DRACO NINE

Syn. Dra′cine , Red resin of dragon’s blood . A peculiar vegetable principle discovered by M. Melandre in dragon’s blood. Prep. Dragon’s blood is di olved in alcohol, the solution filtered, concentrated, and precipitated with cold water; the red, spongy precipitate is well washed, neutralised with dilute sulphuric acid, again liberated by means of an alkali, and well washed with water. Prop., . Draco nine has a fine red colour; is tastele , inodorous, and flexible; it fuses at 131° Fahr. The smallest quantity of carbonate of lime in filtering paper may be detected by sulphate of draco nine, the yellow colour instantly turning red.