Note on the Chemical Composition of the Leaves of Erythroxylon Monogynum (Vel Indicum)

sanguine expectations which were formed with regard to it when first its remarkable effects on the eye became known, the plant itself is undoubtedly destined to become a product of much commercial importance, and already its cultivation, with this view, is being actively prosecuted in Madras and Ceylon. In the botanic gardens of the latter country the coca plant has been growing since 1870, and thrives well. As we have in India an indigenous species of the Erythroxylon genus, viz., E. Monogynum, it becomes interesting to ascertain whether or uotthe local species contains an alkaloid identical with cocaine or possessed of similar properties. This inquiry was suggested to me about two months ago, on visiting the Calcutta Royal Botanic Gardens, when Dr. King, the able Superintendent, pointed out a healthy specimen of E. Monogynum which had been growing in the gardens for many years past. The leaves of Erythroxylon monogynum resemble closely those of the S. American species, E. coca. They are described by Hooker. *