226 
ON ALOlNE. 
similar odor and stimulating tastes, together with a waxy matter, 
which precipitates from the aqueous decoction. 
From the foregoing, it follows that from surnbul can be obtained 
for medicinal purposes, two tinctures, one alcoholic, the other 
ethereal, appearing to contain different principles, and which can 
be given either alone or associated with other preparations ; and, 
finally a bitter extract soluble in water, which can be given in 
pilular form. 
The powder of the root may be administered either in substance 
or in pills. — Journal de Pharm. from Union Medicale. 
ALOINE, THE PURGATIVE PRINCIPLE OF BARBADOES ALOES. 
By M. J. Stenhouse. 
[In the Journal de Pharmacie for April 1851, it is stated that Messrs. T. 
& H. Smith of Edinburg, have recently discovered the active principle of 
aloes, to which they have given the name of aldine, and which presents itself 
in the form of a crystalline neutral substance, of a straw yellow color. These, 
Chemists consider it the purgative principles of aloes. The discovery was 
made whilst evaporating a cold aqueous solution of aloes in vacuo with heat; 
the syrupy solution was set aside for a few days, and on re-examining it, a 
crystalline deposit was noticed, which proved to be the principle above no- 
ticed. Dr. Stenhouse has made the following analysis of this substance, 
which is taken from the same source. — Editor.^ 
Mr. Smith, apotheeary, at Edinburg, has prepared impure 
alome, by treating aloes, previously pulverized with sand, with 
cold water. Evaporated in vacuo to a syrupy consistence, the ex- 
tract thus prepared, is filled in a few days with a mass of granular 
crystals of a brownish yellow color. This is impure alo'i'ne. In 
order to remove the brown matter associated with it, they re-crys- 
tallize it repeatedly from warm water, until the crystals have ac- 
quired a sulphur yellow. In making these solutions the tempera- 
ture of the solvent should not rise above 150° F. At 212° aloi'ne 
oxidises rapidly, and is decomposed. In a state of purity, this 
body crystallizes in stellated groups of small prismatic needles.' 
Their purity is shown by the color, which should not deepen by 
