Assacii Juice a Remedi/ in Elephantiasis. 135 



These gentlemen took especial pains to make our stay in Rio 

 as instructive as useful, and likewise gave us in reply to vari- 

 ous scientific queries the most valuable information and prac- 

 tical hints. Thus, for example, we were favoured by Dr. de 

 Lagos with the following particulars respecting the alleged effi- 

 cacy of the milky sap of the assacii tree {Hura Brasiliensis), 

 and of the bite of the rattlesnake as antidotes in cases of 

 Elephantiasis, as also regarding the " Curare," that cele- 

 brated poison with which the Indians of Brazil tip their 

 arrows. 



The assacu had long been employed as a remedy for the 

 frightful malady known as Elephantiasis Grcecorum, and 

 its use was occasionally followed by the happiest results, with- 

 out any attempt having been made thoroughly to investi- 

 gate the specific action of the juice, although, like that of so 

 many other Brazilian plants, it would probably surrender, if 

 scientifically analyzed, the therapeutical energies which enable 

 it to overcome occasionally the most obstinate cases of disease. 

 The assacii is a tree growing in the northern provinces 

 of Para, on making an incision into which there exudes 

 a resinous sap, of a brownish or reddish-white colour, which 

 coagulates, and gradually hardens. This inspissated substance 

 is of a dark brown, rather resembling gum than resin, and 

 readily soluble in water. When dissolved, it regains the 

 colour and odour of the sap as it first trickles from the 

 tree. A committee of physicians of Para long ago presented 

 to the Brazilian Government a memorandum as to the 



