80 CHINESE MATERIA MEDICA. 



names given for it in the Phitsao are ^ ^ (K'o-liu) and fg ^ 

 (K'o-ping), which are probably transliterations of some foreign 

 term. The tree is said to resemble the Balsanwdendron 

 myrrha. The above Chinese names refer to the gum-like 

 substance derived from the tree, which is known in commerce 

 as " dragon's blood." The tree is said to be chopped to yield 

 the gum, but the most common form is that which covers the 

 fruits, which is obtained by beating and shaking these in little 

 bags or baskets, when the gum-tears drop off, and are allowed 

 to conglomerate into masses in the sun, or are softened by hot 

 water and formed into sticks. Dr. Williams describes the drug 

 as "in drops of a bright crimson color when powdered, and 

 semi-transparent." That commonly found in the Chinese 

 shops is in large dark-red, friable masses, which have evidently 

 been packed in matting. It makes a deep blood-red, gritty, 

 almost tasteless powder, soluble in spirits of wine. Since the 

 drug produces such a brilliant red color, it may be readily 

 surmised that the Chinese would use it in the treatment of 

 wounds and hemorrhages. And this indeed seems to be the 

 principal purpose for which it is used. It is also thought to 

 have some sedative and tonic properties. 



Dr. Williams erroneously identifies H ^ ^ (Lung-hsien- 

 hsiang) with this substance, but this is Ambergris. 



CALENDULA OFFICINALIS.—:^ ^ 1^ (Chin-chan- 

 hua). This is the common maHgold. It is only prescribed in 

 obstinate bleeding piles. 



CALYSTEGIA SEPIUM.— :^ ^ (Hsuan-hua). This is 

 a Convolvulaceous plant, for which a large number of synony- 

 mous names are given in the Penisao. Among these is ^ ;^ 

 Jff J5* (^Ch*an-chih-mu-tan), which is Convolviihis Japonicus. 

 The root, which from the shape it sometimes assumes, is also 

 called ^]^ S§ i^ (Tun-ch'ang-ts'ao), " sucking-pig's entrail," is 

 edible, and is said to have a pleasant sweet taste. Tonic, 

 nutrient, demulcent, and diuretic properties are attributed to 

 it, and it is also said to have the power of cementing bones and 

 tendons, if diligently applied as a poultice. On account of 

 this last named reputation, the root is also called 1^ nh ^ 

 (.Hsli-chiu-ken), "healing tendon root." 



