The residue, insoluble in water, was inflammable, burning with smoke
and an aromatic odour, not in the least bitter; it was soluble in
alkalies, and was again precipitated from them unchanged in colour;
it formed, with pure alcohol, a beautiful tincture, which yielded an
odour of a very nauseous kind, but of very little flavour, and which
gave a precipitate with water; it was soft, and of considerable
specific gravity, sinking rapidly in water; circumstances which
distinguish it from common resin; in very minute quantities it
purges. It appears to be the element in which the purgative powers
of the Elaterium are concentrated, and which I have denominated
ELATIN.