ON ARUM TRIPHYLLUM. 
85 
the production of this constituent of the root, which is not 
exerted under our less favorable latitude. 
The fecula of Jlrum triphyllum has a pure white color, 
without odor or taste. The granules, as ascertained by 
microscopical observation, are nearly spherical, transparent, 
and when compared as to size with the principal varieties 
of fecula, were found to approach most nearly that of wheat, 
yet they are even smaller on an average than the latter. 
This accounts satisfactorily for the absence of that crystal- 
line lustrous aspect, so marked in some species of fecula, 
and which is a beautiful characteristic of the tous les mois. 
The jelly formed by treating arum fecula with boiling 
water, when compared with that of Bermuda arrow root, 
was found to be equally free from taste or odor, and to pos- 
sess even more consistency. When sweetened, etc., it 
affords a diet in all respects equal to that popular article, 
and might readily take its place. 
Vegetable Albumen. — One thousand grains of the un- 
peeled root was rasped, and triturated with water until con- 
verted into a pulp, and then washed with the same fluid 
until completely deprived of soluble matter. The clear 
liquid, thus obtained, yielded precipitates with corrosive 
sublimate and ferrocyanuret of potassium. When its tem- 
perature was raised to 212° Fahr., a coagulum was formed 
which, when collected on a filter, washed with water, and 
dried at a temperature of 100° Fahr., weighed ten grains. 
Gum. — Subacetate of lead was added to the filtered liquid 
remaining from the last operation, until it ceased to cause a 
precipitate; this was collected on a filter, washed with water, 
dried, and weighed. This precipitate amounted to 16.5 
grains, representing 10.1 grains of gum. 
After the separation of the gum in the last experiment, 
hydrosulphuric acid was passed through the clear liquid 
until the lead was precipitated, and then filtered, and evapo- 
rated to dryness. Thirty-two grains was thus obtained. 
This extract was dissolved in half an ounce of water, and 
8* 
