noun. A bitter-tasting crystalline alkaloid, C₂₉H₄₀N₂O₄, derived from ipecac root and used in the treatment of amebiasis and as an emetic.

noun. An alkaloid found in ipecacuanha, and forming its active principle.

noun. A white crystalline bitter alkaloid extracted from ipecacuanha root, and regarded as its peculiar emetic principle.

noun. A white crystalline bitter alkaloid extracted from ipecacuanha root, and regarded as its peculiar emetic principle.

"It is very probable that a comparative experimental study will prove the existence of a large number of elementary species, differing in many points; they will probably also show differences in the amount of the active chemical substances, especially of emetine, which is usually recorded as present in about 1\%, but which will undoubtedly be found in larger quantities in some, and in smaller quantities in other elementary species."