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The amorphous basic mixture, obtained after the separation of thebaine and isothebaine, contains 2 alkaloids without, and at least 3 with phenolic properties.

(Chemical Abstracts for February 10, 1915, pp. 298-300.)

The non-phenolic alkaloids consist of protopine, m. pt. 204°-205°C. and an amorphous alkaloid very soluble in organic solvents, whilst the phenolic alkaloids consist of a new alkaloid, glucidine, m. pt. about 238°-239°C., (a) D about -f 47 to -f- 54°, giving color reactions similar to, and apparently closely related to, glaucine, and a mixture of amorphous alkaloids too small in amount to separate and characterise— J. Ch. I. for October 31, 1914, p. 1026.

62. Argemone mexicana, Linn. 117. Roxb. 426.

Engl:—The Mexican or Prickly Poppy.

Sanskrit:—Srigala-Kanta; brahmadandi.

Vern.:—Bharbhand, piladhutura, farangi-dhutura, ujar-Kanta Shial-kanta, sial-kanta (H.); Baro-Sliial kanta (B.); Gokuhla janum (Santal); Bharbhurwa, ETarwah kantela (N.-W. P.); Kandiari, Snlkanta bhatmil, Satyanasa, bherband, Katci, bhat-kateya (Pb.); Farangi dhatura, bharamdandi, daruri, pila-dhatura (Dack.); Darudi (Guj.); Firangidhotra, daruri, pinvala-dhotra, kante-dhotra (Mar.); Biratna-dandu, Kurukkum-Chedi, (Tarn.); Brahma daudi-chettu (Tel.); Datturi, datturi-gidda (Kan.); Brahma-danti (Mal.); Kanta-kusham (Uriya).

Habitat:—By roadside and Simla 5,000 ft., in fields through-out India.

An erect, prickly, robust annual herb, with copious yellow juice and rigid prickles, growing wild in rich roadside places and rice-fields, after the crops of rice-plants are cut down; stem sometimes half-woody below, 2-4 ft., with spreading branches. Leaves 3-7 in., amplexicaul, glaucous-green, blotched with white, deeply repand, sinuate, pinnatifid, with thorny teeth. Peduncles erect, both before and after flowering. Flowers yellow, scentless 1-3 in. diam. Calyx glabrous and prickly; sepals horned at the top. Petals 4-6; stamens numerous. Stigmas 4-5, radiating free, red. Capsules f-lj in. long, terete, prickly, 4-5-valved; obovate, or elliptic-oblong, 1-celled; opening by valves at the apex. Seeds spherical, shining, black, pitted.