TEA. 681 
fish, prepared with the same acidulous fruit, is esteemed 
to be a relish in India. As an instance of empirical medicine, 
Dr. Pearse recorded the fact (in 1902) that “as long as forty 
years ago he observed a passionate craving on the part of native 
Indians for acid fruits, such as the Tamarind, lime, etc.; at 
which period medical usage in India very much debarred any 
supply of fruits to the natives; but nevertheless they were so 
importunate in soliciting these fruits, that their earnest petitions 
for lime-juice and Tamarinds could not be resisted. The 
instinct of the native overcame medical prejudice, and acid 
rations of fruits were ordered as essential in emigrant ships, 
hospitals, and jails. Similarly, too, the native had a supreme 
longing for onions, and for garlic in his curry. ‘“ Empiricism,” 
adds Dr. Pearse, “the outcome of human experience, precedes, 
and indeed makes a part of true science. The strongly-expressed 
longings of a people for a special food shou'd arouse, and enlist 
our earnest attention.” For making Tamarind water as a 
fever drink: ‘Take two ounces of juicy Tamarinds, a quarter 
of a pound of stoned raisins, and three pints of water; put the 
Tamarinds, raisins, and water into a stewpan, and boil gently, 
for one hour; then strain, and use when cold.” 
TAPIOCA. (See Saco; and PEPPER: Cassareep). 
TARRAGON. (See Herss). 
TEA. 
THE dietetic uses, and effects of Tea are fully discussed, and 
described in our Kitchen Physic, so that only a résumé of the 
statements, and particulars there expounded, will be now 
adduced as relevant to its medicinal utility. The chemical 
composition of the leaf consists of theine (a crystallizable salt), 
tannin, casein, gum, sugar, starch, fat, aromatic oil, vegetable 
fibre, mineral substances, and water. When taken in an infusion 
of boiling water, Tea has been long noted as one of the very best, 
and most reliable nervine restoratives. The theine and aromatic 
‘oil not only act as sedatives to the nervous system in general, 
but they also exert a conservative effect on the different bodily 
structures, checking any disposition to a wasteful change therein 
of too rapid a nature, and to undue physical exhaustion. Tea 
