Benzylisoquinoline alkaloids from the papaveraceae: the heritage of Johannes Gadamer (1867-1928).

The substance archive of the laboratory of Johannes Gadamer (1867-1928), Marburg, Germany, was analyzed thoroughly with modern instrumental methods, with the samples purified when necessary, and the authenticity of the samples confirmed by historical and analytical evidence. Eight formerly unknown alkaloids of the benzylisoquinoline type were identified in the archive originally isolated from Corydalis cava or Fumaria vaillantii. This finding underscores the importance of the work of Johannes Gadamer and his group in stimulating overall progress in natural product chemistry. Several alkaloids were isolated by the group long before they were officially reported.