248 MATERIA MEDIC A AND THERAPEUTICS 



but is somewhat astringent unless taken in large quantities. 

 It has long been used in the treatment of the tape -worm, 

 which is expelled apparently (not actually) dead by a dose of 

 the decoction, preceded and followed by a purgative. 



DIPTEROCARPINE^. 



Chaulmoogra Oil. The oil expressed from 

 the seeds of Gynocardia odorata. From India. 



Characters. A pale-brownish unctuous solid, with a dis- 

 agreeable smell and taste. 



Composition. Chaulmoogra oil contains a quantity of 

 palmitic acid, with three other fatty acids, including gynocardic 

 acid, the supposed active principle. 



Dose. 2 to 15 gr. 



ACTION AND USES. 



Chaulmoogra oil is believed to be a local stimulant, and a 

 nutritive when administered either by inunction or internally. 

 It was for a time much praised in leprosy, and has been used 

 for phthisis, lupus, psoriasis, and chronic rheumatism. 



CUCURBITACE^E. 



Colocynthidis Pulpa COLOCYNTH PULP. The 

 dried decorticated fruit, freed from seeds, of Citrullus 

 Colocynthis. Imported chiefly from Smyrna. Trieste. 

 France, and Spain. 



Characters. Light, spongy, white or yellowish-white in 

 colour, intensely bitter in taste. 



Composition. The active principle of colocynth is a bitter 

 glucoside colocynthin, C^H^O^, usually amorphous, but crystal- 

 lisable, and readily soluble in water. 



Dose, in powder, 2 to 8 gr. 



Preparations. 



1. Extraction Colocynthidis Compositum. Colocynth Pulp, 6; 



Extract of Socotrine Aloes, 12 ; Resin of Scammony, 4 ; 

 Hard Soap, 3 ; Cardamom Seeds, 1 ; Proof Spirit, 160. 

 Lose, 2 to 5 gr. 



2. Pilula Colocynthidis Composita. Colocynth Pulp, 1 ; Barba- 



does Aloes, 2 ; Scammony, ~2 ; Sulphate of Potash, \ ; Oil 

 of Cloves, ; Water, q.s. (about ). Dose, 5 to 10 gr. 



