103 



nally, mixed with Margosa oil, in such cases of contracted limb as are induced 

 by ill-treated rheumatic affections. The leaves have, no doubt, a diuretic qua- 

 lity. Jlinslie, 2. 98. The leaves and seeds of Euphorbia thymifolia are given, 

 by the Tamool doctors of India, in worm cases, and in certain bowel affections 

 of children. lb 2. 76. The same persons give the fresh juice of Euphorbia 

 pilulifera in aphthous affections. The fresh acrid juice of Euphorbia 

 Tirucalli is used in India as a vesicatory. lb. 2. 133. The Ethopians are 

 said, by Virey, to form a mortal poison for their arrows from the juice of 

 Euphorbia heptagona. Hist, des Mtdic. 299. The juice of Excrecaria Agallo- 

 cha, and even its smoke when burnt, affects the eyes with intolerable pain, as has 

 been experienced occasionally by sailors sent ashore to cut fuel, who, according 

 to Rumphius (2. 238.), having accidentally rubbed their eyes with the juice, 

 became blinded, and ran about like distracted men, and some of them finally 

 lost their sight. The famous Manchineel tree, Hippomane Mancinella, is said 

 to be so poisonous, that persons have died from merely sleeping beneath its 

 shade. This is doubted, indeed, by Jacquin, who, however, admits its ex- 

 tremely venomous qualities ; but it is by no means improbable that the story 

 has some foundation in truth, particularly if, as Ad. tie Jussieu truly remarks, 

 the volatile nature of the poisonous principle of these plants is considered. 

 The juice of Hura crepitans is stated to be of the same fatal nature as that of 

 Excaecaria ; its seeds are said to have been administered to negro slaves as 

 purgatives, in number not exceeding 1 or 2, with fatal consequences. Ad. de J. 

 The powdered fruit of Hysenanche globosa is used in the colony of the Cape of 

 Good Hope to poison hysenas, as nux vomica to poison stray dogs in Europe. 

 From the seeds of Jatropha glauca the Hindoos prepare, by careful expres- 

 sion, an oil which, from its stimulating quality, they recommend as an external 

 application in cases of chronic rheumatism and paralytic affections. Jlinslie, 

 2. 6. The seeds of Jatropha Cufcas are purgative and occasionally emetic ; an 

 expressed oil is obtained from them, which is reckoned a valuable external ap- 

 plication in itch and herpes ; it is also used, a little diluted, in chronic rheuma- 

 tism. The varnish used by the Chinese for covering boxes is made by boiling 

 this oil with oxide of iron. The leaves are considered as rubefacient and dis- 

 cutient ; the milky juice is supposed to have a detergent and healing quality, 

 and dyes linen black. Ibid. 2. 46. The roots of the Jatropha Manihot, or 

 Mandiocca, yield a flour of immense importance in South America : this is ob- 

 tained by crushing the roots, after the bark has been removed, and then straining 

 off the water ; after which the mass is gradually dried in pans over a fire. 

 The seeds of several species of Jatropha are purgative, but they sometimes 

 act so dangerously as to require extreme caution in administering them. Mer- 

 curialis perennis is purgative and dangerous. According to Sloane, it has 

 sometimes produced violent vomiting, incessant diarrhoea, a burning heat in the 

 head, a deep and long stupor, convulsions, and even death ; jet this very plant, 

 when boiled, has been eaten as a potherb. The leaves of Maprounea brasi- 

 liensis, or the Marmeleiro do Campo of Brazil, yield a black dye, which is, 

 however, fugitive. A decoction of" its root is also administered in derange- 

 ment of the stomach ; — a most remarkable circumstance, if we consider the 

 close relation that is borne by it to Manchineel and other most poisonous trees. 

 According to M. Auguste St. Hilaire, the Maprounea is destitute of the milky 

 juice of Sapium, Excoecaria, Hippomane, and other dangerous genera. PI. 

 Us. 65. The seeds of Omphalea are eaten safely, if the embryo is first re- 

 moved ; if this is not done, they are cathartic. Both Pedilanthus tithymaloides 

 and padifolius are used medicinally in the West Indies : the former, known un- 

 der the name of Ipecacuanha, is used for the same purposes as that drug ; the 

 latter, called the Jew Bush, or Milk plant, is used in decoction of the recent 

 plant as an antisyphilitic, and in cases of suppression of the menses. Hamilt. 

 Prodr. Fl. Ind. 43. The root, leaves, and young shoots of Phyllanthus Niruri 



