713 
OF THE BRITISH PIIARMACOFCEIA, 1SG4 AND 18G7. 
tiire to assert that no statement can be further from the truth, no test more 
fallacious. Half an ounce of extract, containing but a fraction of a grain of 
conia, will, on trituration with caustic potash, speedily evolve a powerful and 
penetrating odour of conia, and the effect is usually verj’’ much heightened by 
the simultaneous separation of a little ammonia. A great deal too much has 
been inferred from this reaction, and it is to this cause, I believe, that wo 
have so long remained in a state of uncertainty respecting the virtue of the 
extract. A given sample has been pronounced good, because, on commixture 
with caustic potash, it has evolved a strong odour of conia. Attention to the 
following experiments will show the fallacy of such a conclusion. 
I have already proved that the “ succus conii ” prepared last season by Mr. 
Buckle, of Gray’s Inn Road, possesses in a powerful degree the poisonous pro¬ 
perties of hemlock. As many sources of error are by this means eliminated, 
I am fortunate in being able to make two extracts, most carefully prepared 
from this succus, the basis of my investigations. One of these extracts was 
prepared strictly according to the directions given in the British Pharmacopoeia, 
and contains, therefore, the albumen and chlorophyl of the juice,—this I shall 
call “ ordinary extract.” The other specimen was prepared by the same pro¬ 
cess, excepting that the colouring-matter, separated by exposing the juice to a 
temperature of 130° Fa.hr., was altogether rejected. This, therefore, I shall 
call “ extract without chlorophyl.” The evaporation of the juice in both cases 
was conducted at a temperature of about 1G0° Fahr. 
Ordinarfj Extract of Conium of the British Pharmacopoeia.—The following 
Avere the characters of this extract:—smootli, dull olive-green, of a consistence 
sufficient for forming pills, taste acidulous, free from all bitterness and acridity, 
but partaking slightly of the nauseous oleo-resin of the phant. Triturated with a 
little solution of caustic potash^ a powerful odour ^ compounded of conia and aiU' 
mania, was evolved. * 
1. January 22,18G7. Took 250 grains of this extract, and having liquefied it 
with a little water and f jiv of solution of caustic potash (1 part to 3 of water), 
thoroughly washed the mixture with separate portions of aether. After distilla¬ 
tion of the mther, there remained 1-8 grain of a dark sap-green oily matter, 
Avhich partly solidified after some hours. It possessed all the physical characters 
of the impure conia, obtained from the dried leaf by the agency of potash and 
alcohol (see examination of the dried leaf). Treated with dilute sulphuric acid, 
a portion dissolved, leaving a remainder of oleo-resin, coloured Avith chlorophyl. 
Tlie acid solution contained nearly 1 grain of hydrated conia. 
2. April 7, 1867. I took 10 grains of this extract. 
April 10 : 15 grains. 
Aprril 13. I licked-up 20 grains. Not the slightest effect followed any of 
these doses, although the conditions for their development Avere as favourable as 
could be desired. 
I gave this extract in the same doses to two female patients ; the one suffer- 
ing from an OA^arian tumour, the other from ansemic headache and dimness of 
sight. No effects folloAved its use, not even in the latter patient, ayIio Avas 
already predisposed for its action. 
Extract without the chlorophjl. —This was of the consistence of treacle, and 
had a similar bright and clear, but a richer amber-brown, colour ; odour faintly 
approaching that of the ordinary extract, taste pleasantly sAveet and acidulous, 
Avithout any trace of acridity. Triturated with caustic potash, a strong odour of 
conia, mixed with that of ammonia, is evolved. 
1. January 26, 1867. Took 250 grains, and having liquefied it Avith f §1 so¬ 
lution of caustic potash (gr. 32 in f §i), transferred the mixture to a retort, and 
distilled from a chloride of calcium bath, at a temperature varying from 260° 
to 270'’ Fahr. 8| fluid drachms of colourless fluid, with a faint greasy film, 
VOL. vni. 3 B 
