568 ROSACEZL. 
shells of a pointed oval shape, about 345 of an inch long 
and 2; broad. The almonds when chewed have a strong 
flavour of hydrocyanic acid ; eer are the = (Mahalib) of the 
Arabian physicians. 
The second drug consists of the smaller branches of the tree, 
usually 3 of an inch or less in diameter, but sometimes 
much larger, the bark of which evidently contains amygdalin. 
It is described as cooling and tonic. 
The third drug has exactly the appearance of common cherry 
stones, the kernels of which contain the elements of hydrocyanic 
acid. It is the cepdoia of the Greeks and the cele 52 Jf (Ala-bi- 
ali) of Mahometan writers on Materia Medica, Alibalu being 
an Indian corruption of the name. Mahometan physicians 
describe these drugs as so in Sa of the nervous system, © 
and antilithics. 
PRUNUS INSITITIA, duds. var. bokariensis. 
The Bokhara plum (Eng.). 
Hab.—Central Asia. The dried fruit. 
Vernacular.—Alu-bokhara (Ind.), Alpogada-pazham (Tam.), 
Alpogdda-pandlu (Tel.). ; 
Description, Uses, &c.—The Bokhara plum in a dry 
state is commonly met with in Indian bazars, being used much 
as prunes are with us in Europe, It may be considered the 
officinal prune of India, and may be made use of in the prepa- 
ration of confection of Senna, and for any other purpose to 
which prunes are applicable. The author of the Makhzan-el- 
adwiya,* after noticing several kinds of plum which are 
common in Persia and the neighbouring countries, goes on to 
say that for medicinal purposes the amber-coloured Bokhara 
plum is tv be preferred. He describes it as sub-acid, cold and 
moist, digestive and aperient, especially when taken on an 
empty stoniach, useful in bilious states of the system and heat. _ 
of body. The root, he says, is astringent, and the gum a ~ 
- gubstitute for Gum Arabic, and often called Persian a 
* Conf. Makhzan, article ole! 
