LEGUMINOSA. eo 
nse layers deep ; 7th, a single row of minute thin-walled cells 
of more or less cubical contour; 8th, a stratum of thick walled 
5 cells with dense yellowish, granular contents ; 9th, a stratum of 
~- of cavities or contents, -The cotyledons are composed of large. 
thick-walled cells containing granular matter and oil globules. 
The central cavities. of the cells communicate by a system of 
’ processes which pass through the cell wall and are met by 
similar processes from the neighbouring cells. 
Chemical composition and Physiological action.*—The seeds of 
jequirity contain a substance which, as is well known, when 
_ extracted, as in a watery infusion, produces a local irritation 
and inflammation of the conjunctiva, which has been utilized in 
' practical medicine for the cure ‘of granular lids and of pannus. 
3 Its employment: in these conditions has not, however, been 
found to be so beneficial as at one time was thought probable, 
. great significance. Investigations. into the exact nature of the 
from them has gone through many curious phases. ~ 
_ From the researches of Sattler, Cornil, and Berlioz, it was 
concluded that the irritant: action of jequirity was due to a 
Special bacillus which grew in the infusion of the seeds, and was 
called the jequirity bacillus. Contrary, however, to the beha- 
_Viour of liquids containing specific bacteria, the physiological 
activity of the infusion of abrus seed was totally destroyed by 
heating it to. the boiling point of water (Klein) ; and, following 
’ this result, Warden and Waddellt separated from the seed 
Possessed the physiological properties of jequirity. Further- 
* From a report by Dr. Sidney Mtattidc presented to the Scientific 
“sales of the British Medical Association, Brit. Med. Journal, July 27. 
toh ge i Non-Bacillar Nature of Abrus Poison,” Ralentin, 1884. 
* 
. 
-, 80 that at the present time jequirity may be said to possess 
chiefly a scientific interest—one, as I shall indicate, of possibly 
‘poison have not been wanting, and the knowledge obtained - 
a body they called “abrin,” which was a proteid body, and which 
~ More, although these observers found bacteria in the local lesions 
. Produced by. jequirity, these organisms were of” various gue: 
oes os oes 
