APPENDIX. 



129 



Sterculia alata, Roxlf. Bedd. Fi, Sylv,, t. 230, 



The kernels contain 45*27 per cent, of a bland oil possessing some 

 siccative properties. Eighteen kernels were eaten by one of us 

 without any symptoms being induced, hence Roxburgh's statement 

 that the seeds under the name of Toola are said to be eaten by 

 natives in Silhet as a cheap substitute for opium is probably based 



on incorrect information. The tree is one of the largest found in 

 Bengal, and seeds very freely; in our opinion the kernels forma 



most excellent substitute for ordinary almonds, which they resemble 

 in shape and size. Theobromine and caffeine were specially looked 

 for with negative results. 



M * 



Stereulia soaphigera, Wall, 



These remarkable fruits are brought to India by Mahomedan 

 merchants from Java and Singapore by way of Karaikal and 

 Nagoi'Cj seaport towns on the Ooromandel Coast. They are called 

 Oomas-Mungoo in the Malay language, and are used as a demulcent 

 drink. 



Sterculia Gum< 

 Mr. J, H. Maiden, in an article on Sterculia gum {Pharm, Journ, 



[3]. 



., 381), shows in the following table how suitable it is as a 



substitute for Tragacanth : 



Sterculia. 



Tragacanth. 



In cold water 



• • 



Boiling in dilute al- 

 kali. 



Caustic soda and 

 warming. 



Boiling in dilute acid. 



Alcohol added to 

 quid formed in 

 (10). 



a. Colourless 



b. Granular Jelly .,. 



c. Adhesiveness ab- 



sent or very small. 



Insoluble 



»•« 



No change of colour. 



Soluble, forming ara- 

 bin (/. H, M.). 



Whitish precipitate 

 (see fuller state- 

 ment). 



«f. Opalescent. 



J. Smooth viscid mass. 



e. Adhesive. 



Almost entirely dis- 

 solves. 

 Canary-yellow colour, 



which fades on cool- 

 ing. 

 Soluble, forming pectm 



Formation of floating 

 glairy mass. 



He found Sterculia gum to yield to cold water only 3-14 per 

 cent., consisting chiefly of Arabin; 75-1 per cent, of the gum 



was 



a 



