A SURVEY of the literature on methods for the detection of bismuth disclosed several tests that indicated promise either in their present form or with slight modifications. One of many instances the ions concerned are present as complexes, but where the structure of such complexes may be in doubt, only the valence of the central atom is indicated. the most satisfactory reagents for bismuth is thiourea, which has been considered by a number of investigators (1,4,6,12). This reagent provides a highly selective test for bismuth, but is seriously handicapped by its lack of sensitivity. The use of various organic bases in conjunction with potassium iodide has been utilized in a number of procedures. Antipyrine (7), quinoline (6), cinchonine (3), 2-aminopyridine (11), 2-methylbenzothiazole (9), and numerous other bases have been applied with varying degrees of success.Reichard (10) reported that bismuth chloride reacts with brucine to form a red color. Moser (8) noted the same effect, but claimed that the reaction was uncertain.The reported tests were carefully considered. Deter-