92 



Gum Anime of Hymenaea Courbaril Dec, Gum Arabic is yielded by Acacia 

 senegalensis and some others, Gum Tragacanth by Astragalus creticus and 

 similar species. According to Mr. Don (Prodr. no. 247.), the Manna of 

 Arabia is produced by several species of Hedysarum, related to H. Alhagi. 

 The Dalbergia monetaria of Linnaeus yields a resin very similar to Dragon's 

 Blood. Ainslie, 1. 115. A similar juice is yielded by Butea frondosa 

 and superba. Dec. Among the woods of trees of this order, the most 

 important is that of the Locust Tree, Robinia pseudacacia, which is a light 

 bright yellow, hard and durable, but brittle. The Brazil wood of commerce 

 is obtained from Ceesalpinia Braziliensis. The fine Jacaranda, or Rosewood 

 of commerce, so called because when fresh it has a faint but agreeable 

 smell of roses, is produced by a species of Mimosa in the forests of 

 Brazil. Pr. Max. Trav. 69. Among dyes are Indigo, produced by 

 all Indigoferas and some Galegas, Logwood, the wood of Hsematoxylon 

 campeachianum, and the red dye yielded by several Ceesalpinias. The 

 colouring matter of Logwood is a peculiar principle, called Hsematin. The 

 wood of Pterocarpus santalinus yields a deep red colouring matter; it is 

 known in commerce under the name of Saunders Wood. Ainslie, 1. 386. 

 All the species of the genus Copaifera, and 16 are known, yield the Balsam 

 of Copaiva; but it is not in all of them of equal quality. C. multijuga 

 is said by Von Martius to afford the greatest abundance. Hayne in Linncea, 

 1826. 418. The Balsam is known in Venezuela under the name of Taca- 

 mahaca. Dec. Prodr. 2. 508. Myroxylon peruiferum, the Quinquino of 

 Peru, produces a fragrant resin, in much use both for burning as a perfume, 

 and for medicinal purposes, called the Balsam of Tolu. Lambert's Ilhis- 

 tration, 95. Both it and the Balsam of Peru are also yielded, according 

 to Ach. Richard, by M. toluiferum.. Ann. des Sc. 2. 172. The root of 

 Clitoria Ternatea is emetic. Ainslie, 2. 140. The seed of Psoralea cory- 

 lifolia is considered by the native practitioners of India stomachic and deob- 

 struent. Ibid. 141. According to Dr. Horsfield, the Acacia scandens of 

 Java is classed among the emetics. Ibid. 2. 108. The roots and herb- 

 age of Baptisia tinctoria have been found to possess antiseptic and sub- 

 astringent properties. They have also a cathartic and emetic effect. Barton^ 

 2. 57. The seeds of Cassia auriculata are considered by the Indian doctors 

 as refrigerant and attenuant. Ainslie, 2. 32. The leaves of Coronilla picta 

 are highly esteemed among the Hindoos, on account of the virtues they are 

 said to possess in hastening suppuration when applied in the form of a poul- 

 tice, that is, simply made warm, and moistened with a little castor oil. 

 Ibid. 2. 64. The seeds of Parkia africana are roasted as we roast coffee, 

 then bruised, and allowed to ferment in water. When they begin to become 

 putrid, they are well washed and pounded ; the powder is made into cakes, 

 somewhat in the fashion of our chocolate ; they form an excellent sauce for 

 all kinds of meat. The farinaceous matter surrounding the seeds forms 

 a pleasant drink, and they also make it into a sweetmeat. Brown in 

 Denham, 29. The irritating effects of the hairs which clothe the pods of 

 Dolichos pruriens, or Cowhage, are well known. A strong infusion of the 

 root of the same plant, sweetened with honey, is used by the native prac- 

 titioners of India in cases of cholera morbus. Ainslie, 1. 93. The native 

 practitioners in India prescribe the dried buds and young flowers of 

 Bauhinia tomentosa in certain dysenteric affections. Ibid. 2. 48. A 

 decoction of the bitter root of Galega purpurea (Tephrosia) is prescribed 

 by the Indian doctors in cases of dyspepsia, lientcry, and tympanitis. 

 Ibid. 2. 49. The powdered leaf of Indigofera Anil is used in hepatitis. 

 Ibid. 1. 179. Tlu: volatile oil of the Couniamuma odorala, or Tonka 

 Bean, has been ascertained to be a peculiar priiici|)lc called Coumarin. It 



