370 Proceedings of Royal Society of Edinburgh. [sess. 
Chlorocodide. 
We first tried to prepare this compound by the action of strong 
hydrochloric acid on codeine, after the manner described by Wright. 
The solution of the hydrochloride was precipitated in fractions, but 
each of the fractions gave a chloroplatinate indicating a different 
molecular weight ; whence it was concluded that the substance was 
a mixture, a fact which was confirmed by the physiological experi- 
ments. We then tried the method of Gerichten. 13*5 grms. of 
codeine hydrate was dried at 120° and mixed with 10 grms. of 
pentachloride of phosphorus ; 50 grms. of oxychloride of phosphorus 
was then poured over the mixture, whereon a violent action ensued. 
After some hours the clear solution was diluted, ammonia added, 
and the precipitate received on a filter. The precipitate was washed, 
pressed, and dried by exposure to the air ; then dissolved in chloro- 
form, which was left to evaporate. On adding alcohol to the residue, 
it became filled with crystals, which were purified by pressure and 
recrystallisation. The substance so obtained yielded a chloro- 
platinate, which after drying in exsiccator lost no further weight 
at 100°. 
•3195 grm. gave *060 grm. Pt., which is = 18*77 per cent. 
(C 18 H 20 CmO 2 .HCl) 2 .PtCl 4 = 18-73 per cent. Pt. 
Physiological Action of Chlorocodide. 
Gee has previously made a few experiments with this sub- 
stance. He gave 9J grains in divided doses to a cat, which 
ultimately died in convulsions, the chief symptoms being salivation, 
dilatation of the pupils, restlessness, and a mixture of tetanus and 
paralysis. Consciousness was unaffected. In Gee’s opinion, the 
action is exactly like that of codeine. A dose of J grain per os, 
and subcutaneously in man, had no effect. 
For our experiments we used a neutral solution in acetic acid and 
water. 
Frogs . — One milligramme caused in frogs sluggishness and de- 
pression of reflexes, followed by an increase of reflexes. With 
larger doses the exhaustion (or depression) accompanying or follow- 
ing the tetanus was extremely marked at first, but gradually passed 
