Yucca Angustifoua: 
A CHEMICAL STUDY 
# \ 
IB IT 
HELEN C. De S. ABBOTT, 
Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science; Member of the Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia; 
of the Berliner Chemische Gesellschaft, etc., etc. 
(Repi-inted from the Transactions of the American Philosophical Society.) 
PHILADELPHIA: 
McCalla & Stavely, Printers, 
1886. A CHEMICAL STUDY 
» 
OF 
YUCCA ANGUSTIFOLIA. 
BY 
H. C. DE S ABBOTT. 
Read before the American Philosophical Society, December 18, 1885. ARTICLE III. 
A CHEMICAL STUDY OF YUCCA ANGUSTIFOLIA.* 
H. C. DE S. ABBOTT. 
Read before the American Philosophical Society, December 18, 1885. 
This plant is well known in the West as the “ soap-weed.” It grows very abun- 
dantly in most of the Western States and Territories. It has attracted the attention 
of botanists, and it is a plant of interest on account of the many uses to which it has 
been put in the countries where it is found. 
The results noted in this paper are based upon a first and introductory chemical 
analysis of the Yucca. Previously, little has been studied of its chemistry. It is 
briefly mentioned in the work of a French writer, Dr. Georges Pennetier ;f also, in a 
paper on the study of manganese found in the ash of plants in which M. Maumene 
states that the ash of the Yucca contains He does not name what spe- 
cies of Yucca was examined. The former writer gives the micro-chemical characters 
of the action of iodine and sulphuric acid, dilute chromic acid, and cuprammonia on 
the fibres of the Yucca angustifolia. 
The specimens of Yucca used in these analyses were of large growth and in good 
condition. The entire plant was examined, and a separate study made of the bark and 
wood of the root, and of the green leaf and the yellow basal part. The roots were air- 
dried, freed from adherent dust, reduced to a very fine powder, and passed through a 
80 sieve. The leaves were less finely powdered. 
DragendorfFs scheme for plant analysis§ has been generally followed. Ten 
grams of the air-dried powder were used for the preliminary examination of soluble 
substances. For every gram of the powder, ten c.. c. of the solvents were em- 
ployed. An additional quantity of the powder was prepared for special purposes. 
Five grams of the air-dried powder were dried, in a hot-air oven, at a temperature 
* An abstract of this paper was read befere the Chemical Section of the American Association for the Advance- 
ment of Science, at Ann Arbor, Michigan, August 28, 1885. 
f Leqons sur les Matieres Premieres Organiques, Paris, 1881, p. 440. 
% M. E. J. Maumen6, Bui. de la SochSt6 Chimique de Paris. Tome xlii, p. 305. 
§ Plant Analysis. Qualitative and Quantitative, by G, Dragendorff, Translated from the German by Henry 
Greenish, London,* 1884. A CHEMICAL STUDY OF YUCCA ANGUSTIFOLIA. 
255 
between 100° C. and 110° C. until the weight remained constant, for the estimation of 
moisture. This powder was incinerated in a covered porcelain crucible at a dull red 
heat until the carbon was entirely consumed. The per cent, of total ash was deter- 
mined from it. 
QUALITATIVE ASH ANALYSES. 
Calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, iron, manganese, chlorides, phosphates, 
and sulphates, were found in every part of the plant. 
I. MOISTURE 
II. TOTAL ASH 
Determination of 
on the powder. 
I. 
II. 
Color of Ash. ' 
(1.) The bark of the root 
6.78 per cent. 
11.67 
8.11 
37.00 
17.38 per cent. 
15.75 
5.75 
10.63 
reddish 
“ gray 
gray 
white 
(2.) “ wood “ 
(3.) “ green leaf 
(4.) “ yellow base of leaf 
PETROLEUM SPIRIT EXTRACTS. 
Extract (1) Baric of Boot. 
The maceration was conducted in an apparatus similar to one described in Drag- 
endorff’s “ Plant Analysis.”* A light petroleum spirit was used which boiled between 
25° C. and 45° C. The extract was filtered from the powder-residue. It was a clear 
pale yellow-colored liquid, and slightly acid in reaction. A drop of the extract on 
evaporating left a uniform spot on blue paper. The extract was evaporated at the 
ordinary temperature. The residue was a solid, and it had the odor and characteristic 
crystalline structure of fatty acids, suggesting the presence of a fixed oil. Its melt- 
ing point was taken. The substance melted at 60° C., and on cooling solidified amor- 
phous. To determine the total amount of solids extracted, a definite volume of the 
extract was evaporated, dried, and weighed. 
TOTAL SOLIDS. 
Petroleum spirit residue dried at 100° C 1.24 per cent of solids. 
“ “ “ 110° C 1.20 “ “ “ 
0.04 “ “ loss. 
The residue was identified as a fixed oil. It was soluble in petroleum spirit, 
ether, benzole, chloroform, amyl alcohol, carbon di-sulphide, and cold aqueous alka- 
lies ; incompletely soluble in cold or boiling 86 per cent, alcohol, 95 per cent, alcohol, 
absolute alcohol, acetic ether, and ammonium hydrate. Ho change of color was 
* Page 99, Tollen’s apparatus. 256 
A CHEMICAL STUDY OF 
observed on treating the fixed oil with concentrated sulphuric acid, nor on the addi- 
tion of syrupy phosphoric acid, though it was partially soluble in these acids. Phos- 
phoric acid colored it yellow; it was colored yellowish by concentrated hydrochloric 
acid and nitric acid of 1.22 specific gravity. A mixture of concentrated, sulphuric 
acid and nitric acid of 1.22 specific gravity changed the color of the fixed oil to a red- 
dish-brown ; it was colored pale green by sulphuric acid of 1.634 sp. gr. and of 1.53 
sp. gr. Calcium di-sulphide gave a bright green color reaction with the fixed oil, but 
did not form an emulsion with it; aqueous solutions of gold and platinum chlorides 
were reduced by it. The fixed oil was saponified with difficulty by alcoholic soda; 
but readily by boiling aqueous soda; a white fragile soap was separated and filtered 
from the liquid. The soap was decomposed by hydrochloric acid and the fatty acids 
separated. The filtrate from the soap was examined for glycerin. By the method* 
used, an oily liquid was obtained, it was heated with anhydrous borax on platinum 
foil, and gave the usual green-colored flame test for glycerin. The alcoholic solution 
of the petroleum spirit residue was fractionally precipitated with an alcoholic solution 
of magnesium acetate, and traces of an amorphous residue were recovered.f 
The petroleum spirit residue was digested with water containing sulphuric acid, 
and examined for alkaloids which are sometimes brought down with fixed oils. The 
usual reagents failed to detect traces of alkaloids. 
Extract (2), Wood of the Hoot. 
The maceration was carried out under the same conditions as in extract (1). 
The extract was a clear, colorless solution, neutral in reaction. A drop of the 
liquid left no uniform spot on blue paper. The extract was evaporated at the ordinary 
temperature. The residue was light yellow-colored, of a semi-solid consistency and 
melted at 36°fcC. A definite volume of the extract was evaporated, dried, and weighed. 
TOTAL SOLIDS. 
Petroleum spirit residue dried at 100° C 0.55 per cent of solids. 
“ “ “ 110° C 0.35 “ 
0.20 “ “ loss. 
The residue was identified as a fixed oil; associated with volatile fatty acids. 
The latter were indicated by the 0.2 per cent of loss, and the disagreeable odor of the 
residue which was dissipated on heating at 110° C. 
The petroleum spirit residue from the extract was evaporated at the ordinary tem- 
perature, dissolved with difficulty in cold 95 per cent, alcohol, and in boiling weaker 
* “Plant Analysis.” G. Draggendorff, p. 12. 
fLoc. cit., page 16. 257 
YUCCA A^CUSTIFOLIA. 
alcohol; absolute alcohol hardened and discolored it. Concentrated sulphuric acid, 
nitric acid, and hydrochloric acid, did not appreciably act on the residue. It was not 
saponified, but slowly dissolved by boiling aqueous and alcoholic soda. The alco- 
holic solution of the petroleum spirit residue was submitted to a fractional precipi- 
tation with an alcoholic solution of magnesium acetate. The first precipitation 
obtained was purified by boiling alcohol; it was an opaque scaly crystalline solid 
which melted at 85° C. The second precipitation yielded traces of a white amorphous 
substance. The third precipitation resulted from adding strong ammonia water to the 
magnesium acetate solution, and the purified residue melted at 60° C. 
Negative tests for alkaloids followed an examination of the aqueous treatment of 
the petroleum spirit residue. 
Extract (3), Qreen Part of the Leaf. 
The method of extraction was the same as that used in the previous extractions. 
The extract was clear, pale green in color, and non-fluorescent. It was colored by a 
small quantity of chlorophyll, which the petroleum spirit dissolved. The liquid was 
acid in reaction. A drop of it left a permanent stain on blue paper when evaporating. 
The extract was evaporated at the ordinary temperature, and the residue was a dark 
greenish-yellow semi-fluid substance. The solidifying point was taken. It was found 
to be about 15° C. A definite volume of the petroleum spirit extract was evaporated, 
dried, and weighed. 
TOTAI. SOIjIDS. 
Petroleum spirit residue dried at 100° C 2.20 per cent of solids. 
“ “ “ 110° C 2.01 
0.19 “ “ loss. 
The petroleum spirit residue was identified as a fixed oil with a small amount of 
chlorophyll that had been brought into solution by it. It was soluble in cold 83 per 
cent, alcohol, 95 per cent, alcohol, absolute alcohol, amyl alcohol, ether, acetic ether, 
chloroform, benzole, carbon di-sulphide and glycerin. It was also soluble in oil of 
turpentine, almond oil, ammonium hydrate, mercuric chloride, and slowly soluble in 
acetic acid. Concentrated nitric acid, and hydrochloric acid slowly dissolved the 
fixed oil, the former colored it dark green, and on stirring the mixture the color was 
changed to a brown. Concentrated sulphuric acid dissolved and changed it to a very 
dark-brown color; on adding concentrated nitric acid, the liquid was changed to a 
reddish-brown color. 
