ON JUNIPERUS SABINA. 
15 
solution, and it was then evaporated, leaving a crystalline salt 
possessing the properties of nitrate of potassa. 
Experiment 6. — Another portion of the leaves was incine- 
rated and lixiviated with dilute nitric acid, filtered, and the 
solution tested with oxalate of ammonia. This produced a 
copious white precipitate, indicating the presence of lime 
among the constituents. 
Experiment 7. — An ointment of the fresh leaves was pre- 
pared according to the directions given by the Dublin Col- 
lege, viz. : Adeps eight ounces, Fol. Sabinse two ounces, Cera 
Flav. two ounces. When finished it was of an olive color; on 
exposure and long standing the color becomes much lighter. 
A cerate made, according to the U. S. Pharm.,by rubbing half 
an ounce of the powdered leaves with three ounces of resin 
cerate, presented a dark olive color, with a tinge of green. — 
The two different forms of preparation are essentially the 
same, and most probably virtually so. The red cedar is often 
substituted for the savine in making the ointment. The dif- 
ference can be detected by appearances. To prove this, I 
prepared an ointment from the red cedar leaves (fresh) in pre- 
cisely the same proportions as directed for making the Ungt. 
Sabinae. This presented a dirty appearance, and was devoid of 
smell ; whereas, that from savine possessed the odor of 
the plant in a high degree. Doctor Wood's authority may be 
quoted, wherein he says, " That the red cedar ointment is less 
efficient than the savine." 
Summary . — From the foregoing experiments, I am led to 
believe that the following principles enter into the consti- 
tution of the leaves of the Juniperus sabina. To wit : First, 
gum ; second, tannin ; third, resin ; fourth, chlorophylle ; 
fifth, fixed oil ; sixth, volatile oil ; seventh, salts of potassa ; 
eighth, lime and bitter extractive. 
