COPALCHI BARK. 
269 
could not detect any crystallizable alkaloid, but recognised 
the bitter principle on which its active properties depended — 
a resin, concrete fatty oil, &c. 
This bark is now undergoing a minute analysis by Dr. 
Douglas Maclagan and Dr. Anderson. Meanwhile, my 
friend, Mr. Howard, has made some trials to prepare the 
bitter principle in a pure state. The bark was exhausted 
by almost absolute alcohol; this tincture evaporated to 
dryness ; the bitter principle removed from this extract by 
cold water, which left the residuum of waxy matter, and, 
on evaporating this aqueous solution to dryness, the bitter 
principle was obtained in dark brown, almost black, 
lustrous, but non-crystalline scales, of an intensely bitter 
taste. The bitter principle thus procured possesses the 
strange property of being del iquescent, requiring it to be kept 
in closely stoppered phials. 
Copalchi bark yields an agreeable aromatic bitter to 
water, but especially to proof spirit. The tincture and 
spirituous extract, indeed, are agreeably aromatic, and on 
first tasting, leave on the tongue and palate a sweetish 
taste. 
Since I have received the first samples of Copalchi bark, 
I have made trial of it in a few cases, which seemed tolera- 
bly well fitted for testing its properties, — if it possessed 
any. 
The first case was one of atony of the stomach and 
bowels, with weak and imperfect digestion, and irregular 
action of the bowels, at one time costiveness, at another 
slight diarrhoea, existing. In this case, the usual bitters, as 
gentian, quassia, and columbo, disagreed, exciting nausea, 
&c, while Peruvian bark and quinine increased the head- 
ache, and induced a feverish state of the system. The 
case, however, wonderfully improved under the use of the 
simple infusion of the Copalchi of the strength of half an 
ounce of bark to the pint of boiling water given in table- 
spoonful doses three times daily. 
