214 
VOLATILE OIL OF GAULTHERIA PROCUMBENS. 
stances, yields a volatile oil distinct from saliculous acid, that 
acid remaining combined with the potassa. 
Oil of Gaultheria and Jimmonia. — When oil of gaul- 
theria is mixed with a concentrated solution of ammonia and 
agitated, it is gradually dissolved, and the solution acquires a 
brownish color. This solution, on being exposed to the air, 
deposits large brown colored crystals, as the excess of ammo- 
nia evaporates. When these crystals are dissolved in boiling 
alcohol, the solution suffered to cool, and the crystals thus ob- 
tained again dissolved and crystallized, the compound is ob- 
tained in four-sided prisms, with dihedral terminations. 
This substance is slightly soluble in cold water, and more 
so in boiling water, which deposits it in tufts on cooling. Alco 
hoi and ether dissolve it readily, but in solution of ammonia 
it is more soluble than in any other menstruum; from which 
it is precipitated by saturating the alkali with an acid. Solu- 
tion of potassa dissolves it without separating ammonia, even 
when boiled. Sulphuric, nitric and hydrochloric acids have 
no effect on it w 7 hen cold; hot sulphuric and hydrochloric 
acids dissolve it without decomposition, and when diluted the 
compound is precipitated; but hot nitric acid decomposes it, 
nitrous acid vapors being evolved. When heated to 265° 
Fahr. it fuses; and a few degrees higher it sublimes without 
residue, and condenses in crystalline scales with iridescent 
reflection, perfectly white and transparent, and possessing the 
same properties as before sublimation. When suddenly 
heated it boils, and is rapidly converted into vapor, without 
any separation of ammonia. It has no taste, and if pure, no 
odor; but in the form as first obtained, it has a weak aromatic 
smell. 
A portion of this compound was kept moist in a close ves- 
sel for three weeks, without the slightest evidence of change. 
Neither acids nor alkalies, nor any other means which have 
been tried, will cause the isolation of the oil of gaultheria or 
ammonia from this substance. 
