MI SC E L L AN Y 
Curcumine, the Coloring Matter of Turmeric. By M. Vogel. — In this 
paper the author gives the following as the conclusions to which he has 
arrived from the investigation of the subject: — 
1st. That curcumine may be obtained in a state of purity, by separating 
it from its combination with oxide of lead. 
2d. That concentrated sulphuric, phosphoric, and hydrochloric acids, 
dissolve curcumine, and that it may be thrown down from these solutions 
in a flocculent precipitate by means of water. 
3d. That nitric acid decomposes it, forming a yellow substance, some- 
what resembling the resins. 
4th. That it forms brow r n combinations with the alkalies, and may be 
separated by weak acids. 
5th. That it assumes a much deeper color with the salts of uranium, 
than with those of lead, or with the alkalies. 
6th. That the soluble borates form gray combinations, more or less 
decided. 
7th. That turmeric paper reddened with boraic acid, is not restored 
to yellow by acids, but assumes a blue tint when wetted with ammonia, 
and also more or less with the other alkalies. — Journ. de Pharm. 
Neio method of Preparing Chloride of Zinc. By M. Righini. 
Take of 
Chloride of barium, pure and crystallized, gxxss. 
Sulphate of zinc, pure, gxxvss. 
Distilled water, ^xxxj. 
Dissolve the sulphate of zinc in one-half the water, and the chloride of 
barium in the other half ; mix the two solutions in a matrass, apply the 
heat of a water bath for a few minutes only, to accelerate decomposition 
filter, and evaporate the liquor over a water bath, until reduced to about 
