ON ERGOTIN, 
259 
potash, as also by acetic acid. Heated with nitric acid, it 
is destroyed. It is not melted by heat, but soon burns, 
giving out a peculiar odor." 
Mr. Wiggers further observes: — To this substance Ergot 
would appear to owe all the energy of its action. That all 
its noxious effects are due to it is proved by the physiologi- 
cal experiments undertaken with Ergotin. But the medici- 
nal effects, however, of Ergot can hardly be attributed to it, 
since these virtues, according to many physicians, reside in 
the aqueous decoction, whilst Ergotin is insoluble in w T ater. 
The Ergotin of Bonjean (Jour de Pharm. et de Chim. 
vol. iv., 1843) is obtained from powdered Ergot by the 
displacement method, by the immediate action of cold water, 
and- concentration of the product, in a water bath, to a sy- 
rupy consistence; this is then treated with alcohol to sepa- 
rate the albuminous matters, and the clear tincture reduced 
to an extract. In pursuing Mr. B.'s directions, it becomes 
necessary to mix the powdered Ergot with a quantity of 
sand, and to act upon a moderate portion only at a time. 
The large quantity of fatty matter, gummous, extractive, 
and vegetable albumen contained in the Ergot, presents an 
obstacle to the free and rapid percolation of the aqueous 
menstruum; so much so, that if a large quantity be acted 
upon, the putrefactive fermentation takes place before the 
filtration is far advanced. 
This Ergotin is a soft extract, which does not dry, being 
decomposed at an elevated temperature; its color is reddish- 
brown; odor, that of ozmazome; taste, slightly bitter and 
peculiar; is insoluble in ether, but readily dissolved in al- 
cohol and in water, forming a transparent solution, which is 
slightly acid. Heated, it melts, burns with flame, develop- 
ing the odor of burnt bread, leaving a charcoal which burns 
almost without residuum. 
Precisely the same characters are ascribed by Wiggers to 
one of the principles of Ergot isolated by him, which he 
distinguishes by the name of vegetable ozmazome, being 
