282 
ORIGINAL COMMUNICATIONS. 
of a dark green color, communicated a permanent greasy stain 
to paper, and was evidently a combination principally of oily 
matter, and chlorophylle. 
Four ounces of dried Lobelia cardinalis, were macerated for 
twenty-four hours in twelve ounces of water, acidulated with 
half a drachm of acetic acid ; and then thrown on a displace- 
ment filter, and treated with water, till twelve ounces of fluid 
were obtained. This liquid had an unpleasant narcotic odor, 
and a disagreeable taste. It was then treated with pure mag- 
nesia to saturate the acid and again filtered. The product was 
then treated with sulphuric ether, 60° Baume, the whole being 
well agitated together, and allowed to rest. The supernatant 
ethereal solution, which possessed a gelatinous consistence, 
was then decanted, and after standing a few hours regained its 
fluidity. This, when evaporated, yielded a small quantity of 
light brown matter, which was possessed of the following cha- 
racters. 
It had a bitter, acrid taste, sensible for some time in the 
mouth, slightly affecting the fauces, in which respect it 
differs from lobelina, which pointedly effects that part. It 
has a somewhat aromatic odor; the consistence is that of 
thick honey ; and after a long exposure to the atmo- 
sphere, it evinced no disposition to crystallize, though it 
gradually became less fluid. This substance has a very de- 
cided alkaline reaction on reddened litmus paper, saturates 
acids, and with them forms crystallizable salts. It is very 
soluble in ether, alcohol, and oil of turpentine, but less so in 
water. Its specific gravity is greater than water, as it sinks 
rapidly in that fluid. When heated gently on the point of a 
rod, it becomes perfectly fluid, and when a lighted taper is 
applied it burns freely with a light flame. 
It combines with acids as follows: — 
The sulphate is in acicular crystals, devoid of odor, but re- 
taining a taste similar to its base, and very soluble in water. 
The nitrate takes the form of prismatic crystals, thicker 
than those of the sulphate and very soluble in water. 
The hydrochlorate readily crystallizes in flattened needles 
