ABSTRACT OF PROCEEDINGS. XV. 



1. " Notes on two chemical constituents from the 



Eucalypts," by Henry G. Smith, f.c.s., Assistant 

 Curator, Technological Museum. 



In this paper the author records the results of continued 

 investigations on the ester (geranyl-acetate) contained in 

 the oil of Eucalyptus Macarthuri, Deane and Maiden, and 

 also on the oil itself. This data shows that the ester does 

 not fall, at any time of the year, below 6.0°/°, and that the 

 amount of free alcohol, considered as geraniol, diminishes in 

 amount as the ester increases. The greatest amount of 

 naturally formed esteroccurring at any time of the year was 

 74*9f° in September, but the free alcohol wasonly 6°/° at that 

 time. It has been found from numerous determinations that 

 when the oil is acetylised the ester content will be but little 

 removed from 80°/°. The oil does not contain phellandrene at 

 any time of the year, and eucalyptol appears to be always 

 absent. Eudesmol is always present, but as it varies in 

 amount, the specific gravity of the oil varies also. The crude 

 oil appears to be always slightly dextro-rotatory. From the 

 results of investigation of the oil obtained from over 100 

 distinct species of Eucalypts, this is the only one found to 

 contain this valuable oil. The author also shows that the 

 original formula for the quercetin glucoside, myrticolorin 

 (C^HosOie) obtained from the leaves of Eucalyptus macro- 

 rhyncha was correct (Trans. Ohem. Soc. 1898, p. 697). This 

 formula has been confirmed by Mr. A. G. Perkin, who has 

 shown (Trans. Chem. Soc. 1902, p. 477) that his own osyritrin, 

 and also Mandelin's violaquercitrin have the same formula, 

 and are identical substances with myrticolorin. They all 

 form quercetin and glucose on hydrolysis. 



2. "The aboriginal languages of Victoria," by K,. H. 



Mathews, l.s. 



The paper was read by Mr. J. H. Maiden in the unavoid- 

 able absence of the author. Synopsis : — Introductory, 