The following reactions were noted: The fixed oil changed to a hard greenish- 
yellow substance on heating it with anhydrous borax on platinum foil. When rubbed 258 
A CHEMICAL STUDY OF 
on a crucible lid with powdered rosaniline, it was colored red, showing the presence of 
free fatty acids. It did not emulsify with calcium di-sulphide nor with syrupy anti- 
mony chloride, but it was colored dark-green by the latter. It was imperfectly dis- 
solved by phosphoric acid, and slowly soluble in equal parts of cane sugar and concen- 
trated hydrochloric acid; more rapidly soluble in equal parts of cane sugar and nitric 
acid. An aqueous solution of picric acid made alkaline by sodium carbonate colored 
the fixed oil a light reddish-brown color, cane sugar added to the solution facilitated 
dissolving it. It was instantly dissolved by equal parts of picric acid and acid ammo- 
nium phosphate, and on warming with stannous chloride, leaving a turbid yellow- 
colored liquid. It was insoluble in aqueous barium hydrate; soluble in alcoholic am- 
monia with no coloration, and in sulphurous acid. It was colored brown when mixed 
with sulphuric acid of 1.634 specific gravity, and incompletely dissolved-; it was also 
colored brown by ferric chloride. On adding to the fixed oil sulphuric acid of 1.4T5 
specific gravity, and a small quantity of zinc, hydrogen was generated, and the solubil- 
ity of the oil in the acid liquid was accompanied by a rosy tint given to the solution. 
Extract (4), Yellow Part of the Leaf. 
This extract was obtained by a similar process as that used for the other petro- 
leum spirit extracts. The extract was a pale yellow-colored liquid. The reaction was 
slightly acid. A uniform spot was left on blue paper as the drop evaporated. The 
petroleum spirit was evaporated at the ordinary temperature, and a yellow-colored 
residue recovered, of a semi-solid consistency and crystalline in structure. It solidi- 
fied at 12° C. From a definite volume of the petroleum spirit extract, the amount of 
total solids was determined. 
TOTAL SOLIDS. 
Petroleum, spirit residue dried at 100°tC 1.1 per cent of solids. 
“ “ “ 110° C 1.1 
0.00 “ “ loss. 
The residue was identified as a fixed oil. It was soluble in warm absolute alcohol, 
incompletely soluble in weaker alcohol; soluble in cold acetic ether, chloroform, ben- 
zole, amyl alcohol, ether, carbon di-sulphide, and glycerin. It was saponified with 
aqueous soda and a white soap separated. No reaction was observed with picric acid 
and ammonium phosphate, nor with nitric acid of 1.32 specific gravity and 1.18 spe- 
cific gravity. The fixed oil was soluble in potassio-mercuric iodide solution; and 
colored dark-brown by alcoholic ammonia. A mixture of ferric chloride solution and 
powdered rosaniline gave a fine violet-colored reaction with the fixed oil. 
An examination of the aqueous treatment of the petroleum spirit residues (3) and YUCCA ANGUSTIFOLIA. 
259 
(4), for alkaloids, gave negative results. A portion of the original powder, from each 
of the four parts of the plant, was mixed with an aqueous solution of caustic soda, 
and the distillate examined for volatile alkaloids with negative results. 
SUMMARY i. 
Petroleum Spirit Extracts. 
Solids extracted. 
Character of residue 
Reaction with 
litmus. 
Melting point. 
Solidifying point. 
1. The bark of the root..... 
2. “ wood “ 
3. “ green leaf 
4. “ yellow base of leaf.. 
1.24 per cent. 
0.55 
2.20 “ 
1.10 
fixed oil 
t i < < 
/ «« « 1 
1. chlorophyll / 
fixed oil 
slightly acid 
neutral 
acid 
faintly acid 
60° C. 
36° C. 
f semi-fluid at 1 
ordinary V 
(temperature j 
f solid at ordinary 
\ temperature 
15° C. 
12° C. 
The solids extracted by petroleum spirit from the four parts of the plant are iden- 
tified as fixed oils*; associated with a volatile principle (0.2 per cent) in extract 
(2), and with traces of chlorophyll in extract (3). 
Fixed oil (1) was crystalline in structure. It was soluble in ether, chloroform, 
benzole, carbon di-sulphide, and amyl alcohol; incompletely soluble in cold or boiling 
alcohol, acetic ether, and ammonium hydrate. It was colored pale green by sulphuric 
acid of 1.634 specific gravity, and changed to a bright-green color by calcium di- 
sulphide, but formed no emulsion with it. Phosphoric acid colored it yellow. The 
fixed oil was saponified, and a white soap separated. This was decomposed, and the 
fatty acids recovered. Glycerin was separated from the soap filtrate. 
Fixed oil (2) was dissolved with difficulty in boiling 95 per cent, alcohol, and 
hardened and discolored by absolute alcohol. It was not saponified. Crystalline 
solids were separated by precipitating the alcoholic solution with magnesium acetate. 
They melted at 85° C., and at 60° C., respectively. 
Fixed oil (3) was soluble in alcohol, ether, chloroform, benzole, carbon di-sul- 
phide, oil of turpentine, almond oil, glycerin, and slowly soluble in acetic ether. The 
presence of free fatty acids was demonstrated. The fixed oil was colored dark-green 
by syrupy antimony chloride; on adding to it sulphuric acid of 1.475 specific gravity, 
and a small quantity of zinc, hydrogen was generated, and the solubility of the oil in 
the acid liquid was accompanied by a rosy tint given to the solution. 
Fixed oil (4) was crystalline in structure. It was soluble in warm absolute 
alcohol, in cold acetic ether, chloroform, benzole, amyl alcohol, ether, carbon di-sul- 
phide, and glycerin. It was saponified, and a white soap separated. The fixed oil 
was colored dark-brown by alcoholic ammonia, and a mixture of ferric chloride solu- 
tion and powdered rosaniline gave a violet-colored reaction with it. 
* Fixed Oils. Science, Sept. 11, 1885. 
A. P. s.—VOL. XVI. 2a. 260 
A CHEMICAL STUDY OF 
These fixed oils differed in their physical characters and chemical reactions. 
This difference may be due to the presence of free fatty acids and glycerides in vary- 
ing proportions in the four parts of the plant. It is of interest to note that in the sub- 
terranean part of the Yucca, the oil extracted from the bark was solid at the ordinary 
temperature; from the wood it was of a less solid consistency; while the yellow base 
of the leaf contained an oil quite soft, and in the green leaf the oil was almost fluid. 
Extract (2) contained an oil of low melting point. It melted at 36° C. An 
alcoholic solution was fractionally precipitated with magnesium acetate, and three 
members of the fatty acid series were isolated. The quantities obtained were small, 
and it was impossible to do more than to take the melting point of two of the purified 
crystalline residues. They melted at 85° C., and at (50° C. respectively. It is a well- 
known fact that a mixture of fat acids in certain proportions has a lower melting point 
than those of its constituents. 
Alkaloids and volatile-alkaloids were not detected in the 'petroleum spirit extracts. 
ETHER EXTRACTS. 
Extract (1), Baric of the Boot. 
The residual powder from the petroleum spirit extraction was dried until 
thoroughly freed from petroleum spirit. It was then macerated with Squibbs’ stronger 
ether in the apparatus already described. The ethereal extract was filtered from the 
powder. It was a clear crimson-colored liquid, tinted by some red coloring matter 
dissolved; and acid in reaction. The extract was slowly evaporated at the ordinary 
temperature; white needle-shaped crystals were seen as the liquid concentrated. The 
ethereal residue was of a resinous character. It was ruby-colored, transparent, and of 
a softer consistency than ordinary resin. Microscopically, the residue was identified 
as a resin by its color reaction with Hanstein’s aniline violet solution.* The ethereal 
residue was treated with petroleum spirit to remove any traces of fat that may have 
been extracted with it. It was heated in a small tube, at 50° C. it experienced a 
slight change, and melted at 70° C. For a determination of the total solids, a defi- 
nite volume of the ethereal extract was evaporated, dried, and weighed. 
TOTAL SOLIDS. 
Ethereal residue dried at 100° C 3.16 per cent of solids. 
“ “ “ 110° C 3.16 “ “ “ 
0.00 “ “ loss. 
The resin was incompletely soluble in 95 per cent, alcohol, absolute alcohol, and 
* Botanical Micro-Cliemistry. Poulsen-Trclease. Boston, 1884, p. 59. 261 
YUCCA ANGUSTIFOLIA. 
amyl alcohol; readily soluble in ether; not appreciably soluble in chloroform, benzole, 
and carbon di-sulphide. It was dissolved by sulphuric acid to a colorless solution, 
which, on warming, turned to a yellow color, and gradually darkened to a dull brown 
color, fading to a pale yellow. 
An attempt was made to separate the white needle-shaped crystals mentioned 
above. The ethereal residue was agitated with acetic ether. The liquid was filtered 
from the insoluble matter and evaporated. Traces of a resinous substance were sepa- 
rated. The insoluble matter was treated with boiling ether, filtered hot, and the fil- 
trate concentrated. On cooling, the white needle-shaped crystals reappeared. They 
were insoluble in water and in acetic ether. 
A separate portion of the ethereal extract was evaporated, and treated with warm 
distilled water. The aqueous extract was made up to a definite volume, and a known 
quantity evaporated, dried, and weighed. The amount of total solids was almost in- 
appreciable by weight. The aqueous extract was not colored by iron salts, and it did 
not form a precipitate with alum and gelatine solution, lead acetate, potassio-mercuric 
iodide, nor gold chloride solutions; showing absence of tannin, gallic acid, and alka- 
loids. The ethereal extract was directly tested for these compounds, and with nega- 
tive results. A portion of the aqueous extract was evaporated to dryness, and treated 
with potassa solution, and the residue dissolved with no coloration. Another por- 
tion of the aqueous extract was agitated with acetic-ether, and the liquids were sepa- 
rated ; on evaporating the acetic ether solution, traces of a residue were obtained 
which sulphuric acid acted upon. A resinous substance separated from the green- 
ish-colored acid liquid, the former was partially disintegrated by cold water. 
