paine yields a colourless crystalline substance melting at 100°, and containing the nitroso-group unchanged ; the alkaloid on oxidation with potassium permanganate in acid solution, gives rise to a variety of compounds which are still under investigation —J. Ch. S. LXXII pt, I. (1897), p. 647.
Since methylcarpaine, C14H24MeNO2, reacts with benzoic chloride, it probably contains a hydroxyl group, A glucoside, carposide, has been obtained from the leaves ; this crystallises in colourless needles, and is insoluble in ether, but soluble in alcohol, and in water. Its aqueous solution reduces Fehling's solution only after boiling with dilute sulphuric acid.— J. Ch, S. LXXIV., pt. I. (1898), p. 283.
Pure dried juice should give no reaction for starch with iodine, nor reduce Fehling's solution before or after hydrolysis.
" A question of importance to be settled is the most serviceable form of commercial papain. And since prolonged moisture is deleterious, the juice should be dried as soon as possible ; but heat is said to destroy its activity, hence it should be dried at a low temperature. A preparation of this kind is sold in commerce under the name of ' Finkler's Papain.' The best method to prepare papain is to collect the juice of the unripe fruit, mix it with twice its own volume of rectified spirit, let the mixture stand for a few hours, and then filter off the insoluble matter and dry in vacuo or over calcium chloride at the ordinary temperature of the atmosphere. After being powdered it should be kept in well-stoppered bottles ready for use. In view of a possible trade either in India or in Europe, manufacturers are recommended to observe carefully the precautions just enumerated. On account of caste difficulties, it might not prove possible to introduce animal pepsin very largely into use in India, but a good vegetable substitute might be of much value and find a ready sale." (Watt's Commercial Products of India.)
523. Modecca Palmata Lam. h.f.b.l, ii. 603.
Vern. : — Undal (Concan).
Habitat. — -Western Peninsula.
A large perennial herb, becoming woody at base ; stems long, thickened at nodes, cylindric, smooth, and shining, mottled with purple and covered with a bloom, slightly branched. Leaves large, 4-5in., broader than long, usually very deeply palmately 5-lobed (rarely 3-lobed or undivided), very glabrous and shining, especially beneath, lobes oval, narrowed at base, shortly acuminate, acute, entire, veins conspicuous, vinous- red, prominent beneath, where are often dots of red colour, and between the bases of main veins 4 circular, flat, pellucid glands as well as 2 large ones on the outer side of the lateral veins ;
