COCCULUS PALMATUS. 
offsets are selected in preference, The pieces are marked by a 
thick ring on the outside, corresponding to the dense vertical 
substance, contrasting with the contracted interior, which is 
formed of more spongy parenchyma. The surface is marked by 
concentric rings, 
Redi, in 1677, first mentioned the properties of the root of the 
Co.umsa. It was not however introduced into Europe for a long 
time after, and then little was known of its origin. Commerson, 
in 1770, procured some specimens from the garden of Mr. Poivre, 
of the Isle of France, and sent them to Europe. From these 
Lamarik has given his description of the plant, under the name 
of Menispermum palmatum. Mr. Ferton. a resident of Madras, 
obtained a living specimen of the plant in 1805, and Mr. Berry 
in the Astatic Researches figured and described it. In 1830 Sir 
Wm. J, Hooker published a complete description both of the — 
male and female plants in the Botanic Magazine. This was 
made from the drawings sent to England by Mr. Telfair of 
Mauritius who obtained living roots from Captain Owen, pro. 
cured by him when on the survey of the eastern coast of Africa. 
From the name Colombo root it was supposed to be the product 
of Ceylon, but this is not the case as has been stated by Shurr- 
berg and Dr. Rajuct. The name by which it is known in India 
is Kalumb. Columba is brought into the market in bales, and 
sometimes in cases, and as it constitutes an article of traffic in the 
East it may be bought in most of the great marts of that portion 
of the world. Usually Bombay, Madras or Calcutta, are the 
indirect sources of it. The pieces are frequently much perforated 
evidently by worms and not as has been supposed by stringing 
to facilitate its drying. Those pieces which have the fewest 
worm-holes, the brightest color, and are solid and heavy, are the 
best. It is said that the root of white bryony, tinged yellow 
with the tincture of columba has been fradulently substituted for 
this root. : 
CHEMICAL AND MEDICAL PROPERTIES AND USES. 
Cotumsa root has a very slight aromatie odor and a bitter taste 
It breaks with a starchy fracture and is easily pulverized. 
Water at 212° takes up one-third of its weight, and the infusion 
has all the sensible qualities of the root. These are also extracted 
by aleohol, but proof spirit is the best menstraum, ‘The infusion 
is not altered by solutions of sulphate of iron, nitrate of silver, 