The specific gravity of the resin was 1.091. 
Extract (2), the Wood of the Root. 
The residual powder from the petroleum spirit extraction was macerated in 
stronger ether. The ethereal extract was of a reddish-yellow color; slightly acid in 
reaction. It was slowly evaporated at the ordinary temperature, and as the liquid con- 
centrated, white needle-shaped crystals appeared, and presented the same physical 
structure as the crystals found in the ether extract (1). 
The ethereal residue was identified as a resin. It was a transparent, ruby-colored 
substance, and acid in reaction. It was heated to 50° C., at that temperature its color 
deepened, and at 70° C. it melted. The specific gravity of the resin was 1.091. A 
definite volume of the ether extract was evaporated, dried, and weighed to determine 
the amount of total solids. 262 
A CHEMICAL STUDY OF 
TOTAL SOLIDS. 
Ethereal residue dried at 100° C 1.70 per cent, of solids 
“ “ “ 110° C 1.45 “ “ “ 
0.25 “ “ loss. 
The resin was examined by Hirschsohn’s scheme* with a view to classify it 
with known resins. It was imperfectly soluble in 95 per cent, alcohol and chloroform ; 
soluble in ether. The alcoholic solution gave a turbidity with lead acetate, not cleared 
upon boiling, and with ferric chloride formed a clear mixture. Concentrated sulphuric 
acid dissolved the resin, leaving a dark yellow-brown liquid which faded to a dull yel- 
low color. The sulphuric acid solution when mixed with alcohol, changed to a pale 
gray color. On addition of water to the acid solution, there was no coloration nor 
separation of the resin. Alcohol containing hydrochloric acid gave no color reaction 
with the resin. Bromine solution added to the chloroform-resin extract, and iodine 
solution to the ether-petroleum-resin extract, gave no reactions. Sodium carbonate at 
the ordinary temperature had no elfect on the resin, but on boiling the liquid was 
colored yellow. 
By the above examination, this resin was thrown out of the numerous classes of 
described resins. It is proposed to name it yuccal.t 
Yuccal was soluble in boiling-absolute alcohol and acetic ether; incompletely 
soluble in benzole, carbon di-sulphide, alcoholic ammonia, and cold acetic ether. The 
red color of the resin was removed by cold acetic ether, a transparent substance 
remaining, soluble in hot acetic ether.J Yuccal was dissolved by potassio-mercuric 
iodide. It reduced aqueous solutions of gold and platinum chlorides. A blood-red 
color reaction was obtained by warming a small quantity of the resin on a crucible lid 
with a crystal of ammonium molybdate and a few drops of nitric acid. On adding to 
the resin mixture a few drops of strong sulphuric acid, and again warming, it was dis- 
solved. Warm dilute nitric acid dissolved the resin, colorless ; cold nitric acid gave a 
brownish-green color reaction.§ Yuccal was heated on platinum foil, and as it decom- 
*E. Hirsclisolin. Watts Chem. Diet. Yol. viii, Pt. ii, p. 1743. 
f I suggest that in future all resins be distinguished by the terminal syllable al, for uniformity of resin nomencla- 
ture. Yuccal ; Science, September 11, 1885, p. 210. 
$ I have examined the action of acetic ether as a solvent for resins. Cold acetic ether dissolved ordinary resin, 
turpentine, styrax, tolu-balsam, mastic, elemi, Canada-balsam, Peru-balsam, copaiba-balsam, Yenice-turpentine, and 
incompletely spruce gum, and yuccal. In hot acetic ether spruce-gum and yuccal were soluble. The following resins 
were insoluble in hot or cold acetic ether, guiacum, sandarac, shellac, benzoin, olibanum, ammoniac, myrrh, galba- 
num, and asafoetida. 
§ A reddish-yellow decomposition product resulted from the action of nitric acid on many resins which fol- 
lowed generally quite soon after adding the acid to a small quantity of the resin (0.1 gram of the resin and 5 c. c. of 
nitric acid 1.4 sp. gr.). But the reaction which took place varied according to the conditions, i. e., strength of acid used, 263 
YUCCA ANGUSTIFOLIA. 
posed the fumes that were given off were pleasant and aromatic. Tests failed to show 
the presence of benzoic or cinnamic acids. 
The ethereal residue was treated with warm water, and on cooling, the liquid was 
agitated with acetic ether, which was separated, and when evaporated yielded a small 
quantity of resinous substance. The ethereal residue insoluble in water was treated 
with boiling ether, and as the liquid concentrated, the white needle-shaped crystals 
were seen floating in it, but on further concentration they could not be seen, and a 
yellow greasy-looking mass settled in the bottom of the beaker. On driving off the 
ether, a transparent and ruby-colored resinous substance remained. The aqueous 
extract obtained in the way described above gave no coloration with iron salts, and no 
precipitate with gelatine and alum solution, potassio-mercuric iodide, or gold chloride 
solutions. Fehling’s solution was not reduced by boiling, though the aqueous ex- 
tract was boiled with acid, then rendered alkaline before adding the copper test. The 
preceding tests gave negative results for gallic acid, tannin, alkaloids, and glucosides. 
A portion of the aqueous extract was acidified and agitated successively with differ- 
ent solvents, for glucosides, bitter principles, and alkaloids which may be removed 
from solution by this means. The acid liquid was then rendered alkaline with am- 
monia, and agitated successively with the same order of solvents that were used with 
the acidified liquid. Yo solids were separated by these methods. The ethereal residue 
insoluble in water was treated with alcohol; and yielded traces of a resinous sub- 
stance. The residue insoluble in water and alcohol was not dissolved by ether, acids 
or alkalies. 
Yuccal or the ethereal residue soluble in ether and alcohol was saponified, and the 
soap boiled with lead acetate. The yellow masses were collected on a filter and treated 
with boiling ether, and the filtrate was slowly evaporated. The residue was a granular 
solid. This substance was imperfectly purified by repeated boiling with ether, and a 
solid of crystalline structure obtained. It gave an acid reaction with litmus, and a red 
color with concentrated sulphuric acid. The acid dissolved a substance enclosing the 
crystals, leaving the structure of the latter uninjured and colored. Strong nitric acid 
dissolved the crystals with no coloration. They were soluble in absolute alcohol, 
amyl alcohol, benzole, chloroform, glycerin, and a solution of alcoholic soda; soluble 
in potassium iodide, potassium chromate, mercurous nitrate, cobalt nitrate, potassium 
ferro-and-ferri-cyanide solutions; insoluble in ammonia and aqueous alkalies. 
the application of heat to the resin acid mixture, or the addition of solvents to the mixture. The more concentrated 
the acid the more rapid was the reaction. The application of heat also hastened the change, especially if a more dilute 
acid was used in the mixture. Some solvents acted like heat by increasing the energy of the reactions. Alcohol and 
ether were active solvents, and the reaction was attended by the escape of nitrous fumes from the combination of alco- 
hol or ether and nitric acid. Chloroform and benzole were indifferent. Amyl alcohol acted feebly. 264 
A CHEMICAL STUDY OF 
Yuccal was treated with spirit of different strengths, as a means of separating 
resin acids if any were present. It was treated with 85 per cent, spirit; an opaque 
brown substance was left undissolved, which was soluble in absolute alcohol; insolu- 
ble in ether, and colored brown by concentrated sulphuric acid. The color was not 
discharged by alcohol or ether. The 85 per cent, spirit solution was evaporated, and 
the residue treated with 50 per cent, spirit and a small quantity of a brown residue 
was insoluble. The 50 per cent, spirit solution on evaporating left a non-crystalline, 
transparent, reddish-colored solid; acid to litmus. It was colored cherry-red by con- 
centrated sulphuric acid, and slowly dissolved to a yellowish-red liquid. 
Extract (3), the Green Part of the Leaf. 
The residual powder from the petroleum spirit maceration was thoroughly dried, 
and again placed in the percolator. It was treated with Squibbs’ stronger ether. The 
extract was a deep-green colored liquid and fluorescent. The reaction was slightly 
acid. Alcohol, benzole, and petroleum spirit added to the ethereal extract did not 
cause a precipitation. An amorphous and green-colored residue was obtained on 
evaporating the extract. The amount of total solids was estimated from a definite 
volume of the extract, which was evaporated, dried, and weighed. 
TOTAL SOLIDS. 
Ethereal residue dried at 100° C 1.25 per cent of solids. 
“ “ “ 110° C 1.14 “ “ “ 
0.11 “ “ loss. 
The ethereal residue was brought into a state of fine division and treated with 
water. The amount of total solids soluble in ether and water was 0.34 per cent. The 
aqueous extract was neutral in reaction. It was faintly colored and slightly bitter to 
the taste. It was not colored by iron salts nor precipitated with alum and gelatine 
solution, showing absence of gallic acid or tannin. Copper solutions were not reduced, 
indicating absence of glucosides, though the precaution was observed of boiling the 
aqueous extract with acid and rendering alkaline before adding the copper solution. 
The aqueous extract was agitated with acetic ether and a distinctly crystalline resi- 
due separated. Under the microscope these crystals were white, needle-shaped and 
arranged in bundles. They did not respond to tests for gallic acid. Potash solution 
formed a yellow mixture with the crystals. The color was discharged by a drop of 
hydrochloric acid. Chloroform did not dissolve any substance from the ethereal 
residue. The ethereal residue was treated with acidulated water and tested negatively 
for alkaloids. 
The ethereal residue insoluble in water was treated with alcohol. The amount of YUCCA ANGUSTIFOLIA. 
265 
substances insoluble in water, and soluble in ether and alcohol was 0.15 per cent. The 
alcoholic solution was evaporated, and the residue was crystalline in structure. 
Concentrated sulphuric acid imperfectly dissolved it, and gave a reddish-yellow color 
reaction; acetic ether discolored the solution. The alcoholic residue was insoluble in 
acetic ether, cold and boiling aqueous alkalies; soluble in chloroform. It saponified 
with alcoholic soda. 
