54 NOTICES OF BOOKS. 



obscurity, though the drugs themselves have been all known for 

 centuries. Assufoetida, Galbanum, Opopanax and Sagapenum are in 

 this case, though all have been referred to definite plants by writers ; 

 all are produced in Persia and neighbouring lands. The plant or 

 plants certainly yieldiugthe familiar substance Myrrh, are also unknown, 

 though no doubt species of Balsamodeudron, small trees of Arabia and 

 East Africa. The *' Worm seed " of druggists is made out with 

 certainty to be the unopened flower-heads of Artemisia maritima var. 

 Stechmanniana, Besser (^A. Lercheana, Kar. & Kir.) which are col- 

 lected in large quantities on the vast steppes of the Kirghiz in the 

 north of Turkestan. 



But want of space prevents further extracts from a most pro- 

 lific source, and necessitates summing up with an expression of 

 thanks to the authors of this valuable treatise, which must greatly 

 advance the study of Pharmacology, and with a recommendation to 

 all interested in such matters to consult its pages. H. T. 



Report ly Dr. M. C. Cooke on the Gums, Resins, Oleo-Resins, and 

 Resinous Products in the India Musuem, or produced in India. 

 London, 1874. 



Besides the ** Flora of British India " which is now being pro- 

 ceeded with, our vast Eastern empii e has of late received a great deal 

 of attention with regard to its products, more especially to those of 

 vegetable origin. The Forest reports which are issued from the dif- 

 ferent provinces from time to time often contain valuable information 

 as to their resources. A new edition of Densy's " Useful Plants of 

 India," and within the past few months the excellent " Forest Flora " 

 of Stewart and Brandis, have been published. The latest contribution 

 to our knowledge of Indian products is the ''Report" which has 

 lately appeared under the title given above. Dr. Cooke is well known 

 for his several works on Cryptogamic Botany, as well asforhis contribu- 

 tions on the oils, fats, and dye-stuffs of India, published in the " Tech- 

 nologist " some few years since. His ofi^cial connection with the India 

 Museum qualifies him for the work he has taken in hand in drawing 

 up the Report under consideration. The book does not profess to be 

 composed of original matter, but is made up of copious extracts from 

 the best known writers on Indian products. Papers on the subjects 

 treated of which have appeared in the various scientific journals, as for 

 instance the ** Pharmaceutical Journal," ''The Transactions and 

 Journal of the Linncan Society," &c., are also frequently referred to, 

 shelving that the periodical literature of the subject has not been 

 omitted. Another feature of great value is, that at the conclusion of 

 the references to each of the most important products, a list of works, 

 with volume and page in each case where the subject has been treated, 

 is given, under the head of " Bibliography," and this list is brought 

 down to the most recent period, for there are frequent references to 

 the " Pharmacographia " of Fliickiger and Hanbury. 



In the plan or arrangement of the Report the grouping of the 

 Gums, Resins, &c., is somewhat peculiar. 



