470  Gleanings  from  the  German  Journals.  {Amsept.%889?rm* 
the  exact  point  of  fusion.  The  crystals  dissolve  in  150  parts  of  water 
at  8°  C.  The  aqueous  solution  exhibits  left-handed  polarization,  and 
a  solution  containing  6*5  per  cent,  at  50°  C.  gave  the  coefficient  aD  = 
— 33'8.  Under  the  influence  of  dilute  acids  and  heat  the  substance 
splits  up  into  a  reducing  sugar  and  a  peculiar  insoluble  resin.  The 
crystals  of  ouabain  have  the  formula  C30H46O12,7H2O,  of  which  only 
6  molecules  of  H20  are  given  off  at  100°  C. — J.  Soc.  Chem.  Ind. 
GLEANINGS  FROM  THE  GERMAN  JOURNALS. 
By  Feank  X.  Moekk,  Ph.  G. 
Guaiacol  may  be  easily  distinguished  from  ereasote  by  the  following 
test :  2'5  cc.  are  dissolved  in  25  cc.  90  per  cent,  alcohol  and  to  4  cc. 
of  this  solution  10  cc.  pure  sulphuric  acid  slowly  added ;  guaiacol 
produces  a  red  solution,  the  color  of  which  is  still  persistent  after 
several  days ;  ereasote  produces  only  a  brown  color. — Dr.  Karpow, 
Pharm.  Ztschr.f.  Bussl,  1889,  423. 
A  novel  adulterant  of  whole  black  pepper,  which  is  not  easily 
detected  on  sight,  is  an  ore  of  iron  (by  analysis  found  to  agree  with 
the  so-called  bean-ore).  It  is  used  in  small  globular  pieces  which 
only  after  close  inspection  are  seen  to  be  of  a  somewhat  lighter  color 
than  the  pepper.  The  weight  of  the  adulterant  requires  the  addition 
of  only  a  small  bulk  to  make  considerable  gain. — Dr.  H.  Weller 
Chemiker  Ztg.,  1889,  1030. 
Apomorphine  as  a  test  for  nitrous  acid  and  nitrites,  being  as  sensi- 
tive as  metadiamidobenzol,  is  especially  adapted  to  the  examination 
of  drinking  waters.  0*02  gm.  crystallized  apomorphine  hydrochlorate 
are  dissolved  in  100  cc.  of  the  water  to  be  examined  and  then  a  little 
sulphuric  acid  is  added ;  traces  of  nitrites  are  sufficient  to  develop  a 
distinct  red  coloration.  Dilute  nitric  acid  does  not  interfere  with 
this  test,  but  concentrated  nitric  aci'd  produces  the  same  coloration, 
due,  probably,  to  the  reduction  of  the  nitric  acid. — Pharm.  Ztg.,  1889, 
429. 
Color  reaction  for  cocaine. — In  a  watch-crystal  with  white  back- 
ground or  in  a  small  porcelain  capsule  several  crystals  of  resorcin 
(about  0*01  gm.)  are  agitated  with  six  to  seven  drops  of  pure  con- 
centrated sulphuric  acid  and  to  the  faintly  yellow  fluid  0*02  gm. 
cocaine  hydrochlorate  added ;  after  an  immediate  energetic  reaction 
the  fluid  assumes  a  beautiful  blue  color,  becoming  more  intense ;  the 
