of select Indian Plaiils. 353 



the Ilar-cuchilu of Silhet may be the same with the Tieiitc or 

 CIdtik of Java. 



The Bengalesc name, which is that of the Nux vomica (cuchila), 

 with a distinctive epithet (h/ii-), shows that the natives of Silhet 

 have remarked the affinity of these Indian species of Strtjc/mos. 

 The specimen was received tiience with the information that " the 

 plant has medicinal virtues;" but without any intimation of de- 

 leterious qualities in the bark or root. The leaves are used ex- 

 ternally as suppurative; and the seed internally as a febrifuoe. 

 In a large dose, however, it is said to be poisonous. 



In this, as in most, if not in all, the species of the genus, the 

 wood, and still more the bark, are intensely bitter. This is emi- 

 nently the case in the two species first known and described, 

 S. coluhrina and Nux vomica. They are employed in tlie Indian 

 practice of medicine, especially the bark of the root; which is 

 administered by native practitioners as a febrifuge. Their seeds 

 are used singly, and in conjunction with opium as an adultera- 

 tion of that drug, for their narcotic efficacy; and are also em- 

 ployed by venders of ardent spirits to augment the intoxicatin" 

 • power of the liquor vended by them. 



In the Javanese species, a decoction of the bark of the root 

 has been ascertained by Dr. Horsfield to be a most active poison 

 when internally administered. The soluble matter of the bark 

 appears also to be the efficient part of it as a mortal venom in- 

 troduced by a wound. 



Notwithstanding the seeming contrast of qualities between a 

 medicine and a poison, it is possible that the same substance, 

 which is deadly in a greater quantity, may be salutary in smaller 

 doses : the presumption, therefore, is not conclusive against the 

 identity of the species indigenous in Java and in Silhet. 



Another plant now submitted is a species of a genus named 



by 



