaloid napelline may be iso- 

 meric with aconine. Aconite also contains considerable aconitic 

 acid which is chiefly combined with calcium and occurs in other 

 genera of the Fam. Ranunculacese, viz. : Delphinium and Adonis ; 



