ON DELPHINIUM CONSOLIDA. 
5 
presume that its specific gravity was somewhat effected by 
the presence of a volatile oil. In consequence of its green 
tinge, the presence of chlorophylle was inferred. In order to 
ascertain whether this oil could be as readily obtained by 
alcohol, as by ether, two ounces of the bruised seeds were 
digested in eight ounces of absolute alcohol for two days, at 
the expiration of which, the alcohol was decanted, and evapo- 
rated, when about three drachms of an oil remained, having 
all the characters of that mentioned above, with the exception 
of being less green, 
3d. — Two drachms of the bruised seeds were submitted 
to distillation with six ounces of water. The peculiar odor 
of the seeds, while decocting, was soon perceived in the re- 
cipient, and the distilled liquid acquired a milky appearance. 
It was suffered to stand a short time, but no globules of oil 
separating, it was thrown back into the retort upon two 
drachms of fresh seeds, and the distillation repeated. A re- 
sult was obtained similar to the first; no globules separated, 
but the liquid passed over with the milky appearance in- 
creased. The experiment was repeated for a third time, the 
distilled liquid being thrown back upon fresh seeds. Upon 
distilling into a recipient kept cool, a number of globules were 
seen floating upon the surface. These were separated by sul- 
phuric ether. Upon carefully evaporating which, a few drops 
of a limpid essential oil remained behind, which possessed 
the odor of the seeds in a very concentrated state. Its taste 
was somewhat nauseous, but was devoid of marked bitterness. 
Like most other essential oils, it was of a pale straw color, 
and appeared to be less volatile than oils of the same class; 
as the oil, when dropped upon paper, required two or three 
hours for complete evaporation. The seeds from which this 
oil had been obtained, were found to be as bitter after, as 
before distillation. 
4th. — A tincture was prepared by digesting two ounces of 
the seeds in two pints of alcohol, of 36°, for the space of 
fourteen days. The menstruum slowly acquired a slight yel- 
lowish tinge, possessed, but in a faint degree, the properties 
