On the Chemical and Natural History of Lupuline. 203 



These two parts present on the exterior, even under a 

 magnifyhig power of from 200 to 300 diameters, a structure 

 apparently simihir. Both appear to be composed of cel- 

 lules more or less irregular, which, however, are frequently 

 disposed with a certain regularity from the centre to the 

 circumference ; they are sometimes ranged in radiating 

 series from the summit of the superior part, and from the 

 base of the inferior to the circumference or median line, 

 which unites them. The cells, therefore, increase in size 

 from the two extreme jooints to the (median line) point of 

 junction. But as I said just now, this structure is only 

 apparent in the upper half ; because if we succeed in making 

 a longitudinal section in the direction of the axis of the 

 grain of lupuline, and adjust the same, when placed under 

 the microscope, in such a manner that the plane x^arallel 

 with its axis shall be in the focus of the instrument, it will 

 be seen that the lower half of the grain is a sort of cupule, 

 composed of a single layer of cells. It is by the base of 

 this cupule that the grain is attached to the epidermis of 

 the bracts, calycine leaves, &c. It is observed, besides, 

 that the upper half consists only of a very thin continuous 

 membrane, and that the cells, wdiich are depicted upon its 

 surface, are nothing more than the imprints of utricles, the 

 origin of which we give further on in describing the for- 

 mation of this organ, this singular gland. The space 

 embraced between this membrane and the interior of the 

 cupule is occupied by a yellow liquid, the nature of which 

 we shall examine fully farther on. The cellules which 

 compose the cupule are also filled ; it is these that secrete 

 it, as we shall presently see. 



One sees already that this description of lupuline differs 

 essentially from that given by M. Easpail in his " New 

 System of Organic Chemistry," 1833, page 175. Here, 

 in effect, is what he says : — " Examined by the micro- 

 scope, this yellow powder (the lupuline) is seen to be com- 

 posed of vesicular organs, rich in cellules, varying in size 

 about the ^th of a millimetre, and of aboi]t the form of 

 that represented in figure 6 of plate v. (of his work.) 

 Each of these grains, when dried, is of a beautiful golden 

 yellow, somewhat diaphanous, flattened, presenting on some 



