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Mr. F. Dick called the attention of the Society to the active 
principle which would probably be found in the nest and exu- 
viae of an insect belonging to the order of Nevropters” and 
known in every hot quarter of the globe where it commits 
great ravages, viz : the Caria or white ant Thermes destruc- 
tor ” of Fabricius. 
It is well known that a few years ago, it was made use of 
as an infusion or decoction for the treatment of certain ner- 
vous affections, particularly epilepsy, and that if no cures were 
affected, the condition of the patients was improved. Mr Dick 
drew the inference that the matters extracted from the wood 
by the Caria itself might contain some principles similar to 
those which are found in chloroform or other anestctics. Hut, 
the medical question apart, Mr Dick was desirous that the 
analysis of the nest should be made, in order to ascertain, 
what substances arc extracted from the wood,, which might 
lead to the discovery of a means of arresting the ravages of 
this destructive insect. Mr Fleurot was requested by the So- 
ciety to undertake the task ; his analysis has thrown a broad 
light on the subject, and furnished results very curious and 
interesting. 
It has proved tlxc presence in remarkable proportions and 
in rather considerable quantities, of formic acid iti combina- 
tion with iron, in the head and mandibles of the insect. Mr 
Fleurot is of opinion that the sedative effects of the Caria's 
nest are due to the combination of the iron and formic acid, 
which produces a formate of iron. The result leaves no doubt 
as to its value in the treatment of certain nervous affections, 
and Mr Fleurot considers that it may be ranked as a new 
therapeutic agent. 
The anlaysis of the nest and of the insect left no traces of 
soluble salts or common salt, so generally diffused and which 
is found in all animal substances. Mr Fleurot draw the infe- 
rence that the nature of the insect being antipathetical to 
common salt, it may be combated with that substance. lie 
traced a circle of salt, in which he enclosed some white ants 
and they did not dare to cross the barrier. New facts support- 
ed his assertion . He has been informed that in some damp 
cellars where the white ants caused great destruction amongst 
the casks of wine and beer, they had been entirely driven away 
by strewing a layer of common salt under the barrels, lie al- 
so ascertained that salt meat casks have never been known to 
be touched by them. 
Mr Fleurot has thus established that common salt is the 
best means hitherto discovered of preservation from the at- 
tacks of the white ant. Several products of the analysis of 
