The  conversion  of  brucia  into  strychnia  is  not
only  highly  interesting,  but  it  is  likewise  of
great  importance  in  forensic  analysis,  proving
again  that  in  such  cases  the  employment  of
oxidising  agents  is  admissible  only  with  gi-eat
caution.  A  student  who  had  received  for
analysis  a  mixture  containing,  among  other
substflnoes,  brucia  and  nitrate  of  lead,  em-
ployed the  process  of  Stas  and  Otto  for  the
separation  of  the  alkaloids,  and  found  strych-
nia instead  of  brucia  which  had  been
oxidised  by  the  liberated  nitric  acid.
"  If  strychnia  is  heated  with  a  strong  base
like  potassa,  soda,  or  harjta,  for  some  time,
in  a  sealed  glass  tube  placed  in  a  water-bath,
a  body  is  obtained  which  no  longer  shows  the
reactions  of  strychnia,  but  resembles  brucia  in
its  reactions.  The  experiments  on  this  decom-
position, which  is  likewise  of  importance  in
forensic  analysis,  are  not  yet  concluded."

BEUISE  (bvooze).  Syn.  CoNTu'sio,  CoN-
ic'suM,  L. ;  CoNTtrsiON,  Meubteissuee,  Fr. ;
Beausche,'  QtJETSCHUNG,  &c.,  Ger.  A  con-
tusion ;  but  in  popular  language  applied
chiefly  to  cases  in  which  there  is  an  extravasa-
tion of  blood  owing  to  the  rupture  of  the
minute  vessels,  with  consequent  discoloration
or  tumefaction  of  the  part.
Treatment,  In  common  cases,  sufficiently
serious,  bruises  may  be  rubbed  whh  a  little
opodeldoc  or  soap-liniment ;  or,  if  the  inflam-
mation be  considerable,  they  may  be  bathed
with  a  little  weak  goulard  water,  or  with
vinegar  and  water.  In  more  severe  cases
leeches  may  he  applied.    See  Contusion.
Treatment  for  Animals.  The  same  as  for
man.
BRITNS'WICK  BLACK.    See  Vaenishes.
BEtlBS'WICK  GEEElf.  See  Geben  Pig-
ments.
BETTSHES.  Brushes  may  be  best  washed
in  a  moderately  cold  weak  solution  of  borax.
They  should  afterwards  be  rinsed  in  cold  water
and  dried.