The amount of the ethereal residue insoluble in water and alcohol was 0.65 per cent. 
It not soluble in alcoholic or aqueous soda. This would indicate a resin anhy- 
dride. Concentrated sulphuric acid gave no color reaction with it; and a mixture of 
sulphuric acid and cane sugar dissolved the residue. 
The ethereal residue on treating with cold ether was not entirely soluble in it. It 
was soluble in chloroform, benzole, and carbon di sulphide ; incompletely soluble in cold 
alcohol, and insoluble in amyl alcohol. The ethereal residue was treated with 95 per 
cent, alcohol, in which it was slightly soluble. A turbidity formed in the alcoholic so- 
lution on adding lead acetate, ferric chloride, ammonium hydrate, and sulphuric acid; 
it did not clear up on warming. Hydrochloric acid made a muddy mixture with the 
alcoholic solution. The ethereal residue was not entirely soluble in acetic ether; the 
latter separated coloring matter from it. The ethereal residue, insoluble in acetic ether 
and freed from coloring matter (chlorophyll), was a resinous substance. It melted at 
80° C. The resin was boiled with absolute alcohol, and on throwing the alcoholic so- 
lution into cold water it was precipitated as a white cloud. It was not saponified. 
Extract (4), Yellow Base of Leaf. 
The residual powder from the petroleum spirit maceration was dried and extracted 
with stronger ether. The ether extract was a turbid yellow liquid; slightly acid in reac- 
tion. On evaporating the ethereal extract at the ordinary temperature a reddish-yellow 
granular solid remained. It melted at 79° C. For the determination of total solids 
extracted, a definite volume of the extract was evaporated, dried, and weighed. 
I. 
TOTAL SOLIDS. 
Ethereal residue dried at 100° 1-7 Per cent of solids. 
“ “ “ 110° 1.7 “ “ '* 
0.0 “ “ loss. 
The ethereal residue was treated successively with distilled water, alcohol, and 
ether. 
ii. 
Substances souble in ether and water 0-8 Per cent* 
“ “ “ alcohol 0*4 “ 
insoluble in water and “ 0.5 
Total solids, 1-7 266 
A CHEMICAL STUDY OF 
The aqueous extract gave a neutral reaction with litmus. Negative results fol- 
lowed examination for tannin, gallic acid, glucosides, alkaloids, and any compounds 
containing nitrogen. 
The ethereal residue (the residue insoluble in water) was an opaque reddish-yellow 
colored substance, and was identified as a resin. It melted at 79° C. It was insoluble 
in ether, benzole, chloroform, and acetic ether; incompletely soluble in cold absolute 
alcohol, amyl-alcohol, carbon di-sulphide, and oil of turpentine. It was soluble in 
aqueous and alcoholic soda. On boiling with them, it was saponified. Concentrated 
sulphuric acid dissolved the resin and colored it a yellowish-brown. Chloroform 
formed a turbid mixture with the acid solution. The action of strong nitric acid on 
the resin was slow. The resin was incompletely soluble in 95 per cent, alcohol. Lead 
acetate gave a cloudiness with the alcoholic solution which increased on boiling. Ferric 
chloride thickened the alcoholic solution, and on boiling it gave a yellow precipitate 
which was insoluble in acids, alkalies, absolute alcohol, and acetic ether. The chloro- 
form extract gave no coloration with bromine solution. 
SUMMARY II. 
Ethereal Extracts. 
Solids ex- 
tracted. 
Character of 
residue. 
Reaction with 
litmus. 
Melting 
Point. 
Specific 
gravity 
Substances 
soluble in 
ether and 
water. 
Substances 
soluble in 
alcohol 
and water. 
Substances 
soluble only 
in ether. 
1. The bark of the root 
2. “ wood “ 
3. • “ green leaf. 
4. “ yellow base of leaf... 
3.16 p. ct. 
1.70 “ 
1.25 “ 
1.70 “ 
resin 
{ chlorophyll } 
resin 
acid 
slightly “ 
iC <( 
<t t< 
70° C. 
700 c. 
80° c. 
79° c. 
1.091 
1.091 
traces 
0.34 p. ct. 
0.80 “ 
traces 
0.15 p. ct. 
0.40 “ 
0.65 p. ct. 
0.50 “ 
The residues from the ether extracts (1) and (2) of the bark and of the wood of the 
root contained resins which were identified as the same compound. They correspond 
in color, melting point, specific gravity, solubilities, and reactions. The resin is a 
transparent, ruby-colored substance, crystalline in structure, and of a softer consist- 
ency than ordinary resin. It was examined by Hirschsohn’s scheme.* It differed 
from all described resins in its reactions with the reagents used to identify them. It 
is proposed to name it yuccal.f 
Yuccal is imperfectly soluble in 95 per cent, alcohol; soluble in boiling absolute 
alcohol, in cold ether, and amyl alcohol; not appreciably soluble in chloroform, benzole, 
carbon di-sulphide, and alcoholic ammonia. Cold acetic ether dissolved the coloring 
matter from the resin, leaving a colorless solid. Hot acetic ether dissolved it perfectly. 
Yuccal when heated on platinum foil gave off as it burned a pleasant and aromatic 
* Loc. cit. 
fSee foot-note, ether extract (2). 267 
YUCCA ANGUSTIFOLIA. 
odor. Tests failed to show the presence of benzoic or cinnamic acids. A blood-red 
color reaction was obtained by warming yuccal with a crystal of ammonium molybdate 
and a few drops of strong nitric acid. Warm dilute nitric acid dissolved the resin, color- 
less ; cold nitric acid gave a brownish-green color reaction. Yuccal was mixed with 
concentrated nitric acid and heated. After some time had passed, an energetic reac- 
tion occurred and nitrous fumes w~ere given off. A yellowish-brown residue was one of 
the products of the reaction. This residue was almost insoluble in water, or acids. It 
was soluble in alcohol and potassium hydrate.* 
As the ether extracts (1) and (2) were concentrated, white needle-shaped crystals 
appeared floating in the liquids, whose physical structure, and insolubility in water 
and acetic ether, suggested identical substances. The crystals separated from yuccal 
by the lead acetate method, already described, have not been sufficiently studied to 
identify them with the white needle-shaped crystals in the ether extracts nor with any 
class of chemical compounds. However, the absence of gallic acid, glucosides, and 
alkaloids in the aqueous extracts from the ethereal residues, would show that the 
crystals separated from yuccal are a constituent part of the resin. 
The experiments with spirit of different strengths are only of value, so far as they 
were carried out, in showing the possibility of separating the resin into distinct parts.f 
Tannin was not present in these ethereal extracts. 
Ethereal extract (3) was green-colored and fluorescent from the chlorophyll of the 
leaves. On evaporating, the ethereal residue was amorphous and of a green color. 
The aqueous extract obtained from treating this ethereal residue was neutral in reaction 
and bitter to the taste. It contained neither gallic acid, tannin, nor glucosides. It was 
agitated with acetic ether, and the solvent removed a solid, which under the micro- 
scope proved to be white needle-shaped crystals arranged in bundles. Potash solu- 
tion formed a yellow-colored mixture with the crystals, hydrochloric acid discharged 
the color. The subject has been too little studied to state definitely if these crystals 
are or are not identical with the crystals found in the ethereal extracts (1) and (2). But 
it should be noted, that unless the crystals from Ethereal extract (3) are brought into 
aqueous solution mechanically by some compound not present in ethereal extracts (1), and 
(2), the indications are in favor of the crystals front (3) not being identical with them; 
for the crystals from (1) and (2) were insoluble in water and not removed by acetic 
ether. 
*See foot-note 3, ether extract (2). 
f The amount of material on which these experiments, as well as others described in this paper, were tried, was 
too small in quantity for me to obtain more conclusive results. The facts which have been ascertained will serve as a 
guide in future investigations. 268 
A CHEMICAL STUDY OF 
The ethereal residue was treated with acidulated water and tested negatively for 
alkaloids. 
The ethereal residue insoluble in water was a mixture of two resins (I) and (II). 
The one (I) was dissolved by absolute alcohol, the other (II) was mostly soluble in 
ether. The alcoholic residue was crystalline. It was insoluble in acetic ether, but 
was saponified with alcoholic soda. The ether residue was a resin anhydride; it was 
insoluble in alcohol, and in alcoholic or aqueous alkalies. 
The amorphous and green-colored ethereal residue was not entirely redissolved by 
cold ether. It was soluble in chloroform, benzole and carbon di-sulphide ; incompletely 
soluble in cold alcohol, and insoluble in amyl alcohol. It was slightly soluble in 95 per 
cent, alcohol and in acetic ether. The latter separated the green coloring matter from 
it. The resinous mass insoluble in acetic ether melted at 80° C. It was not saponi- 
fied. This resinous mass insoluble in acetic ether is a mixture of the two resins just 
described (I) and (II). It was noticeable that the resinous mass was not saponified. 
Resin (I) was saponified. Resin (II) did not saponify, and as this resin exceeded in 
amount by 0.5 per cent, resin (I), it would show that a certain percentage of resin 
anhydride in a mixture of two resins forbids the saponification of the mixture. 
It was not determined if the crystals dissolved by water and separated by acetic 
ether were a part of resin (I) or resin (II) or an independent compound. 
Ethereal extract (4) was a turbid yellow liquid. On evaporating, a reddish-yellow 
granular solid remained. The extract from the aqueous treatment was tested with 
negative results for tannin, gallic acid, glucosides, and alkaloids. The ethereal residue 
insoluble in water was identified as a resin. It was soluble in ether, benzole, chloro- 
form, and acetic ether; incompletely soluble in cold absolute alcohol, amyl alcohol, 
carbon di-sulphide, and oil of turpentine. It was saponified. A resin was extracted 
by boiling absolute alcohol from the residual powder of the leaves (the yellow base) 
which was identified as the same resin, and the name of pyrophaeal* was proposed 
for it. 
I. Resins (1) and (2) are identical substances (yuccal). 
II. Ethereal residue (3) is a mixture of two resins, and a crystalline principle 
soluble in water. 
