476 LEGUMINOSZ.. 
Chemical composition.—The seeds weigh on an average oné 
centigram each ; ; they havea bland taste with a peculiar odour, 
and are difficult to powder. A proximate analysis separated— 
Fixed oil and odorous body” .............4. 3°67 
Resin, sugar, and organic acid ............ 4°}1 
Mucilaginous matter, &c. ... 21-25 
sh...-«. $ue 5:09 
Organic residue 44°86 
The organic acid gave a dark olive colour with ferric 
chloride, and was not precipitated from solution by gelatine. 
The colouring matter was insoluble in ether, alcohol and water, 
and was removed by diluted caustic soda; it was a fine red, 
and was entirely precipitated by acetic acid from its alkaline 
solution. ‘I'he powdered seeds, burnt with soda-lime, afforded 
4°01 per cent. of nitrogen, Ss is equivalent to 25°38 per 
cent. of si eden 
ASTRAGALUS SARCOCOLLA, Dymock. 
‘Hab.—Persia. The gum. 
Vernacular.—Anzerit (Arab.), Giéjar (Bon., a corruption 
of the Persian Gizhad). 
History, Uses, &c.—This drug, though still largely 
used in the East, is hardly known in Europe at the present 
time. Dioscorides informs us that Sarcocolla is the tear of a 
Persian tree, that it resembles powdered Frankincense, is of a 
reddish colour and bitterish taste, has the property of closing 
wounds and checking discharges from the eyes. It is an 
ingredient in plasters, and is adulterated with gum.* 
Pliny writes to the same effect, and adds that it is valued by. - 
painters. + Ibn Sina says that it closes wounds without caus- 
ing irritation and promotes granulation ; used as a plaster “it 
: i all kinds of inflammation. 
Dios: it, 10 i ena : 
Plin. mech gato einen caihd tags) Grint Sica 7. lame renga 
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