98 
AN ANALYSIS OF ERGOT OF RYE. 
4. What are the general properties of various constituents of 
Ergot ? 
These are some of the questions which depend chiefly upon 
chemical examination for their settlement, and which, with many- 
others of importance, I hoped the results of the investigation I have 
made would have answered satisfactorily. 
My investigation has been purely a chemical one, and I regret 
that, owing to circumstances beyond my control, the therapeutical 
application of the subject, although previously contemplated, was 
abandoned. 
Analysis of Secale Cornutum, or Ergot. 
Having procured a superior article of Ergot of German origin, 
I submitted it to proximate organic analysis by successive dis- 
placement with water, alcohol, and ether, and made a mineral 
analysis of its ashes. After repeated qualitative examinations as 
to the best method of treatment, I adopted the course indicated 
above as most free from objections. For where ether is first 
employed upon the ergot, portions of resin are extracted, render- 
ing it difficult to obtain the oil in a state of purity; and if alcohol 
be first used, the extracted resin carries with it portions of oil and 
other matter which also hinder purification. The investigation 
was conducted in the laboratory of Professor Booth, to whom I 
am indebted for advice during the progress of my operations. 
1. Displacement by Water.— The finely powdered ergot mixed 
with an equal bulk of pure sand, was treated with water in a 
displacement apparatus until the solution passing through was 
colorless. 
The solution was dark brown, had an ergot odor, a sweetish but 
nauseous taste, and tested acid. It contained gum, sugar, albumen, 
one of the colored resins, nitrogenous extractive, and the soluble 
salts. After being somewhat concentrated by evaporation, a coagu- 
lated substance that appeared in it was separated by repose, de- 
cantation and washing. The precipitate agreed with albumen in 
its behaviour, giving off a large amount of ammonia when heated 
with potassa-lime, but did not show the blue color with muriatic 
acid in consequence of its dark brown color. 
The solution and washings were evaporated to a syrupy consist- 
ence and treated with alcohol of 80°, which gave a viscid precipi- 