III. Resin (4) pyrophaeal is identical with a resin found in alcoholic extract (4). 
ALCOHOLIC EXTRACTS. 
Extract (1), Baric of the Root. 
The residual powder from the ether extraction was dried, and replaced in the 
percolator. The maceration was conducted at the boiling temperature of alcohol. 
* PyropLueal. Science, September 11, 1885. 269 
YUCCA ANGUSTIFOLIA. 
Squibb’s stronger alcohol was used. A dark red-colored liquid was extracted. It 
was neutral in reaction with litmus. The alcoholic extract was evaporated in a current 
of carbonic acid. The residue was non-crystalline and of a red color. A definite volume 
of the alcoholic extract was evaporated, dried until the weight remained constant, and 
the residue incinerated in a weighed platinum dish and the ash estimated. 
I. 
TOTAL SOLIDS. 
Alcoholic residue dried at 100° C 9.25 per cent. 
“ “ “ 110° C 9.25 “ 
“ “ ash 0.2 “ 
The alcoholic residue was treated with distilled water, and a definite volume of 
the extract was evaporated, dried, and weighed. The alcoholic residue insoluble in 
water was treated with water containing ammonia (one part in fifty). This ammoni- 
acal extract was evaporated with excess of acetic acid, and the residue rinsed with a 
little water on a filter, dried, and weighed. The dried aqueous extract insoluble in 
ammonia was then estimated. 
II. 
Distilled water residue 3.22 per cent. 
Ammonia “ “ 5.43 “ 
Insoluble “ “ 0.60 “ 
Total solids 9.25 “ 
The aqueous extract from the alcoholic residue was studied as follows: It was 
not colored by a ferroso-ferric salt nor precipitated by gelatine and alum solutions, 
showing absence of gallic acid and tannin. A portion of the aqueous extract was 
acidified with sulphuric acid and agitated successively with petroleum spirit, benzole, 
chloroform, and amyl alcohol. The acidified liquid was rendered alkaline by ammonia 
and agitated with the solvents in the same order. Petroleum spirit removed from the 
acidified solution traces of an amorphous residife, soluble in sulphuric acid and caustic 
soda. Benzole and chloroform separated no substances from the solution. As the 
amyl alcohol solution was evaporating white needle-shaped crystals were seen floating 
in the liquid. On drying the residue they were decomposed and melted, leaving a dark- 
colored liquid. Several attempts were made to dry these crystals, without success. 
A few of the crystals were recovered from the solution, and tested for alkaloids; no 
reactions were obtained with the usual reagents for them. 
Glucose was estimated from the aqueous extract. The liquid was heated over a 
water bath with Fehling’s solution, and the precipitated red cuprous oxide was thrown 
upon a weighed filter, dried, and incinerated. The glucose was estimated gravimetri- 270 
A CHEMICAL STUDY OF 
cally by calculating the amount of cupric oxide. It yielded 0.619 per cent. A portion 
of the aqueous extract was boiled with acid, neutralized, and heated over a water bath 
with Fehling’s solution to calculate, by difference, saccharose or other reducible com- 
pounds, and by this method 0.18 per cent, was obtained. 
The alcoholic extract was described as being deeply colored. This coloring prin- 
ciple* was completely precipitated by sub-acetate of lead. The lead precipitate wras 
collected on a filter, suspended in water, and decomposed by sulphuretted hydrogen, 
filtered, and the filtrate freed from all odor. It was allowed to evaporate slowly 
over sulphuric acid. The residue was a brownish-gray mass, interspersed with 
fine crystals which radiated from a nucleus. The mass was weighed and gave 3.27 
per cent, of solids. Another portion of the alcoholic extract was agitated with water 
and acetic ether. The coloring matter was taken up by the acetic ether, and on 
evaporating a red-colored substance was recovered. It was dried and weighed, yield- 
ing 2.2 per cent. This red-colored residue was perfectly soluble in cold water. This 
solution was tested with the following reagents: It gave with potassium bichromate 
a creamy-colored precipitate; ferric chloride, a yellowish-green precipitate; ferrous sul- 
phate a reddish-brown precipitate; stannous chloride, no precipitate, a yellow cloudy 
liquid; alum, a cloudy solution; neutral acetate of lead, a slight precipitate. The 
red color of the coloring matter was brought out on addition of alkalies. It was 
destroyed by acids. 
Extract (2), Wood of the Boot 
The residual powder from the ether treatment was dried and macerated with 
Squibb’s stronger alcohol. The alcoholic extract was neutral in reaction ; when warm 
it was a clear reddish-golden-colored liquid. On cooling, a creamy-white solid settled 
at the bottom of the flask. This substance was soluble in water, and was identified 
as saponin by the usual tests for it. A definite volume of the alcoholic extract was 
evaporated in a current of carbonic acid, dried, and weighed. The residue was incin- 
erated in a weighed platinum crucible for the ash determination. 
TOTAL SOLIDS. 
Alcoholic residue dried at 100° C 14.3 per cent. 
“ “ “ 110° C. 14.3 
“ “ ash 00.1 “ 
The alcoholic residue was treated with cold water in which it was soluble. A 
cloudy solution was formed, and on shaking, it became frothy, and presented the 
appearance of an emulsion. It was allowed to stand for several days to see if the 
resinous matter separated, but the emulsion was permanent, as no separation had 
* A red crystalline coloring matter. Science, September 11, 1885. 271 
YUCCA ASTGUSTIFOLIA. 
taken place. The emulsified liquid was agitated with acetic ether, and this solvent 
readily separated most of the resin from the aqueous portion. The water extract was 
then evaporated to dryness and redissolved in water. Gelatine and alum solution did 
not precipitate the extract, showing absence of tannin; no coloration with iron salts, 
absence of gallic acid; negative results followed tests for alkaloids; the aqueous 
extract was boiled with potash and no ammonia fumes were formed; adding gold 
chloride, and potassio-mercuric iodide solutions to the extract gave no precipitate. A 
measured portion of the aqueous extract was acidified with sulphuric acid, and 
agitated successively with petroleum spirit, benzole, and chloroform. The solvents 
were evaporated; petroleum spirit removed 0.01 per cent of a resinous substance, 
imperfectly soluble in cold and boiling aqueous alkalies, dissolved by sulphuric acid 
with a red coloration; chloroform left a brownish residue which, on weighing, yielded 
0.4 per cent. This residue was moistened with a few drops of concentrated sulphuric 
acid, and changed to a red-violet color characteristic of saponin. 
A certain portion of the aqueous extract was rendered alkaline, and heated over a 
water bath with Fehling’s solution. The precipitated copper was collected on a 
weighed filter, dried, and incinerated, and the glucose estimated gravimetrically from 
it. It yielded 1.592 per cent. Another portion of the aqueous extract was acidified, 
boiled, and potash added until the solution was alkaline to litmus paper, then the 
liquid was mixed with Fehling’s solution and heated over a water bath. The per- 
centage of saccharose or other substances which reduced the copper was calculated by 
difference. It amounted to 0.929 per cent. 
The resin separated by acetic ether was an opaque substance, greenish-yellow in 
color, and insoluble in ether. The resin was dissolved in water and frothed on shak- 
ing. The emulsion in this case was not quite so permanent, as a slight resinous sedi- 
ment settled after a time, possibly due to changes in the resin through oxidation. 
Extract (3), the Green Part of the Leaf. 
The dried residual powder was macerated by the aid of heat with Squibb’s 
stronger alcohol. When warm the alcoholic extract was clear, but on cooling the solu- 
tion became cloudy, and a creamy-white fine precipitate settled. The alcoholic extract 
was neutral in reaction. It was evaporated in a current of carbonic acid, dried, and 
weighed. A certain part of the residue was incinerated and the ash determined. 
TOTAL SOLIDS. 
Alcoholic residue dried at 100° C 3.80 per cent. 
“ “ “ 110° 3.80 
“ “ asli 0-15 “ 272 
A CHEMICAL STUDY OF 
The alcoholic residue was treated with cold distilled water. It had a slightly acid 
reaction with litmus. An emulsion was formed on the addition of water to the alco- 
holic residue. A measured quantity of it was evaporated, dried, and weighed. It 
amounted to 3.4 per cent., 0.4 per cent, of the alcoholic residue was insoluble in water. 
Tannin, gallic acid, and alkaloids were tested for and with negative results. 
The liquid from the aqueous treatment of the alcoholic residue was rendered alka- 
line, and boiled with Fehling’s solution, and there was no reduction. Boettger’s bis- 
muth test was also tried and with negative results. The aqueous portion was boiled 
with acid and examined in the usual way for glucosides; the results were negative. 
One volume of the aqueous solution was mixed with three volumes of stronger 
alcohol. It was placed on ice, and after some time a white precipitate formed. The 
precipitate was collected and dissolved in water. It frothed on shaking. On addition 
of a concentrated solution of caustic baryta, a creamy-white precipitate of saponin- 
baryta was obtained. Sulphuric acid gave the usual red-violet color reaction with the 
precipitate from the alcoholic aqueous solution. 
The method of successive agitation of an aqueous extract with solvents already 
described was followed. Petroleum spirit on evaporating left a resinous substance. 
The residue separated by chloroform from an acidified solution was a brownish- 
colored substance. It was soluble in water, and frothed on shaking. It was colored 
red-violet by sulphuric acid, and the aqueous solution was precipitated by barium 
hydrate. Chloroform separated a brownish solid from an alkaline aqueous solution. 
It was precipitated by barium, colored red-violet by sulphuric acid, and its aqueous 
solution frothed on shaking. This brownish residue was identified as saponin. 
Extract (4), the Yellow Base of the Leaf. 
The residual powder, dried from all traces of ether, was macerated with hot alcohol. 
The alcoholic extract was a currant-colored liquid, and slightly acid in reaction. The 
liquid became clear on standing, and a creamy-white solid, identified as saponin, 
separated from it. The alcoholic extract was evaporated, dried, and weighed, and the 
ash of the residue was estimated. 
