Two tests were made on this material to ascertain the presence of an essential oil. The first showed the presence of an oily film, resplendent in colorings, opalescent, variegated and beautiful, but odorless and of such small quantity that it may safely be said “No Oil.”
The second proved the same as the first, and although the strong odor of cork or suberic acid was present, no oil appeared.
The results of these tests indicate that there is no essential oil in corkwood obtainable by steam distillation.
Test No. 1
4-4-1913.
A copper still, supported on two trunnions, fitted with a dome and goose-neck, which terminated in a tin coil (water cooled), and with a perforated bottom through which the steam passed, was used.
This measured two inches in diameter and two inches high, from the perforated plate to the top of the pot, the dome being about one foot higher.
Into this still was placed 41 pounds of corkwood, as it comes from the cutters and punchers (scrap pieces), no preliminary washing or preparing being done; this 41 pounds filled the pot or the still.
All things made tight, using an asbestos packing, the steam was turned on at 70 pounds and run for one hour.