38 
Second fraction, between 235 and 245-6° C., had a specific gravity of 1-0166 @ 16° C., and the specific 
rotation was [a]o + 5-066, or less than half that obtained for the whole oil. It is, perhsps, remarkable 
that the fractions should have been thus separated, as the mean of the two rotations of these fractions is 
nearly that of the whole oil. 
Third fraction, between 245-6 and 253° C, had a specific gravity of 1-004 @ 17° C. The material 
was not sufficient to enable the rotation to be taken. 
The original oil is yellowish, inclining to brownish, with a tinge of green. The first two fractions 
are yellowish to brownish, while the third fraction is distinctly green. 
When the original oil was subjected to the action of cold, a stearoptene crystallised out in small 
quantity, the temperature being 12 degrees below zero. It was not possible to separate it, as it disappeared 
very quickly on removing from the freezing mixture, evidently melting below zero. 
A portion of the oil was agitated with a solution of potash, the aqueous solution separated, and 
acidified with dilute sulphuric acid ; no oil separated, but the solution was turbid ; this was agitated with 
ether, the ether separated and evaporated, when a minute quantity of an oil was obtained, which became 
quickly brown, and which had a very strong odour of cloves. When dissolved in alcohol, ferric chloride 
gave the blue reaction. It is to be supposed, therefore, that the phenol is Eugenol, and that it is only 
present in traces. 
A portion of the oil was mixed with a concentrated solution of acid sulphite of soda, and well 
agitated. A small quantity of a crystalline compound was obtained ; this was separated entirely from 
adhering oil and acidified with dilute sulphuric acid in a graduated tube. The separated oil when measured 
equalled 1£ per cent, of the original oil. It was of a dark brown colour and had the odour of cinnamon 
most markedly. It constitutes the material that gives the slight brownish tinge to the original oil, because 
when it was removed the oil was yellowish to greenish. The oil contains, therefore, less than 2 per cent, 
of cinnamic aldehyde. 
None of the terpenes of low boiling point are present, nor could phellandrene be detected. 
A distinct reaction for cineol was obtained with iodol. 
This oil, therefore, cannot be classed with the cinnamon oil of commerce nor with cassia oil, as it is 
deficient in cinnamic aldehyde, although the principal constituents of those oils (cinnamic aldehyde and 
eugenol) were present. 
Further researches are in progress to locate the principal constituent of this oil. 
Timber. —Pale coloured, close in the grain, firm, easy to work, and suitable 
for joiners’ work. {Cat. Qld. Timbers, Col. and Ind. Exh., 1886.) 
Pale brown, soft, smells much like Sassafras; a very common timber in thick 
scrubs (J. L. Boorman). 
It is pale coloured, with little figure, fissile, and rather light in weight. It 
is a promising timber of the Bolly Gum class. 
Mr. R. T. Baker, op. cit. p. 277, describes the timber in the following words :— 
The timber, when freshly cut and dressed, very much resembles that of “ She Beech ” or “ Bolly 
Gum ” [Tetranthera reticulata) or “ Sycamore ” (Panax elegans); and I do not doubt but that much of 
the timber passing under these names is really obtained from Cinnamomum. It is greyish in colour, with 
frequently a black stain running through it, as though decaying. It has a straight grain, is light in 
weight, soft, and easy-working. It is very susceptible to the attacks of borers, even to the very heart, 
and is therefore of no economic value. 
Size. —Tall trees of 60-80 feet; girth, 4-6 feet (W. Dunn and J. L. Boorman). 
Habitat. —Brushes of North Coast Railway, Queensland. The type came 
from Maroochie, Q., “ where it is known as the Sassafras tree.” 