TOTAL SOLIDS. 
Alcoholic residue dried at 100° C 4.30 per cent, 
“ “ “ 110° C 4.30 
“ “ ash 0.05 “ 
The alcoholic residue was treated with cold distilled water. The solution was 
slightly colored, and faintly acid in reaction. The absence of gallic acid, tannin, and 
alkaloids, was determined by negative results with iron salts, gelatine and alum solu- 273 
YUCCA A'N'GUSTIFOLIA. 
tion, gold chloride, and potassio-mercuric solutions. Acetate of lead caused no pre- 
cipitation. Fehling’s solution detected a trace of glucose. 
An imperfect emulsion formed on adding water to the alcoholic residue. Upon 
standing, the resin settled; the liquid was filtered several times, and the greater part 
of the resin collected. It was an opaque reddish-yellow-colored substance. It had 
the same melting point (79° C.), solubilities, and physical appearance as the resin of 
ether extract (4). The resin was examined by Hirschsohn’s scheme. It differed in 
character from the many resins described by that author, and it is proposed to name 
it pyrophaeal.* 
Pyrophaeal was slightly soluble in ether, and 95 per cent, alcohol; soluble in ben- 
zole, chloroform, and acetic ether; incompletely soluble in cold absolute alcohol, 
amyl alcohol, carbon di-sulphide, and oil of turpentine. It was saponified with aqueous 
and alcoholic soda. The ethereal resin solution was cloudy. The alcoholic resin solu- 
tion gave a precipitate with lead acetate which did not disappear on boiling; ferric 
chloride and aqueous ammonia formed turbid mixtures with it. The chloroform resin 
solution was not affected by bromine solution. The petroleum-ether-resin solution 
turned to a turbid mixture on adding iodine solution. Alcohol containing h}Tdro- 
chloric acid was not colored by the resin. Sulphuric acid and alcohol gave a turbid 
brown mixture with it, and sodium carbonate solution was colored pale brown when 
cold or on warming. 
SUMMARY III. 
Alcoholic Extracts. 
Solids extracted. 
Character of 
residue. 
Reaction with 
litmus. 
Quantitative esli- 
rna tion of glucose. 
Quantitative esti- 
mation of saccha- 
rose or other redu- 
cible compounds. 
1. The bark of the root 
9.25 p. ct. 0.20 p. ct. ash 
C red color-} 
< ing matter V 
neutral 
0.619 p. Ct. 
0.180 p. Ct. 
2. “ wood “ 
14.30 “ 0.10 
( crystalline j 
resin, saponin 
« 
1.592 “ 
0.929 “ 
3. “ green leaf 
3.80 “ 0.15 
resins, “ 
none 
none 
4. “ yellow base of leaf 
4.30 “ 0.05 
resin, “ 
slightly acid 
traces 
traces 
Extract (1). 
My attention was not directed to the presence of saponin in extract (1), for the 
characteristic properties which it imparted to extracts (2), (3), and (4), were absent; 
but, it was evident that saponin was present in the bark, for on boiling, the latter in 
distilled water, the presence of the compound was indicated. The solution frothed on 
shaking, and by adding a concentrated solution of caustic baryta, saponin-baryta was 
precipitated.f 
* Pyropbseal. Science, September 11, 1885. 
f Saponin in the bark of Yucca angustifolia. Science, September 11, 1885. 274 
A CHEMICAL STUDY OF 
A coloring matter* contained in the bark was extracted, and imparted to the 
alcoholic extract a brilliant red color. It was precipitated by sub-acetate of lead, and 
the lead precipitate suspended in water and decomposed by sulphuretted hydrogen. 
The lead sulphide filtrate was evaporated over a water bath until the odor of sul- 
phuretted hydrogen was expelled, and the concentrated liquid was placed over sul- 
phuric acid to evaporate slowly. A crystalline residue was obtained. On addition of 
alkalies to the colorless lead sulphide filtrate the red color of the original solution was 
developed. Acid discharged the color. Acetic ether took up the red colored sub- 
stance. The acetic ether residue was a red uniform solid, and soluble in water. It 
was precipitated from the aqueous solution by sub-acetate of lead, potassium bichro- 
mate, ferric chloride, ferrous sulphate, and it was clouded by alum, and stannous 
chloride solutions. 
Tannin, gallic acid, and alkaloids were absent. 
Amyl alcohol separated from the acidified aqueous extract white needle-shaped 
crystals. It was not determined if these crystals were the same as those of the color- 
ing matter. 
Extracts (2),r(3), and (4). 
Extracts (2) and (3) when warm were clear, and on cooling a creamy-white solid 
separated. Extract (4), if warmed, was turbid, and as the liquid cooled, a creamy-white 
substance remained at the bottom of the flask, and the supernatant fluid became clear. 
This creamy-white substance was identified in each of the extracts as saponin.f 
The results following an aqueous treatment of alcoholic residues (2) and (3), were 
noticeable. The residues were dissolved, and by shaking the mixtures, emulsified. 
This emulsion was permanent, as no resinous matter separated on standing several 
days. The emulsion was agitated with acetic ether, and by this means, most of the resin 
and saponin were separated from the aqueous portion. The saponin was removed 
mechanically with the resin, as it is almost insoluble in acetic ether. The resin-sapo- 
nin mass was insoluble in ether, soluble in water. The solution frothed on shaking 
and emulsified, but the emulsion was not so permanent as in the first case, for a resi- 
nous sediment settled after a time. Chloroform separated saponin from an acidified 
aqueous solution, and also from an alkaline aqueous solution of the residues/ and the 
red-violet saponin reaction with concentrated sulphuric acid was obtained. 
The solubility in water of the alcoholic residues (2), (3), and (4), and the result- 
ing emulsion were unusual, and explicable by the facts collected from a series of ex- 
* A red crystalline coloring matter. Science, September 11, 1885. 
f Saponin in the wood of the root and leaves. Science, September 11, 1885. 275 
YUCCA ANGUSTIFOLIA. 
periments with resins and saponin, since I had successfully emulsified resins with 
aqueous and alcoholic saponin solutions.* 
By hot alcoholic treatment the yucca yielded a residue of saponin and resin which 
became emulsified on the addition of water, giving results identical with those of the 
resins above described.f 
Extract (4) contained a resin. It was an opaque reddish-yellow colored sub- 
stance, and it differed, by its reactions, from the many resin classes given in Hirsch- 
sohn’s scheme. It is proposed to name it pyrophseal.J A resin having the same melt- 
ing point, solubilities, physical appearance, and chemical reactions, was discovered in 
the ethereal extract (4). It wras identified as the same compound for which the name 
pyrophseal is proposed. 
Tannin, gallic acid, and alkaloids were not detected in extracts (2), (3), and (4). 
In extract (3) glucose was not found. 
The Solids of the Alcoholic Extracts. 
I. A red coloring matter (crystalline). 
II. A new resin (yuccal).§ 
III. A second new resin (pyrophseal).§ 
IV. A mixture of a crystalline resin and a resin anhydride. 
V. Saponin.§ 
VI. Glucose, and saccharose or other reducible compounds. 
VII. Ash. 
AQUEOUS EXTRACTS. 
Extract (1), Bark of the Boot. 
The residual powder was thoroughly dried from alcohol. It was returned to the 
percolator, and cold distilled water added until a definite amount had been used. 
The aqueous extract was dark colored, and of a faintly acid reaction. A certain quan- 
tity of the extract was evaporated, dried, and weighed. From a known weight of the 
aqueous residue, the ash was calculated. The incineration was conduced in a covered 
porcelain crucible of known weight. 
*Tlie same kinds of resins were used in these experiments as in those with which I determined the solubility of 
resins in acetic ether. See foot-note (2), ethereal extract (2). 
f It was not until a later date following the time of these experiments that I found a reference to saponin-resin 
emulsion in L’Officine ou Repertoire General de Pharmacie Pratique, par Dorvault. Huitieme Edition, Paris, 1872, p. 
816. Also, refer to examination of the Yucca angustifolia, by H. C. De S. Abbott, published in the Medical and 
Surgical Reporter, Philadelphia, September 12, 1885, page 301. 
JPyrophseal, loc. cit. 
§ Science, September 11, 1885, page 210. Abstract of a paper on the chemical study of Yucca angustifolia, by 
H. C. De Si Abbotb 276 
A CHEMICAL STUDY OF 
TOTAL SOLIDS. 
Aqueous residue dried between 100° C and 110° C 4.00 per cent. 
“ “ ash 2.G5 
Gum. 
One volume of the aqueous extract was mixed with two volumes of Squibb’s 
stronger alcohol. The mixture was kept in a cool place for twenty-four hours, and the 
precipitate which had formed was collected on a weighed filter, washed with 66 per 
cent, alcohol, dried, and weighed. The precipitate and filter were incinerated in a 
weighed porcelain crucible, and the weight of the filter being deducted, the percentage 
of ash was determined. 
Weight of precipitate by stronger alcohol yielded 2.0 per cent. 
“ “ ash yielded 0.2 “ 
Another portion of the aqueous extract was precipitated by stronger alcohol, and 
the precipitate consisted of gum and albuminous substances. It was incompletely 
soluble in water. The soluble matter was gum, it was recovered from solution by 
evaporating the liquid to dryness. The gummy residue was almost completely solu- 
ble in cold water. It was precipitated from a concentrated aqueous solution by 
stronger alcohol; basic acetate of lead precipitated it as a flocculent precipitate. Borax 
did not thicken the gum solution, and ferric chloride and sodium chloride solutions did 
not precipitate it. The gum was boiled with dilute acid, and heated over a water batli 
with Fehling’s solution which it reduced. A few drops of hydrochloric acid and 
stronger alcohol were mixed with the concentrated gum solution for the separation of 
arabin. It was not separated. 
Carbhydrates. 
