7 
ee _ SMI—SMI 
** What is commonly called by the English, in India, Country 
Serseperite, is not the root of > Smilax Sursaparilla, 
which is, however, occasional ght to the Coroman 
Aly Dre M . 
del Coast, from America—but that of Periploca Indica, (a 
-pentandrous plant,) a common Indian plant, described by 
as having narrow, acute, glabrous leaves. The 
two roots each other very much in appearance 
and qualities ; both being inodorous, muci and, in 
a slight degree, bitter. The Smilax Perfoliata, (Linn.) is 
a native of Cochin-China, where it is called #-giai, and is 
supposed to have similar virtues to sarsaparilla. The Peri- 
ploca Indica is recommended by the Tamool Doctors, in 
cases of gravel and strangury, given in powder, mixed 
with cow’s milk; they also give it in decoction, in 
conjunction with cummin-seeds, to purify the blood, and 
correct the acrimony of the bile.” The Periploca Indica, 
**has a twining, round, ash-coloured stem; a pair of leaves 
from each joint, almost sessile, bright-green above, and 
pale underneath, with many flowers, which sit close.” 
Ainslie’s Mat. Indica. 
TAMUS SYPHILITICA is another root, much used for 
Mepicat Properties anp Uses. Very well known to be 
useful, and te in the treatment of syphilis, and all 
its conséCutive alfections; and greatly useful as an adjunct 
to mercury. Yet { do not know, I confess, what to call it; 
whether diaphoretic, diuretic, or what; to call it Sarsapa- 
: rilla, seems to be all one can do—and it is to me a puzzle, 
= to know by what property it is efficacious; and yet I know, 
by twenty heneat wists 361 so. eae yn 8 
is a stupid way of giving it, 3j to 5j—should always be ad- 
plac Ag da officinal Pia Bato 8 which are :—— 
Deeoctum Sarsaparille. L.¥E. D. & U. 8. Decoctum 
rile comp. D. & U. 8, Eaxtractum Sarsaparille. L. Viis 
jatter isan absurd preparation ; 1 should as soon expect to 
extract mental fire from a fool, “as sanativeness from Sar- 
Species 2—SMILAX CHINA. China Root. (TZsinaw.) % 
Cabinet specimen, Jeff. Coll. No. 674—(Thgse are rare — 
roots in commerce now.) 
- "Tamus Pseudo-China, or Bastard China root—root large— 
om also, Bastard Ij and Wild Yam, is substi- 
— -and sold for it. Roots yield a reddish sago. Root 
, tuberous, knotty; dark reddish-brown colour outside, 
"© yeddish-white within. The native Indians, like the Japa- 
_ ‘Tiése, suppose it efficacious in old venereal cases ; and in- 
eases where the limbs are stiffened. It grows abundantly 
in the province of Onansi, China; it is cultivated in Upper 
