200 
ORIGINAL COMMUNICATIONS. 
substantial basis. From the foregoing observations we can 
arrive at the following conclusions: 
1st* That the three genera, Jlmygdalus, Prunus, and Jir- 
meniaca, are closely allied in chemical character. 
2nd. That those plants which yield hydrocyanic acid and 
volatile oil by distillation with water, contain amygdaline 
as the source of these products. 
3rd. That there exists a decomposing agent acting as emul- 
sine, in the leaves and bark of several species of Prunus, 
which also contain amygdaline. 
ART. XXXI.— ON THE CHRYSANTHEMUM PARTHENIUM. 
By William Edwin Knight. 
(Extracted from an Inaugural Thesis.) 
For the purpose of analysis I took three portions of the 
plant, consisting of stem, leaves, and flowers, as furnished by 
the New Lebanon Society; I macerated them separately, — one 
in ether, one in alcohol, and the other in water, — each for four 
days; at the end of this time I decanted. 
The ethereal tincture yielded, on evaporation, a copious 
residuum of a rich deep green color, unctuous to the touch, 
and having all the peculiar flavor and aroma of the plant in a 
concentrated degree. 
The alcoholic tincture was divided into three portions; one 
was treated with water, and light green flocculi were precipi- 
tated; another with tinct. ferri muriatis, and a dark blue or 
purple color was produced; the third portion was evaporated, 
and yielded an extract having a bitter, acrid, astringent, and 
peculiarly persistent taste. 
The cold aqueous infusion was divided into five portions. 
First, was heated to ebullition without change. 
Second, threw down a copious light colored precipitate, on 
the addition of alcohol. 
