Chemical Constituents of the Active Principle of the Ava Root by Alice A. Ball is an informative and thorough exploration of the chemical components of the ava root. Ball delves into the history and traditional uses of the ava root before delving into her detailed research on the plant's chemical makeup.

Readers will appreciate Ball's meticulous attention to detail and clear explanations of complex scientific concepts. The book is well-organized and easy to follow, making it accessible even to those with little background in chemistry.

Overall, Chemical Constituents of the Active Principle of the Ava Root is a valuable resource for anyone interested in botanical research or the chemical properties of natural remedies. Ball's work shines a light on the potential therapeutic benefits of the ava root and offers a foundation for further study in this field.

Book Description:
The Chemical Constituents of Piper Methysticum or The Chemical Constituents of the Active Principle of The Ava Root is the text of a Master’s Degree thesis presented in June 1915 by Alice A. Ball. Ms. Ball was the first woman and African American to receive a Master’s Degree from the University of Hawaii. Her thesis includes some history of the use of the ava root in the South Pacific islands along with the isolation and analysis of the extracts of the kava root and some preliminary observations of its effects when administered to animals. - Summary by J. M. Smallheer