PTEROCARPUS ERINACEUS. ORD. XXIV. Papilionacee. 47 
not colour the saliva. It is in very small fragments, irregularly shaped, 
shining, of a deep reddish brown colour, and intermixed with small twigs, 
portions of dried leaves and other extraneous matter. When reduced to 
powder, it is of a dark chocolate red. Water at 60° dissolves the greater part 
it; alcohol about two-thirds, and ether little more than one-third. ‘The 
ethereal solution, which is of a fine claret colour, when evaporated on the 
surface of water, leaves a, pellicle of brittle brown resin; while a red-coloured 
extractive matter, having a sweetish taste, remains dissolved in the water. 
The watery solution affords precipitates, with potass and the mineral acids, 
also with solutions of nitrate of silver, acetate of lead, oxy-sulphate of iron, 
and oxy-muriate of mercury.* All the different sorts of Kino contain a large 
proportion of tannin: hence, they cannot, with propriety, be ranked among 
the resins or gum-resins. We are told by Dr. Thomson, that all the varieties 
dissolve in solution of pure potass, and of ammonia; and no precipitation 
takes place on the addition of water. Some chemical change, however, 1s 
effected, and the astringent property of the kino is completely destroyed ; a 
fact which ought to be kept in remembrance in prescribing this remedy.* 
Medical Properties and Uses. Kino was first introduced itito practice by 
Dr. Fothergill, as a powerful astringent,+ and has been much employed 
in obstinate chronic dysenteries and diarrheas; in all passive he- 
morrhages, from the uterus and intestines; also in fluor albus and 
diseases arising from the laxity of the solids. By some it is supposed to be 
an inferior astringent to catechu, and less certain in its effects. This want 
of uniformity, probably, may be owing to the difference in the quality of 
the kino itself. It is said to increase the power of cinchona-bark. Externally, 
it has been applied as a styptic, to diminish the discharge of sanious matter 
from ill-eonditioned ulcers, and to check he#morrhages from wounds and 
ulcers. It is given internally in substance; in doses of from ten to: thirty 
grains; or in the form of watery infusion or tincture: the former in doses 
of one or two ounces; the latter of one or two draclims. 
_Off.._pp. Tinetura Kino, L. E. D. 
* Vide London Dispetiaataty; 4th Ed. p.509. ; + Ibid. p. 508. 
+ Medical Observations and Inquiries, y a Society of Physicians’ in x Saree ;% 
238, 243. 
