VIOLACE.Z. > 489° 
PON eee ee 
The leaves contain a considerable quantity. of nitrates, 
recognised by their slight deflagration when burning; and 
by showing the peculiar ring with the sulphuric acid and iron 
test, even in the cold infusion.. 
The dried and powdered leaves after complete combustion 
leave 16'5 per cent. of white ash, of which more than oue-half 
is soluble in water, and consists of alkaline chlorides, car- 
bonates and sulphates, | 
4 VIOLACEZ. 
__ IONIDIUM SUFFRUTICOSUM, Ging. 
Fig, — Wight. Ill., t. 19; Ie, t. 308. 
Hab.—tTropical Asia, Africa and Australia. ; The plant. 
Vernacular.—Ratanpurs (Hind.,  Mar.), Orilatamaray : 
(Tam. ), Purusharatanam (Tel.), Nunbora (Beng. ). 
History, Uses, &c.—In Southern India this plant is- 
considered to be one of the two kinds of Chérati mentioned 
by Sanskrit writers, a synonym for which is Padma-charini. 
The native physicians regard it as a tonic and diuretic, and 
prepare a paka or confection of the whole plant. Twenty 
_ to sixty grains of the plant are administered in each dose. 
_. Rheede and Ainslie mention Chérati. According to the 
4 latter writer, the leaves and tender stalks are demulcent and. 
. are used by the natives in decoction and electuary, and also: 
_ employed in conjunction with some mild oil, in preparing 
the lant is common. 
Description.—The drug as sold in the shops ¢ asis' 
t a 
‘of the root and some of the leafy portion of the plant a 
to it; the roots are yellowish-white, 3. to 4 inches im 
