"APPENDIX, 129 
Sterculia alata, Ror). Bedd. Fi, Syilv., 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 form a 
most excellent substitute for ordinary almonds, which they resemble 
in shape and size. Theobromine and caffeine were specially looked 
for with negative results. 
Sterculia scaphigera, Well. 
These remarkable fruits are brought to India by Mahomed 
merchants from Java and Singapore by way of Karaikal and 
Nagore, seaport towns on the Coromandel Coast. They are c 
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], xx., 381), shows in the following table how suitable it is as a 
substitute for Tragacanth :— 
Sterculia. . Tragacanth. 
‘| a. Colourless -- | @. Opalescen 
6. Granular jelly ... i. Smooth vinci mass. 
In cold water...) | 6 Adhesiveness ab-| c. Adhesive 
sent or sed sm. 
Boiling in dilute al-| Insoluble ,».| Almost entirely dis- 
kali. solves. 
— soda and) No change of colour. | Canary-yellow colour, 
ing. . em h fades on cool- 
Boiling in dilute acid.) to forming ara- Soluble, forming pectin 
n (J. H. M.). (Giraud). 
Alcohol added to Whitish precipitate) Formation z Heme 
quid formed in (see fuller state-| glairy ma 
cic Q). ment). 
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 
Q 
