N. 0. AP0CYNACE.E. 770
after separation of the chloroform, the liquid was rendered alkaline with ammonia, and agitated first with chloroform, ether, and finally with araylic alcohol. The three extracts exhibited fluorescence when dissolved in alcohol, but the appearance was most marked in that obtained by chloroform acting on the acid solution. The chloroform extract deposited a yellowish granular mass on standing, which was non-crystalline; in taste the extract was extremely bitter : it afforded marked indication of the presence of an alkaloid, but was not wholly soluble in diluted Sulphuric acid. The ether-chloroform extract was non-crystalline, it was also bitter, but the bitter taste Was associated with some astringency ; it was wholly soluble in dilute sulphuric acid, and afforded marked indications of the presence of an alkaloid.
The amylic alcohol extract was of a dark colour, and wholly soluble in dilute sulphuric acid and very bitter : it also gave marked alkaloidal reactions. With sulphuric acid, none of the extracts afforded crystalline salts.
The aqueous extract had a bitter taste; it reduced an alkaline copper solution on boiling : with f errocyanide of potassium and acetic acid a faint turbidity was produced. The residue insoluble in water contained a large amount of starch.
At present we do not offer any opinion as to whether the alkaloidal principles we have referred to in the various extracts are identical or not. We are also at present unable to state whether these alkaloids are new or merely principles which have already been described as occuring in other plants of the same natural order. An analysis of the root of ophioxylan Serpentinum by W. Bettink has been published in Haaxman's Tijdschrift, (Jan. 1888), where no alkaloid is reported to have been found, but a crystalline body related to juglone. W T e feel convinced that the drug examined by Bettink was not authenticated. Prof. Eykman has recorded the discovery of an alkaloid in an Indian Species of Ophioxylon and later, still vl890), M. Geishoff has found an alkaloid giving a veratrine reaction with Frohde's reagent, thus substantiating our analysis. It is probable that as the root resembles Plumbago root, Prof. Bettink's ophioxylin was only plumbagin.
[Pharmacographia Indica, Vol. II, p. 415—417.]
749. Gerbera odollam, Gcertn. h.f.b.i., in. 638 ; Roxb. 232.
Vern. : — Dabur ; Dhakur (B.) ; Sukanu (M.) ; Kada mal ; Katarali ; Kadaralai ; Kadu (Tam.) ; Odallam (Mal.).
Habitat : — Salt swamps, or on the Coast of India, common in the South Concan.
A moderate-sized, evergreen tree or large shrub, wholly glab- rous. Wood grey, very soft, spongy. Branchlets whorled, very stout, marked with leaf-scars, twigs thick, shining. Leaves large, alternate, rather closely placed at end of year's growth, 5-12in.,
