AN ANALYSIS OF ERGOT OF RYE. 
103 
cium,the lime soap thus formed was decomposed by muriatic acid, 
and the fat acid cooled below 32° F. and pressed at that tempe- 
rature. The minute quantity of solid fat thus obtained, confirmed 
the conclusion that the greater part of the oil of ergot consists of 
an olein. 
By substracting the formula of the acid in the barytic salt from 
the formula of the oil, (C 41 H 37 6 — C 33 H 30 5 ), we have the for- 
mula C 8 H 7 0, which might be viewed as oxide of lipyl conjugate, 
with C 5 H 5 , or as oxide of lipyl with H replaced by C 5 H 6 . 
Thus, C 3 5 C H I 0,=C 8 H 7 0. 
V. 5 6 J 
If we compare the formula of the acid with that of ricinoleic 
acid, as determined by Svanberg and Kolmodin, and with the 
same as given by Saalmuller, we find the conjugates 3 CH 
and 5 C H. 
Difference, — 
Ergotoleic acid, C 33 H 30 5 
Ricinoleic acid, C 36 H 33 5 , C 3 H Svanberg and Kolmodin. 
Ditto, " C 38 H 35 5 , C 5 H 5 Saalmuller. 
It is possible that, from the difficulty of obtaining satisfactory 
results from the analysis of its salts, the oily acid of ergot may be 
C 34 H 31 5 , which would make it differ by the common conjugate 
C 2 H 2 from the ricinoleic acid of Svanberg and Kolmodin, as the 
latter differs from that of Saalmuller. 
Saalmuller informed Prof. Booth that he had experienced great 
difficulty in determining his acid from its constant liability to 
change in constitution. 
Analysis of the Mies of Ergot. 
In order to avoid the loss of mineral matter, in ergot, by volatil- 
ization during incineration, a fresh portion in fine powder was 
treated with ether, by which more than a third part was extracted, 
without losing any of the mineral components. The residue then 
carefully calcined at a low temperature, yielded 4.44 per cent, 
of ash. # 
The ash was then treated with water, by which it was divided 
into a soluble and insoluble portion, each of which was separately 
analysed. 
