TAMARIND. 341 



abound greatly in them, and a chemical analysis gives 

 farther proof of this. There is indeed no alkali to be 

 obtained from this fruit, otherwise than by distilling it in 

 a retort with quicklime. A simple analysis of it yields 

 no other principle but acid and sulphur. 



It is not uncommon to find an essential salt crystallized 

 on the branches of the tamarind tree, which greatly re- 

 sembles cream of tartar in all respects, and is no other 

 than the genuine salt of the plant, formed by the sun's 

 drying up the accidental extravasated juices, 



The leaves of the sycamore, in hot seasons, are often 

 found thus covered with crystals of their essential salt, 

 which is sweet, and very much of the nature of sugar. 

 The lime-tree produces a like saccharine matter, which, 

 being given to a person to drink, will be found of the 

 same purgative virtue as manna. 



Tamarinds are an ingredient in the well-known medicine 

 called lenitive electuary. 



