70 
VARIETIES OF LINT. 
formed. The acid seems to deprive the colocythine of the elements 
of water. 
Nitric acid produces a reaction with it that is analogous to the 
resins. It dissolves readily in cold nitric acid of the specific gravi- 
ty 1.450, and after a few moments a vehement reaction ensues, at- 
tended with the evolution of great heat and fumes of nitrous acid, 
which shows that this body is oxidized when thus treated. 
By mixing a moderate quantity of water with the acid solution, a 
voluminous precipitate is formed, which is redissolved by the addi- 
tion of more water. This precipitate, when separated by a filter 
from the liquid and washed with ice-cold water to remove the ex- 
cess of nitric acid is found to have the characteristics of a weak acid 
(colocynthic acid ?) It seemsto be the only product of the oxidation 
of the colocythine when thus conducted, although other bodies, 
doubtless, are formed by continuing the process of oxidation under 
the application of heat. This acid is of a pale yellow color and 
bitter taste, but infinitely less bitter than colocynthine. It is inflam- 
mable, but not explosive. It is soluble in water, alcohol, and ether, 
and separates by evaporation from its solutions in an uncrystalline 
condition. With ammonia, potash, and soda it produces soluble 
compounds of a reddish-brown color, but also uncrystallizable. It 
combines with the earths and metallic oxides, forming insoluble or 
slightly soluble compounds. 
Dr. Gregory has suggested that colocynthine is probably a mixture 
of organic bodies; but my investigation of its properties, as here de- 
tailed, does not seem to support this opinion. — Pharm. Jour. Nov. 
VARIETIES OF LINT. 
By Jacob Bell. 
Editor of the [London] Pharmaceutical Journal. 
Lint, as its name implies, is (or ought to be) prepared from 
linen. The course of preparation which it undergoes is intended 
to remove the harshness of the surface, rendering it soft, 
and suitable for application to wounds, as well as more absorbent. 
Ordinary, or old-fashioned lint, of which there are several quali- 
ties, is usually made from old shirts, sheets, or other linen rags of 
