VOPULIFERM. 361 



^lls. The 



India hardly differ from those with, which we are familiar. 



Hind 



and 



generally prescribe both kinds together in the same prescript 

 tion. Mahometan writers direct the dark-coloured unper- 

 f orated galls to be selected as the best. 



The Arabs call them u^ {^/^)} and say that the tree^ which is 



not of the land of the Arabs, bears one year galls and another 

 Balldt (acorns). In Persia they are known as Mazu or MiSzun ; 

 the author of the Bitrhdn says they are used by tanners. 



*^-H J^i u^J^"^ i^^^ (^^^^ ^t^ iSJ^ f*7 u ^'0 J 



In modern medicine tannic and gallic acids obtained from 

 galls are generally used in preference to the raw material. 



The action of tannin is chiefly local, and is due to its power 

 of coagulating albumen ; it is therefore a useful application 

 when the skin has been deprived of its epidermis by diseases 

 such as intertrigo, impetigo and eczema, as it forms with the 

 exudations a protective coating, and at the same time contracts 

 the cells of the skin. 



When applied to a mucous membrane, it causes dryness, coag- 

 ulation of mucus, and destroys to a great extent the sensibility 

 of the membrane; on this account it is employed in stomatitis, 

 sare-throat, and cough due to irritation at the back of the 

 pharynx, and also as an injection in chronic discharges from 

 the genito-uriuary passages. 



When taken into the stomach in large doses it causes irri* 

 tation, and possibly vomiting, but in smaller doses it is often 

 useful inhaematemesis and intestinal hasmorrhage by coagulating 

 the blood and thus acting as a styptic. In poisoning by the 

 alkaloids it acts as a chemical antidote by forming tannates 

 which are but sparingly soluble in the juices of the alimentary 

 canal; it is also used as an antidote in poisoning by tartar 

 emetic, with which it forms an insoluble tannate. When 

 used as an antidote its administration should be followed by a 

 purgative, as the tannates of the alkaloids will be partially 

 redissolved, if allowed to remain in the intestines. 



III.— 46 



