340 HISTORY OF FIIUTTS. 



with eggs, till a clear transparent syrup is formed, which 

 gives the fruit a much pleasanter flavour. 



The East-India tamarinds are preserved generally with- 

 out sugar, and are better adapted for an ingredient in 

 medical compositions. The best method of preserving 

 them is said to be by putting alternate layers of tamarinds 

 and powdered sugar in a stone jar: by this means the 

 tamarinds preserve their colour and taste more agreeably. 



In the Indies, and in some parts of Africa, tamarinds 

 are used as food, and are made into a sort of confection 

 with sugar, and eaten as a delicacy, which in the violent 

 heats of these climates is cooling, and at the same time 

 keeps the bowels in a proper state of laxity. The fruit is 

 also frequently made an ingredient in punch, and seldom 

 fails to open the body. A very agreeable cooling drink 

 is made by simply mixing water with a few spoonfuls of 

 it when preserved. Dr. Cullen was of opinion, that it 

 was best to preserve tamarinds in the pods. They contain 

 a larger proportion of acid, with saccharine matter, than 

 is usually found in the acid dulcet fruits, and arje there- 

 fore not only employed as a laxative, but also for abating 

 thirst and heafe in various inflammatory complaints, and 

 for correcting putrid disorders, especially those of a 

 bilious kind, in which the cathartic, antiseptic, and re- 

 frigerant qualities of the fruit have been found equally 

 useful. When intended merely as a laxative, it may be 

 of advantage to join them with manna, or purgatives of a 

 sweet kind, by which their use is rendered safer and more 

 effectual. Three drams of the pulp are usually sufficient 

 to open the body ; but to prove moderately cathartic, one 

 or two ounces are required. The leaves are sometimes 

 used in sub-acid infusions ; and Alpinus says, a decoction 

 of them kills worms in children. (Wright.) Dr. Zim- 

 merman prescribes tamarinds in putrid dysentery. 



The sour taste of tamarinds proves that acid particles 



