118 
E. M. Watson. 
EXPERIMENTAL. 
The method of estimation of the alkaloids was based on the methods 
of assay of nux vomica of the British Pharmacopoeia, 1932, and the United 
States Pharmacopoeia X. 
The seeds were very tinely shredded and tlie alkaloids completely ex- 
tracted w'itli alcohol-chloroform mixture (3:1) containing 6 per cent, of 10 
per cent, ammonia solution. The solvent was removed from the extract, 
the alkaloids dLssolve<l in chloroform containing a little alcohol, and the alka- 
loids extracted as their sulphates, the usual precautions being taken to avoid 
loss. The solution oi the alkaloid sulphates w^as tlioroughly washed with 
chloroform, the alkaloids then liberated with ammonia and extracted with 
chloroform. From this extract the solvent was removed, 5 ml. of alcohol 
added, again evaporated and the alkaloids dried at 100*^0. for 30 mins. The 
total alkalokls wei'e estimated by dissolving in 10 ml. of standard sulphuric 
acid solution and. titrating the excess acid witli standard sodium hydroxide 
solution, using methyl red as indicator. 
The titration licpiid was made alkaline with ammonia and the alkaloids 
again extracted with chloroform and recovered as before. The brucine was 
then oxidised with nitric acul in dilute sulphuric acid solution under the con- 
ditions of the British Pharmacojioeia, 1932, and the strychnine recovered and 
estimated volumetrically as before. The strychnine content, allowing the 
usual 2 per t*ent. loss associated with the method of estimation, was 0*84 per 
cent., and the difference bolween the stryclmine and total alkaloids was 
equivalent to 1-55 per cent, of brucine. 
REFERENCE. 
(1) Botanical Notes, Kimberley Division of Western Australia (Forests 
Dept. Bulletin No. 32). 
Perth Technical College. 
