OIL OF WILD CHERRY BARK. 
301 
Atoms. 
Thus Carbon 14 X 6. 12 = 85. 68 C. ; 106. 68 Bz.+ 1 Hyd. = 107.68 
Hyd. 5X1. =5. H. ^ Hyd. J3z. yields 1 eq. Hyduret 
Oxyg. 2x8. =16. O. JofBz. 
Experiment 3. — The purified oil (Hyd. Bz.) was heated 
with an equivalent quantity of hydrate of potassa, and a little 
water, until it was entirely taken up. Upon evaporating this 
solution, crystals having the characteristics of benzoate of 
potassa, were obtained. The re-action here is such that the 
water of the hydrate yields oxygen to the benzule to form 
benzoic acid, which then unites with the potassa, and two 
equivalents of hydrogen are liberated. 
Experiment 4. — A portion of hyduret of benzule in a 
glass capsule was suspended in an atmosphere of oxygen. 
At the end of twelve hours crystals were perceptible, and 
by further exposure the whole mass crystallized and lost its 
odour of bitter almonds. The re-action here was such, that 
the h3^drogen and benzule severally absorbed an atom of 
oxygen forming water and benzoic acid, which combined to 
form one equivalent of crystallized benzoic acid. 
Nitric acid does not dissolve hyduret of benzule cold; but by 
a gentle heat it is readily taken up, and deposited on cooling. 
If the heat be carried too high, decomposition takes place, and 
deut-oxide of nitrogen is evolved. 
The pure oil of wild cherry bark, by exposure to the air, is 
converted into crystallized benzoic acid by the absorption of 
two atoms of oxygen. 
The last two experiments are almost a repetition of Liebig 
and Wohler's, and very decisively mark the constitution of 
this oil; and it is to its ready absorbtion of oxygen, that the 
presence of benzoic acid is due in the original product. 
Experiment 5. — Oil of wild cherry bark (as above) was 
introduced into a small glass retort, and a bent tube inserted 
tightly through the tubulure, with the other end attached to a 
vessel in which chlorine was generated. Upon displacing the 
atmospheric air in the retort, by chlorine, the oil rapidly 
absorbed the latter, increased in temperature, and evolved 
vol. III. NO, IV. 3S 