The filtrate and wash alcohol from the gum precipitate were mixed, and evapo- 
rated to a syrupy consistency at a temperature of 70° to 80° C. The concentrated solu- 
tion was treated with four volumes of stronger alcohol, and the resulting precipitate 
of carbhydrates rapidly filtered off. It was soluble in water. It was not precipi- 
tated from aqueous solution by basic acetate of lead, and by this means it was dis- 
tinguished from vegetable mucilage. The carbhydrates were boiled with dilute acid, 
and the solution was rendered alkaline, and heated over a water bath with Fehling’s 
solution. The latter was reduced. The percentage of carbhydrates as estimated, 
amounted to 0.2 per cent. An aqueous carbhydrate solution was mixed with a solu- 
tion of barium in 40 per cent, alcohol. It yielded no precipitate. 277 
YUCCA ANUUSTIFOLIA. 
Carhliydrate Filtrate. 
The carhliydrate -filtrate was concentrated at a low temperature in a current of 
carbonic acid until the alcohol was dissipated. The residue was examined for glucose, 
organic acids, saponin, and tannin. Traces of glucose were detected qualitatively by 
Fehling’s test; the amount of cuprous oxide present was too small to estimate gravi- 
metrically. A part of the carhliydrate filtrate residue was boiled with 83 per cent, 
alcohol, and filtered while hot. On cooling, a precipitate formed. This precipitate was 
identified as saponin. It was almost insoluble in stronger alcohol. Baryta-water pre- 
cipitated it from aqueous solution. Its aqueous solutions frothed on shaking. When 
agitated with chloroform and on evaporating the chloroform solution, a light-colored 
residue was obtained. A few drops of concentrated sulphuric acid mixed with it gave 
a reddish-violet color reaction. Another portion of the carhliydrate filtrate residue was 
precipitated with neutral acetate of lead and filtered. The precipitate was suspended 
in water, decomposed by sulphuretted hydrogen, and the lead sulphide filtrate evapo- 
rated over a water-bath to expel all odor of sulphuretted hydrogen. The liquid was 
cooled and lime-water added until the reaction was alkaline to litmus. A turbidity 
formed when the lime-water was added to the filtrate, and was not entirely cleared 
on the addition of dilute acetic acid. A neutralized portion of the lead sulphide 
filtrate gave a yellow precipitate with a ferrous salt. Oxalic acid by these tests was 
indicated, and possibly other vegetable acids were present in the filtrate. The carh- 
hydrate filtrate residue was examined for tannin, and with a negative result. Calcium 
oxalate was separated. 
Extract (2), the Wood of the Hoot. 
The powder used in the alcoholic maceration was thoroughly dried, and replaced 
in the percolator. A measured quantity of cold distilled water was allowed to percolate 
slowly through the powder. The extract was colored, and slightly acid in reaction. A. 
definite volume of the extract was evaporated, dried, and weighed. A known weight 
of the residue was incinerated in a weighed covered porcelain crucible, and the ash 
determined. The ash was white and incompletely soluble in water. 
TOTAL SOLIDS. 
Aqueous residue dried between 100° and 110° C 12.10 per cent. 
“ “ ash 1.74 “ 
Gum. 
A certain quantity of the aqueous extract was mixed with two volumes of stronger 
alcohol (Squibb’s). The mixture was allowed to stand for twenty-four hours, and the 278 
A CHEMICAL STUDY OF 
precipitate which formed was collected on a weighed filter. It was dried, and weighed. 
The precipitate and filter were incinerated in a weighed porcelain covered crucible, and 
the percentage of ash calculated. 
Weight of precipitate by stronger alcoliol yielded 1.70 per cent. 
“ “ ash yielded 0.34 “ 
Carhhydrates. 
The filtrate and wash-alcohol from the gum precipitate were concentrated at a low 
temperature, and the residue was mixed with four volumes of stronger alcohol. The 
precipitate was rapidly filtered off, and the percentage of carhhydrates calculated 
gravimetrically in the usual way, from the amount of cupric oxide reduced from Fehling’s 
solution. It yielded 2.75 per cent. 
Carhhydrate Eiltrate. 
A portion, representing a certain volume of the aqueous extract, of the carhhydrate 
;filtrate was evaporated, dried, and weighed. It yielded 7.65 per cent, of the total solids 
of the aqueous extract residue. A known weight of the carhhydrate filtrate residue was 
dissolved in water and heated over a water-bath with Fehling’s solution, and the 
amount of glucose present estimated gravimetrically from the weight of the cupric 
oxide. It was estimated as 4.47 per cent. Another portion of the carhhydrate filtrate 
residue was boiled with 83 per cent, alcohol. A precipitate formed on cooling, which 
was collected on a weighed filter, dried, and weighed. It yielded 1.98 per cent. The 
83 per cent, alcohol precipitate was identified as saponin by the usual tests. The carh- 
hydrate filtrate residue was precipitated by acetate of lead and the precipitate examined 
qualitatively for organic acids. The lead precipitate was decomposed by sulphuretted 
hydrogen and filtered, and the filtrate concentrated over a water-bath, and mixed 
with lime-water until turbid. The turbidity did not clear on adding dilute acetic acid. 
The aqueous extract was examined for tannin, and with negative results. Calcium 
oxalate was present. 
Extract (3), the Green Part of the Leaf. 
The residual powder was dried from all traces of alcohol, and cold distilled water 
was allowed to slowly percolate through the powder. The extract was colored, and 
slightly acid in reaction. A definite volume of the extract was evaporated, dried, and 
weighed, and the ash calculated from incinerating a known weight of the residue. 
TOTAL SOLIDS. 
Aqueous residue dried between 100° C and 110° 4.35 per cent. 
“ “ ash 0.40 “ YUCCA A^CUSTIFOLIA. 
279 
Gum. 
One volume of the aqueous extract was mixed with two volumes of stronger 
alcohol. The precipitate was collected after twenty-four hours, washed with 66 per 
cent, alcohol, dried, and weighed. The precipitate and filter were incinerated, and the 
ash estimated. 
Weight of precipitate hy stronger alcohol yielded 0.775 per cent. 
“ “ ash yielded 0.125 “ 
Carbhydrates. 
The gum filtrate and wash alcohol were concentrated at a low temperature, and 
the residual liquid mixed with four volumes of stronger alcohol. The resulting precipi- 
tate was rapidly filtered and collected. The percentage of carbhydrates was estimated 
gravimetrically from a copper solution in the usual way. It amounted to 0.525 per 
cent. 
Carbhydrate Filtrate. 
The -filtrate was evaporated to dryness. A part of the residue was boiled with 83 
per cent, alcohol. On cooling, a precipitate formed. It was identified by the usual tests 
as saponin. Another portion of the residue was precipitated with basic acetate of lead. 
The lead precipitate was decomposed by sulphuretted hydrogen, the solution fil- 
tered, and the filtrate evaporated over a water bath until all odor of sulphuretted 
hydrogen was dissipated. A part of the lead sulphide filtrate was mixed with lime- 
water, and a precipitate formed not completely dissolved by acetic acid. The remain- 
der of the lead sulphide filtrate was allowed to evaporate over sulphuric acid. The resi- 
due consisted of a mass of fine crystals radiating from a centre.* 
The crystals gave a very acid reaction when placed on moistened blue litmus 
paper. They turned black and left a residue when heated on platinum foil, and the 
residue was slowly dissolved by nitric or hydrochloric acid. The quantity of residue 
was very small, and no effervescence was observed. The melting point of the crystals 
was taken. A small quantity was placed in a tube with thin walls, and gradually 
heated; at 150° C. the substance sublimed, leaving a white, cloudy stain on the inner 
surface of the tube; at 190° C., this cloudy stain changed to a pale green spot, and 
with increasing temperature to 210° C., no further change was noted. Dry sodium 
carbonate was added to an aqueous solution of the crystals, and a slight effervescence 
was observed. Some iron was separated which possibly was in combination with the 
* The material used in this analysis of the green part of the leaf was quite dry and powdered readily. A previous 
examination of the fresh leaves gave more satisfactory quantitative results. A gum was extracted which promises to he 
of interest for a future study, and the crystals separated from the lead sulphide filtrate are to he further investigated. 280 
A CHEMICAL STUDY OF 
crystalline principle. Negative results followed tests for formates, acetates, malates, 
tartrates, citrates, phosphates, oxalates, alkaloids, and glucosides. 
The amount of glucose present in the aqueous extract was too small to determine 
quantitatively. Negative results for tannin. 
Extract (4), the Yellow Base of the Leaf. 
The residual powder from the alcoholic maceration was dried and replaced in the 
percolator. Cold distilled water was allowed to percolate slowly through the powder. 
The aqueous extract was slightly acid in reaction. A known measure of it was evapo- 
rated, dried, and weighed. The ash was determined from a part of the aqueous extract 
residue. 
TOTAL SOLIDS. 
Aqueous residue dried between 100° and 110° C 11.35 per cent. 
“ “ ash .... 3.10 “ 
Gum. 
One volume of the aqueous extract was mixed with two volumes of stronger 
alcohol. The precipitate was collected, washed with 66 per cent, alcohol, dried, and 
weighed. The ash was calculated from incinerating the precipitate, and deducting the 
filter. 
Weight of precipitate by stronger alcohol yielded 3.850 per cent. 
“ “ ash yielded 0.676 “ 
Carbhydrates. 
The filtrate and wash alcohol from the gum precipitate were concentrated at a low 
temperature. The residual liquid was mixed with four volumes of stronger alcohol, when 
a precipitate formed, and was rapidly filtered off. The carbhydrates were dissolved in 
water, boiled with dilute acid, and the liquid rendered alkaline and heated over a water 
bath with Fehling’s solution. The amount of carbhydrates was estimated gravimetric- 
ally in the usual way. It gave 2.95 per cent. 
Carbhydrate Filtrate. 
The filtrate residue was examined for glucose, and traces of it were present. The 
filtrate residue was precipitated with acetate of lead, and the lead precipitate was dis- 
solved in water and decomposed by sulphuretted hydrogen. The lead sulphide fil- 
trate was tested qualitatively for organic acids, and a turbidity formed on adding to the 
filtrate lime-water. It was not completely cleared by acetic acid. 
