72 
In Coffeob laurina I found a trace, but none at all in the 
large old leaves of Liberian coffee. 
Caffeine and theobromine occur only in the vegetable 
kingdom. They are nearly related to uric acid, guanine, 
and xanthine, which are products of the material exchanges 
of the animal organism. The two former can be converted 
into xanthine, and this, as Professor E. Fischer has shown, 
into theobromine or methylxanthine, and into caffeine or 
dimethylxanthine. 
As caffeine is used in medicine, it appears very probable 
that in no distant time it will be manufactured from 
Peruvian guano, which is the best source for guanine. 
Annual General Meeting, April 17th, 1883. 
H. E. Roscoe, Ph.D., LL.D., F.R.S., &c., President, in 
the Chair. 
The following Donations to the Funds of the Society were 
announced, and the thanks of the Society voted to the Donors : 
Dr. R Angus Smith, F.RS £50 
Henry Wilde, Esq 100 
Dr. J. P. Joule, F.RS 50 
Dr. James Young, F.RS 50 
Dr. H. E. Roscoe, F.RS. 50 
