80 ORD. XXXIX. Triccocce. STALAGMITIS CAMBOGIOIDES. 
the solution is not precipitated by alcohol; but rendered transparent: oxy- 
sulphate of iron strikes with it a pale olive brown, but causes no precipitate, 
nor is it affected by solutions of any of the other metallic salts. Alcohol 
dissolves about 90 per cent; the solution, after settling for some time, be- 
comes transparent and deep yellow; water renders the tincture cloudy and 
bright yellow, but it is long before any precipitation takes place. Ether 
dissolves 60 per cent.; the solution is transparent, and of a deep golden 
colour : when evaporated on water, it leaves an orange-coloured resin, which 
does not colour water. In strong solutions of ammonia and potass, it forms 
with them deep red solutions, which are not rendered turbid by the addition 
of water ; with weak acids, yellow precipitates are produced, which are taken 
up again by adding the acid to excess. Gamboge was separated by Bra- 
connot into one part cerasine or tragacanthine, and four of a reddish brittle 
resin, which dissolves in spirit of wine and the alkalies; these experiments, 
however, do not throw any light upon the cathartic property of gamboge. 
Medical Properties and Uses. Gamboge is a drastic cathartic, acting 
powerfully upon the alimentary canal: even when administered in small- 
doses, it often produces vomiting, hypercatharsis, and other untoward symp- 
toms. Orfila has given it a place amongst the acrid poisons, and infers, 
from his experiments made on animals, that it occasions death by the 
powerful local action which it exerts, and by the sympathetic irritation of 
the nervous system.* When administered with due caution, gamboge often 
proves a successful hydragogue in dropsy, either alone, or in combination 
with cream of tartar or jalap; it has also been given with. success for ex- 
pelling teniz, and is probably the active ingredient in most nostrums sold 
for that purpose. For destroying the tape-worm it has been given to the 
extent of fifteen or twenty grains, combined with an equal quantity of 
vegetable alkali: this dose is ordered to be taken in the morning, and if the 
worm be not expelled in two or three hours, it may be repeated a second or 
third time with safety, and often with efficacy. It is also frequently ad- 
ministered with success in cases of obstinate costiveness, either alone, or 
combined with calomel, jalap, or rhubarb. 
Off. The Gum Resin. 
Off. PP. Pilulea Cambogie Composite, L.E. 
* Orfila’s Toxicology, vol. ii. p. 24. 