Negative results followed tests with alcoholic methyl-violet solution for mineral 
acids. The aqueous extract contained no tannin. Calcium oxalate was determined in it. YUCCA ANGUSTIFOLIA. 
281 
AQUEOUS MACERATION AT A TEMPERATURE OF 50° C. TO 60° C. 
The Bcirh of the Boot (1), the Wood of the Boot (2). 
The powder (1) used in the cold water extraction was macerated with distilled 
water heated between 50° and 60° C. The warm aqueous extract (1) was cooled and 
mixed with three volumes of stronger alcohol. A precipitate formed, it was dried, 
weighed, and the percentage estimated. It yielded 0.03 per cent.* The precipitate 
was dissolved in warm water. On evaporating the filtrate, a white residue was ob- 
tained. It was stained yellow by iodine. 
The powder (2) from the cold water treatment was macerated in the warm water. 
The warm aqueous extract (2) was a dark colored liquid, indicating a coloring matter. 
A certain measure of the extract wras evaporated, and the solids estimated. It 
amounted to 4 per cent. The percentage of solids precipitated from the extract by 
stronger alcohol was 0.25 per cent. 
QUANTITATIVE ESTIMATION OF SAPONIN, f 
The two methods of Christophsohn and Otten for the quantitative estimation of 
saponin were adopted. The wood of the root was examined. 
A. —Ten grams of the original powder were boiled with distilled water. The sapo- 
nin was precipitated by baryta-water. After weighing, it was ignited, and the baryta 
estimated as carbonate, calculated into oxide and deducted from the weight of the 
saponin-baryta, the difference being the weight of saponin. 
B. —The saponin-baryta was decomposed by acid and the weight of the sapogenin 
was ascertained and calculated to saponin. 
Several estimations were made on two specimens of the Yucca, collected at differ- 
ent times of the year. 
Mean percentage, A 8.95 per cent. 
“ “ B “ 
SUMMARY IY. 
Aqueous Extracts. 
Solids 
extracted 
Ash. 
Gum. 
Ash. 
Glucose. 
Saponin. 
1. The bark of the root 
2. “ wood “ 
3. “ green leaf 
4. “ yellow base of the leaf.. 
4.00 p. Ct. 
12.10 “ 
4.35 “ 
11.35 “ 
2.65 p. ct. 
1.74 “ 
0.40 “ 
3.10 “ 
2.00 p. ct. 
1.70 “ 
0.77 “ 
3.85 “ 
0.20 p. ct. 
0.34 “ 
0.12 “ 
0.67 “ 
traces 
4.47 p. ct. 
traces 
< < 
A. 
8.95 p. Ct. 
B. 
10.40 p. ct. 
* Examination for Inulin, page 87, Plant Analysis, G. Dragendorff. English translation, 
f Loc. cit., page 68. 
X Examination of the Tucca angustifolia, by H. C. De S. Abbott. The Medical and Surgical Reporter, Sept. 
12, 1885, p. 301. 282 
A CHEMICAL STUDY OE 
The aqueous extracts contained gum, albuminous substances, carbhydrates, glu- 
cose, saponin, organic acids, calcium oxalate, and no tannin, mineral acids, nor alka- 
loids. Arab in was not separated from gum (1). Calcium oxalate was brought into 
aqueous solution possibly by means of the organic acids or saponin. Heedle-shaped 
crystals were found in extract (3). They did not respond to tests for formates, ace- 
tates, malates, citrates, tartrates, phosphates, oxalates, glucosides, and alkaloids. 
Aqueous extracts of 50° C. to 60 °C. from the bark and wood of the root contained 
Inulin. 
DILUTE CAUSTIC SODA EXTRACTS. 
Extract (1), the Bark of the Root. 
The residual powder insoluble in water was suspended whilst moist in a dilute 
soda solution (0.1 to 0.2 per cent). After twenty-four hours the mixture was filtered. 
One volume of the filtrate was acidified with acetic acid and mixed with three volumes 
of 90 per cent, alcohol, and allowed to stand in the cool. The precipitate was collected, 
washed with 75 per cent, alcohol, dried, and weighed, deducting ash. It consisted of 
mucilaginous substances and albuminoids. 
Weight of precipitate by 90 per cent, alcohol yielded 0.85 per cent. 
“ “ ash yielded 0.25 “ 
Lassaigne’s test showed the presence of albuminous substances. 
The filtrate and wash alcohol from the 90 per cent, alcohol precipitate was evapo- 
rated to dryness, and weighed, deducting the amount of soda acetate. It gave 0.21 
per cent. The residue soluble in water was mixed with acetate of copper solution. A 
very small quantity of albuminous substances was precipitated by the reagent. 
The albuminoids of the bark were estimated from the total nitrogen in one gram 
of the original powder. It yielded 4.75 per cent of albuminoids. 
The powder insoluble in dilute soda solution was washed with distilled water. 
The liquid was deeply colored. It was evaporated, and the amount of solids estimated. 
It gave 1.3 per cent. 
Extract (2), the Wood of the Root. 
The powder insoluble in water was treated in the same way as in extract (1). 
The filtered solution was mixed with 90 per cent, alcohol in the manner described. The 
precipitate was estimated, deducting ash. 
Weight of precipitate by 90 per cent, alcohol yielded 2.170 per cent. 
“ “ ash yielded 0.256 “ 
The filtrate from the 90 per cent, alcohol precipitate was treated with water, and 
the soluble matter precipitated by copper acetate. The precipitate was collected, dried, YUCCA AXGUSTIFOLIA. 
283 
weighed, and ignited, the resulting oxide of copper being deducted. It yielded 0.104 per 
cent, of albuminoids. A current of washed carbonic acid was passed through the 
dilute soda extract to determine the presence of globulin (vitellin, myosin), and with 
negative results. The albuminoids were determined from the total nitrogen in the 
powdered wood. It amounted to 4.75 per cent. The total albuminoids in the leaves 
gave 9.62 per cent. 
DILUTE HYDROCHLORIC ACID EXTRACTS. 
Extract (1), the Baric of the Boot. 
The powder insoluble in dilute soda was washed with water and suspended in 
water containing 1 per cent, of hydrochloric acid. The absence of the blue color which 
the starch granules assume when treated with iodine solution was determined by exam- 
ining the bark under the microscope; and consequently it was not looked for in the 
extract. A qualitative test showed the presence of calcium phosphate, and calcium 
oxalate. A measured quantity of the filtrate was neutralized with ammonia and mixed 
with three volumes of 90 per cent, alcohol. The precipitate was collected on a weighed 
filter, washed with 60 per cent, alcohol, dried, and weighed. It was incinerated, and the 
ash deducted from the precipitate. 
The precipitate yielded 5.20 per cent. 
“ “ “ of ash 0.98 “ 
Organic substance 4.22 “ 
The filtrate from the 90 per cent, alcohol precipitate was evaporated. The residue 
was composed of ammonium chloride, from the reagents employed, and an organic sub- 
stance having an odor like gum benzoin. It was agitated with ether and on evapo- 
rating the solvent a white residue with an odor like benzoin was obtained. Sulphuric 
acid gave a red color with it. The amount of this substance was calculated. It 
gave 0.45 per cent. 
Extract (2), the Wood of the Hoot. 
The insoluble powder from the dilute soda maceration was washed with distilled 
water, and suspended in water containing' 1 per cent, of hydrochloric acid. The same 
means were used as in extract (1) to determine the absence of starch in the wood of the 
root. Parabin was also absent. Calcium oxalate was detected by qualitative tests. 
A similar method, as employed for its estimation in extract (1), was used to determine 
it quantitatively. 
The precipitate yielded 0.305 per cent. 
“ “ “ of asli 0.155 “ 
Organic substance 0.150 “ 284 
A CHEMICAL STUDY OF YUCCA ANGUSTIFOLIA. 
LJxtract (3), the Green Part of Leaf. 
The powder used in the dilute soda maceration was washed with distilled water 
and suspended in water containing 1 per cent, of hydrochloric acid. Iron and calcium 
phosphate were detected in the extract. The leaves were examined under the micro- 
scope, and a blue color Avas developed by an aqueous solution of iodine, indicative of 
starch granules. Starch was also present in the yellow base of the leaves. 
TOTAL QUANTITATIVE RESULTS. 
(1.) The bark of the 
root. 
(2.) The wood of the 
root. 
(3.) The green part of 
leaf. 
(4.) The yellow base of 
leaf. 
1. Moisture 
2. Total ash 
3. Petroleum spirit extract 
4. Ethereal extract 
5. Alcoholic “ 
C. Aqueous “ 
7. Dilute soda “ 
06.78 per cent. 
17.38 
01.24 
03.16 
09.25 
04.03 
01.09 
01.30 
05.65 
11.67 per cent. 
15.75 
00.55 
01.70 
14.30 
16.10 
02.41 
08.11 per cent. 
05.75 
02.20 
01.25 
03.80 
04.35 
37.00 per cent. 
10.63 
01.10 
01.70 “ 
04.30 
11.35 
8. Wash residue 
9. Dilute acid extract, 
00.30 
Total percentage 
49.88 
62.78 
25.46 per cent. 
66.08 per cent. 
Total albuminoids estimated on powder. 
Quantitative saponin determination ( 
on powder by A and B 'j 
04.75 
04.74 
A. 
08.95 per cent. 
B. 
10.40 
09.62 
In my paper on The Chemical Study of Yucca angustifolia, read at Ann Arbor, 
Mich., I stated what methods I had employed to separate saponin, and the properties 
of the compound as observed in that plant. Since which time a further study of it 
has induced me to withhold the notes used at Ann Arbor, from this, and to offer them, 
with those collected later, in a separate and more complete publication. 
I am indebted to Dr. F. M. Endlich, for his courteous consideration and kind- 
ness in selecting and forwarding the fine specimens of Yucca which were used in these 
analyses, and which were grown in the neighborhood of Lake Valley, ."New Mexico. 
Within a few weeks I have received, in addition, several hundred pounds of the plant 
from Dr. Endlich. 
The investigations described in the preceding pages were conducted in the 
chemical laboratory of the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, from February to 
August, 1885.