ON THE FRUIT OF THE MYR0XYL0N TOLUIFERUM. 1 1 7 
Most generally this fruit contains but one kidney-shaped 
thick kernel, and terminated at each end by a hemispheri- 
cal surface ; but in those cases where there are two kernels, 
the ends that are in contact are modified by pressure in the 
act of growing in contact. 
The texture of the fruit is fibrous, and on each side of the 
kernel a cell filled with a resinous substance is observable 
which does not contain a particle of benzoic acid. 
The kernel developes a very decided odour analogous to 
that of the Tonka bean. When chewed, it presentsa biting 
acid taste at first, which is not persistent. 
Heated in a small retort with an alcohol lamp, it carbon- 
izes, and a blackish liquor, having a very disagreeable em- 
pyreumatic odour, passes into the receiver. 
Treated by strong alcohol, it gives a tincture but little 
coloured, which, by slow evaporation in a moderately heated 
stove, deposited needle shaped crystals impregnated with 
an oily matter emitting a strong odour of coumarin. 
These crystals present altogether the peculiar character- 
istics of the crystalline matter of Tonka bean and Melilot ? 
they are heavier than water, not soluble in that liquid, en- 
tirely soluble in alcohol, less so in pure sulphuric acid. The 
solution diluted with water is precipitated in light flocks. 
They have no action on tincture of litmus and syrup of vio- 
lets. These different properties place this crystalline matter 
among the proximate vegetable principles, and are sufficient 
evidence of its identity with coumarin ; and that the fruit 
of the myroxylon tolaiferum is the third substance in 
which this principle has been observed. — Journal de Phar- 
macie. 
VOL. XIII. — NO. II. 
1.1 
