THE  PREPARATIONS  OF  CONIUM,  ETC. 
455 
able  to  make  two  extracts,  most  carefully  prepared  from  this 
succus,  the  basis  of  my  investigations.  One  of  these  extracts 
was  prepared  strictly  according  to  the  directions  given  in  the 
British  Pharmacopoeia,  and  contains,  therefore,  the  albumen  and 
chlorophyl  of  the  juice, — this  I  shall  call  "ordinary  extract." 
The  other  specimen  was  prepared  by  the  same  process,  excepting 
that  the  coloring  matter,  separated  by  exposing  the  juice  to  a 
temperature  of  130°  F.,  was  altogether  rejected.  This,  there- 
fore, I  shall  call extract  without  chlorophyl."  The  evaporation 
of  the  juice  in  both  cases  was  conducted  at  a  temperature  of  about 
160°  F. 
Ordinary  Extract  of  Conium  of  the  British  Pharmacopoeia. — 
The  following  were  the  characters  of  this  extract : — smooth,  dull 
olive-green,  of  a  consistence  sufficient  for  forming  pills,  taste 
acidulous,  free  from  all  bitterness  and  acridity,  but  partaking 
slightly  of  the  nauseous  oleo-resin  of  the  plant.  Triturated  with 
a  little  solution  of  caustic  potash,  a  powerful  odor,  compounded  of 
conia  and  ammonia,  was  evolved. 
1.  January  22,  1867.  Took  250  grains  of  this  extract,  and 
having  liquefied  it  with  a  little  water  and  f  ^iv  of  solution  of 
caustic  potash  (1  part  to  8  of  water),  thoroughly  washed  the  mix- 
ture with  separate  portions  of  aether.  After  distillation  of  the 
aether,  there  remained  1*8  grain  of  a  dark  sap-green  oily  matter, 
which  partly  solidified  after  some  hours.  It  possessed  all  the 
physical  characters  of  the  impure  conia,  obtained  from  the  dried 
leaf  by  the  agency  of  potash  and  alcohol  (see  examination  of  the 
dried  leaf).  Treated  with  dilute  sulphuric  acid,  a  portion  dis- 
solved, leaving  a  remainder  of  oleo-resin,  colored  with  chlorophyl. 
The  acid  solution  contained  nearly  1  grain  of  hydrated  conia. 
2.  April  7,  1867.    I  took  10  grains  of  this  extract. 
April  10  :  15  grains. 
April  13.  I  licked  up  20  grains.  Not  the  slightest  effect 
followed  any  of  these  doses,  although  the  conditions  for  their  de- 
velopment were  as  favorable  as  could  be  desired. 
I  gave  this  extract  in  the  same  doses  to  two  female  patients  ; 
the  one  suffering  from  an  ovarian  tumor,  the  other  from  anaemic 
headache  and  dimness  of  sight.    No  effects  followed  its  use,  not 
