96 CUCURBIFACER. 
of the Caucasian Medical Society in 1885, Dr. Minkevite 
referred to the subject, and stated that the paroxysms may be 
arrested by the use of the drug, but the relief is only tempo: 
rary, a8 they return in two or three weeks. Drs. Lisitzeff ant 
Astvaturoff also stated that in Kakhetian popular medicine 
Kitrana is used as a narcotic, and is believed to be speciall: 
serviceable in cases of hydrophobia. (Pharm. Journ., Feb. 271 
1886, from Med. Record.) Hlaterium does not appear to b 
known in Hindu medicine, but the Arabs and Persians are Wé l 
acquainted with it. The former call the fruit Katha-el-hima 
(asses’ cucumber), and the latter Khiydr-i-khar, which has she 
Same meaning, or Khiarzeh (little cucumber). Haji Lei 
gives Ispheridagrion (oaipidioy dypiov) as the Greek name. 
author of the Makhzan-el-Adwiya describes it, and also 1 
method of preparing elaterium. To prepare this he diree 
the fruit to be sliced, thrown upon a strainer and pressed, 
pulp is then to be twice washed with water, and the depo: 
which is thrown down from the water, collected and dried. 
is then to be finely powdered and made into lozenges, wi 
equal weight of gum arabic or calamine, or half its weight of 
tance to elaterium as a purgative of the diseased hun : 
which they suppose to be the cause of a great number 
diseases. They also use poultices made with the fruit, lea 
and root of the plant, and direct the juice of the fruit 
snuffed up the nose to purge the brain, and to be dropped 1 
the ears in otitis. It is worthy of remark that the Hindus 
system, causing salivation, insensibility, tetanus and dyspr 
large doses administered by the mouth cause gastro-enteri 
and collapse, 
Chemical composition.—The active principle, late 
C?°H?8OS, is best obtained by exhausting elaterium 
chloroform. From this solution a white crystalline deposit 
* Compare with Dioscorides wept eXarnpwov and Pliny 20, 3. _ 
