232 LEGUMINOS^E 



a trace of volatile oil. With an alkali haematoxylon gives a purple color, 

 brazil-wood a red color, and red saunders is not affected. 



Preparation of Hamatoxylin. To ethereal extract add water and allow to 

 crystallize; add a little H 2 SO 3 or sulphite to prevent oxidation. Yellowish prisms 

 of sweetish taste, violet-blue, with alkalies. Soluble in alcohol and water. Sun- 

 light causes ajred color. 



ACTION AND USES. A mild astringent. Dose: 30 to 60 gr. (2 to 4 Gm.), in 

 decoction or extract. A solution of hsematoxylon as a staining fluid in 

 microscopy is one of the most useful, as it stains both lignified and cellulose 

 tissue, but not suberin or cutin. It is also one of the very best nuclear stains. 



PREPARATION: Ext. Haematoxyli, N.F. Dose, i Gm. (15 gr.). 



239. SANTALUM RUBRUM. RED SAUNDERS 



RED SANDALWOOD 

 The heart-wood of Pterocar'pus santali'nus Linne'. 



BOTANICAL CHARACTERISTICS. A large tree with dark red, heavy, and compact 

 wood; a reddish juice exudes from its bark. Racemes axillary ; flower s*ye\low, 

 streaked with red. Legumes orbicular. 



FIG. 124. Pterocarpus santalinus Branch. 



HABITAT. Madras. 



DESCRIPTION OF DRUG. In commerce usually in deep reddish-brown 

 raspings or small chips, or a coarse powder; tasteless and nearly odor- 

 less. The wood consists mostly of the lower parts of the stem, and 



