Semecarpus. pentandria digynia. 85 



and sprains. A little is well rubbed over the part affect- 

 ed. But in tender constitutions it often produces infla- 

 mation and swellini^, doing much more harm than good ; 

 but I think where it has not this disagreeable effect, 

 which is generally the case, it is an efficacious remedy. 

 It is universally employed to mark, all sorts of cotton 

 cloth. The colour is improved, prevented from run- 

 ning, and fixed by a mixture of quick lime and water. 

 The juice or resinous balsam, is not soluble in water, 

 and is only difi'usable in spirits of wine, for it soon falls 

 to the bottom, unless the menstruum be previously alka- 

 lized ; the solution is then pretty complete, and of deep 

 black colour. It sinks in but soon unites perfectly 

 with expressed oils. Alkaline livixia act upon it with no 

 better success than plain water. 



It is employed by the Telinga Physicians for the cure 

 of almost every sort of venereal complaint, and is com- 

 monly prepared as follows : 



Take of this black balsam, and expressed juice of 

 garlic, each one ounce. Expressed juice of fresh Tama- 

 rind-tree leaves ; cocoanut oil and sugar, of each two 

 ounces ; mix and boil them for a few minutes. A table 

 spoonful is given to the patient twice a day. I know 

 nothing of the efficacy of this composition. 



The bark is mildly astringent, gives out in decoction 

 a deep colour, which dies brown of various shades. 



From wounds made in the bark,a dirty looking, brown- 

 ish soft gum is procured, which dissolves slowly in the 

 mouth without much taste. 



2, S. Cassuvium. R. 



Leaves alternate, lanceolar, entire and very smooth. 

 Nut resting on a depressed fleshy, broad turbinate recep- 

 tacle. 



Cassuvium silvestre. Humph, amb. 1. t. 70. 



A native of the Moluccas, from thence introduced into 



