BRUCINE, one of the alkaloids (q.v.) occurring with strych nine (q.v.) in various species of Strychnos, e.g., in S. Nux vomica. (See Nux VOMICA.) It has a bitter taste and its physiological action, when it is injected subcutaneously in animals, is similar to that produced by strychnine but much feebler; when admin istered internally it has very little effect owing to the rapidity of its elimination. The method of extraction of brucine is the same as that for strychnine ; the brucine crystallizes out when the mixture of alkaloids is washed with dilute alcohol. It is purified by recrystallization from water or alcohol. The crystals form mono clinic prisms, losing their water (2 or 4 molecules) at ioo° C, and melting at 105°. Anhydrous brucine, melts at 178°, and is laevorotatory in alcohol or chloroform.