224 
GENTIANA. LUTEA. 
gentian, which is much increased by solution in an acid. It is 
highly soluble in ether and in alcohol, and separates by spontaneous 
evaporation in the form of very small yellow crystalline needles. It 
is much less soluble in cold water, which nevertheless it renders ex- 
ceedingly bitter ; in boiling water it is more readily dissolved. Di- 
luted alkalies deepen its colour very much, and dissolve rather more 
of it than water will alone. Acids diminish its yellow colour in a 
very remarkable manner. With sulphuric and phosphoric acids, 
the solution is almost colourless ; but yellowish with the weaker 
acids, such as the acetic. Concentrated sulphuric acid carbonizes it, 
and destroys its bitterness. Exposed in a glass tube to the heat of 
boiling mercury, Gentianine sublimes in the form of small yellow 
crystalline needles, and is partially decomposed. It has no sensible 
effect on turnsol, either when blue or reddened by acids, being 
apparently neutral. 
M. Magendie has ascertained by experiment that this substance 
is not possessed of any poisonous qualities, several grains injected 
into the veins producing no effect. He himself swallowed two grains 
dissolved in alcohol, and was merely sensible of the extreme bitter 
taste, and a slight sensation of heat in the stomach. 
Gentianine has been medicinally employed in the forms of tincture 
and syrup ; and in this way it may be substituted for all purposes, 
instead of the root in substance, or the various preparations usually 
made use of.* 
Off. The Root. 
Off. Pp. Ext. Gentianae, L. D. E. 
Inf. Gent. Comp. L. D. E. 
Tinct. Gent. Comp. L. E. D. 
Tinct. Rhei cum Gent. E. 
Vinum Gent. Comp. E. 
* Tincture of Gentianine, 
Take of Alcohol at 24°, 1 once, 
Gentianine, 5 grains. Mix. 
Syrup of Gentianine, 
Take of Simple Sjrup, 1 livre. 
Gentianine, 16 grains. Mix. 
Magendie's Formulary^ 
