RESULTS OF THE EXAMINATION OF SEVERAL PARCELS OF ALEPPO SCAMMONY. BY B. W. BULL.
Since the publication of an article upon Virgin Scammony in a previous number of this Journal, I have had an opportunity of examining four different varieties of scammony received from Constantinople, under the names, Aleppo Scammony, first; Aleppo Scammony, second; Tschangari Scammony and Skilip Scammony.
No. 1. Aleppo Scammony, first. This occurs in large amorphous pieces weighing one or more pounds; is not covered with any calcareous powder. The fractured surface presents a dark greenish resinous appearance. The specific gravity will be found below. The caseous odor is not so decided in this {166} specimen as in some of the other varieties, confirming, as will be seen from its composition, as adduced farther on, the remark made in the article above alluded to, in regard to the insecurity of relying upon the odor as a means of judging of the quality of scammony.
No. 2. Aleppo Scammony, second. Of this a sample of about one pound was received. This is in amorphous pieces; it differs from the previous specimen in its fracture which is non-resinous and horny, it is of a much lighter color, and has a grayish tinge. The scammony odor is more decided. This variety receives the prefix Aleppo improperly, as it does not come from that locality, and is said to be made by pressing the root, though the quantity of insoluble organic matter which it contains, seems to indicate some other impurity, intentionally added.
No. 3. Tschangari Scammony, derives its name from the place of production. It appears to be a variety not found in market here. It resembles in fracture the last mentioned, and is like that, in amorphous pieces. Its odor is more decided than that of any of the others.
No. 4. Skilip Scammony. This specimen appears to have undergone some deterioration, and evinces a disposition to mould. Some of the pieces are marked exteriorly, as if placed in a bag when soft, and dried in this way. It is destitute of the caseous odor, and has a mouldy smell. Fracture, non-resinous, and grayish, like the last mentioned varieties.
These three latter varieties are always to be obtained in Constantinople, we are informed, while the first quality Aleppo, is only produced in small quantity, and is soon out of market.
The difference in composition of the different varieties will be found annexed, the numbers referring to those given above. All of them indicate the presence of starch by the test with iodine. {167}
| No. 1. | No. 2. | No. 3. | No. 4. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Specific gravity, | 1.150 | 1.325 | 1.339 | 1.311 |
| Per cent. | per cent. | per cent. | per cent. | |
| Resinous matter, water, and loss. | 86.88 | 55.42 | 64.10 | 34.00 |
| Vegetable substance, insoluble in ether, | 8.10 | 38.00 | 23.17 | 59.43 |
| Inorganic matter, | 5.02 | 6.58 | 12.73 | 6.57 |
| 100.000 | 100.000 | 100.000 | 100.000 |
New York, May, 1852.