680 MEALS MEDICINAL. 
Almoner, and then crawling on his knees to the Crucifix, he 
there blessed a bowlful of gold and silver rings. These rings 
were afterwards distributed to persons afflicted with rheumatism, 
or epilepsy. The practice had its origin, it is said, in a certain 
miracle-working ring which was given by a saintly pilgrim to 
Edward the Confessor, and which was kept in Westminster 
Abbey. Of course the so-called hypnotic suggestion may have 
helped materially, together with metallic influences, in working 
whatever cures resulted from this pious proceeding. Half a 
century ago it was thought of service to apply metallic plates 
remedially to the soles of the feet, and to carry metallic balls 
about the person; gold was to increase the vitality, silver to 
clear the brain, and sulphur to cure rheumatism. Even now it is 
authoritatively advised that cramp may be prevented at night 
by holding a small stick of sulphur in each hand when in bed, 
since the moisture of the palm will somewhat develop the latent 
electricity of the sulphur so as to give off sulphuretted hydrogen, 
which will be absorbed by the skin. Chemically Tamarind 
pulp contains citric, tartaric, and malic acids, in combination 
with potash ; also gum, pectin, and starch. Boiled syrup has 
been poured over it beforehand. The fruit is sharply acid, and 
may be made by infusion in boiling water (and when allowed 
to become cool, and strained off) an excellent cooling drink. 
The Arabians first taught the remedial uses of Tamarinds, which 
are anti-putrescent, and exert somewhat of a laxative action, 
being corrective of biliary torpor; but for these purposes an 
inconveniently large quantity must be taken, which would be 
apt to clog by its excess of sweetness. When acids are indicated 
to counteract septic fever, and to cool the blood, the Tamarind 
will be found exceptionally helpful ; also, as slightly preventive 
of constipation a dessertspoonful, or more of the agreeable pulp 
may be had for a compote with lunch, or at dessert ; this palatable 
pulp is put into curries because of its pleasant acid flavour. 
Gerarde tells that “travellers carry some thereof with them, 
mixing it with sugar, as a reserve food throughout the desert 
parts of Africa.” The fruit of the Tamarind is undoubtedly 
of service against sluggishness of the liver, and by the virtue 
of its potash salts it wil] tend to heal a sore mouth as arising 
from fermenting acid humours in the blood. The natural traces of 
gold, minutely subdivided, in the Tamarind, are well calculated to 
eee make this fruit curative of secondary venereal disease. Tamarind 
