Its Chemical Analyses

I believe that no succesful [successful] analysis of the tomato has yet been made; yet I will proceed to give all the information I have acquired on the subject. Lieut. Geo. Webb Morrell, of the United States Engineers, writes me under date, Philadelphia, Nov. 3rd, A. D. 1835, that in conversation with Prof. Clemson, I was informed that several unsuccessful attemets [attempts] had been made to analyze the tomato, although its principal constituents are the same as other vegetables, but that those more minute had not yet been discovered: that the nature of the acid or acids existing in the tomato has not been discovered; it is not assertained [ascertained] whether it contains the malic or some other known acid in combination with an unknown acid or base, or any unknown acids in combination with each other or a base, or any acid or substance possessing medicinal properties." Prof. T. G. Clemson of Lafayette College, writes me under date, Philadelphia, Nov. 26, 1835, "that when in Europe, I commenced an examination of the tomato; but, finding that it would require much more time and attention than I could then devote to it, I relinquished the undertaking. My examination was chiefly dicected [directed] to the acid contained, which I thought new. When I left off I was under the impression that the acid which appears to be always present in the fruit is the malic acid. I know of no examination that has been made of any of the varieties of the tomato. I recollect of having held a conversation with my much esteemed former Professor of Chemistry M. Ganther de Courbray, on the fruit in question. He, likewise, was of the opinion that the acid contained was the malic acid." Prof. Rafinesque writes me-"I do not know that the tomato has been analized [analyzed], nor what is the real acid it contains; but I can intimate that it does not contain the solanic acid of the genus solanum, nor the alkalescent solania principle; both found in the narcotic species of solanum. It contains, besides an acid, mucilage, water, and an extractive and coloring matter-in what quantities and proportions I know not." In the same letter he says: "it is this tomatic acid, allow me the name, that holds the properties." I am of the same opinion; and, in a former publication, stated that themedicinal [the medicinal] qualities resided in the lycopersic acid, which is the same as

Rafinesque's tomatic-only he uses that term which would be most naturally derived from the common name, and I that which would be derived from the technical; and I am satisfied beyond all dispute, that it is the tomatic or lycopersic acid in which the principal power resides.