8 
ON LOBELINA. 
rent and more acrid than the original solution before distilla- 
tion. It may be well to remark that the lobelina used in this 
experiment was not entirely pure, owing to the presence of 
some colouring matter to which the color of No. 1 residue may 
be attributed. 
It follows from these remarks : 
1st. That an acrid infusion of lobelia may be raised to the 
boiling temperature without losing its acrimony. 
2d. That the condition necessary to bring about this perma- 
nence is the presence of an acid, with which the acrid princi- 
ple will combine. 
3d. That the acrid principle in a free state is decomposed 
by the heat of boiling water, as it is found in neither the resi- 
due or the product when a solution of it is distilled. 
Lobelina. Twelve ounces of the seed of Lobelia inflata, 
finely bruised, was macerated in twenty-four fluid ounces of al- 
cohol 28° B., acidulated with half an ounce of acetic acid for 
three days, and subjected to displacement. This process was 
continued with dilute alcohol until the seeds were exhausted of 
their acrimony. 
The tincture, amounting to five pints, was evaporated to 
the consistence of an extract, which weighed an ounce and a 
half or one-eighth of the seeds employed. This extract 
was triturated with an excess of magnesia, and twelve ounces 
of water, gradually added. After frequent agitation for seve- 
ral hours, the liquid was filtered, and the filter washed with 
water. This solution was then agitated with six ounces of 
sulphuric ether until all its acrimony was removed. The 
ethereal solution was then decanted and allowed to evapo- 
rate spontaneously in a porcelain capsule. 18.5 grs. (.0035 per 
cent.) of a reddish brown matter of the consistence of honey 
resulted, which instantly restored the blue color of litmus, 
reddened by an acid, and possessed an extremely acrid, burning 
taste. 
In this state lobelina contains coloring matter ; to deprive 
it of which it was dissolved in water, and dilute sulphuric acid 
gradually added until the solution was slightly acid. It was 
