242 COMPOSITZ. 
thought to have injurious effects, but that it is mach used as a 
cattle medicine, Indian Mahometan druggists sell this drug 
as a substitute for Atrilél (Anthriscus Cerefolium). Ainslie 
says: “The small dark-coloured and extremely bitter seeds 
this annual plant are considered as’ powerfully anthelmintic 
and are alsu an ingredient of a compound powder prescribe 
in snake-bites.” Rheede states that an infusion of them is 
given on the Malabar Coast for coughsand against flatulency. 
The dose of the seed in powder, when administered in worm 
cases, is one pagoda weight twice daily. (Materia Ind, II.,_ 
~ p. 54). According to the Pharmacopoeia of India, the ordinary | 
dose of the bruised seed as an anthelmintic, administered in” 
electuary with honey, is about 14 drachm, given in two equal 
doses at the interval of a few hours, and followed by an ape-— 
rient; the worms sre generally expelled in a lifeless sta 
Dr Al. Ross speaks favourably of an infusion of the powdered 
seeds (in doses of from 10 to 30 grains) asa good and ce 
anthelmintic for ascarides. In Travancore the bruised seeds 
ground up in a paste with lime juice, are largely employed as : 
means of destroying pediculi. Dr. Gibson, as the result of per- 
sonal experience, regards them as a valuable tonic and sto 
chic in doses of 20 to 25 grains; diuretic properties are also 
Vernonia seeds, Chiretta, Picrorhiza root, Dikamaéli, Rock 3a 
massas in cold wai 
d, every morning. — 
Chemical composition.—The seeds, as” sold in the bazars, lo 
9°38 per cent. when heated to 100°C. The ash amounted to’ 
per cent., and was free from manganese. — The pow ered § 
were digested with 80 per cent. alcohol, most of the 2 
