PLUMBAGINED. 33] 
_ by some under the supposition that it was the root of P. rosea. 
_ Inthe Pharmacopeia of India, Dr. Oswald is said to have em- 
ployed P. zeylanica in the treatment of intermittents with good” 
effect. Itacts as a powerful sudorific. In many parts of India 
the root is one of the most important drugs of the itinerant 
herbalist ; it is also sold by all druggists. Ainslie, speaking of 
P. rosea, remarks.—“The bruised root of this plant is, in its 
natural state, acrid and stimulating, but when tempered witha 
little bland oil, it is used as an external application in rheumatic 
_ and paralytic affections ; it is also prescribed internally in small 
doses for the same complaints, in combination with some other 
imple powder.”? (Mat. Ind., II., p. 379.) ne 
O’Shaughnessy, who instituted a series of trials with the roob 
asa vesicant, has expressed a very favourable opinion of if 
sa cheap substitute for cantharides. Dr. Waring thinks less 
favourably of it; he found that it caused more pain than an 
ordinary blister, and that the resulting vesication was less 
niform, and not always easily healed. From what we have : 
seen of its use, we are inclined to support Dr. Waring” 's opi 
Given internally in ees — Smieoe root acts: as 
Wk, and after absorption, as a stimulant of the excreto 
glandular organs. Its action is well worthy of accurate scien | 
fic investigation. 
Description. —The roots of P. zeylanica are from 4 + to 
small warty projections ; ‘eberdally itis brown and striated L; 
fracture is short ; the taste acrid and biting. Wood har 
1, close-grained. A section of the fresh bark when mag- 
shows. nuteerous bundles of ries yellow stone 
; . ner part of the: 
