CHEMICAL EXAMINATION OF GUTTA PERCHA. 141 
Among the various uses to which it has been proposed to 
apply the gutta percha, I have observed some for which its 
properties render it peculiarly applicable, and one in par- 
ticular, printing for the blind, for which the clear sharp im- 
pression it receives, and the toughness of the substance, 
admirably suit it, as well as in the formation of embossed 
maps for that unfortunate class. 
As an application of it of minor importance certainly, but 
one of very general usefulness, it has been suggested to me 
that it would be found useful in stopping decayed teeth. — 
Pharm. Journ. from Mechanics 1 Magazine. 
ART. XLVI. — CHEMICAL EXAMINATION OF GUTTA PERCHA. 
By J. G. Scott. 
Of the Honourable Company's Dispensary, Calcutta. 
The gutta percha forwarded to the Medical board, by 
Dr. Montgomerie from Singapore, is one of those neutral 
vegetable substances, of which a proximate analysis cannot 
be made. On a careful examination, I have found it to 
possess the following properties: — 
It is insoluble in water and in alcohol ; soluble in volatile 
oils, and partially so in ether, from a solution of which it is 
precipitated by alcohol. 
It melts when exposed to a temperature of 24S°, and on 
cooling, remains in a semifluid adhesive state. When 
heated sufficiently in the open air it catches fire, burning 
with a strong yellow flame, and emitting much smoke. 
On distillation it furnishes a volatile oil, similar in all its 
properties to caoutchouc. 
It is insoluble in petroleum and in nitric ether. 
VOL. XIII. — NO. II. 13 
