GUTTIFERA. 17 
much resinous juice, which exudes freely when it is wounded ; it 
has a reddish brown epidermis, consisting of ten or more rows 
of brick-shaped cells, full of condensed resin. Within the 
epidermis is a variable number of rows of cells of the same 
shape, yellow, refractive, and containing resinous juice; the 
medullary rays are also yellow and refractive; there are 
numerous large laticiferous vessels; the bark is mildly astringent 
. and feebly aromatic, but is not bitter as stated in the Pharma- 
copeia of India. Rheede says that combined with ginger it is- 
- given as a sudorific. The oil of the seeds is used as an 
embrocation in rheumatism and as # healing applitation to 
sores. A poultice of the leaves made with milk and cocoanut 
oil is applied to the head in severe colds. ( Rheede.) On the 
whole, the plant - may be classed with the terebinthinate- 
astringents. 
ois flowers are about 3 Sachin in 
iameter, sepals orbicular,; thick, wiuh membranous margins, 
nner pair largest; petals 4, spreading, cuneate-obovate, pure 
vhite ; anthers large, oblong, Selden yellow. Fruit ovoid, 
-conical-pointed, size of a large chestnut; base surrounded by 
_ the persistent sepals, 1 to 4seeded; seeds dark-brown, testa, 
smooth ;, round the base of the young fruits a tenacious resin 
_ exudes, which in time covers them. The resin at first is soft,. 
3 but hardens on exposure to the air; it is pleasantly aromatic, 
_ . Chemical composition.—The chief principle of Mesua -ferrea. 
appears to be an oleo-resin which abounds in all parts of the 
. tree, and is obtained’ pure from the young fruits. The fresh 
_tears sink in water, melt between 50° and 60° C., and partially 
dissolve in rectified spirit, amylic alcohol ana ether, vont 
Rrobsbly two resins pices aba tod 
