78 MUCUNA PRURIENS 



and in other ways, as a local stimulant in paralysis, and other 

 affections. 



A decoction of the root or of the legumes is said to be diuretic, 

 and was formerly employed in dropsy ; and according to Ainslie, 

 an infusion of the root is used by the natives in some parts 

 of India as a remedy in cholera. The seeds are also employed 

 medicinally in India. 



The legumes when young and tender are also cooked and eaten 

 in India. 



Per. Mat. Med., vol. ii, pt. 2, p. 322 ; Pharmacographia, p. 165 ; 

 U. S. Disp., by W. & B., p. 567 ; Browne's Jamaica, p. 291 ; 

 Chamberlaine's Prac. Treat, on Stizolobium or Cowhage, 9th 

 edit., pp. 57 and 65. 



DESCRIPTION OF PLATE. 



Drawn from Indian specimens in the herbarium of the British Museum. 



1. A leaf and raceme of flowers. 



2. Calyx and andrcecium. 



3. Pistil. 



4. A pod. 



5. Section of part of pod showing the seed. 



6. Seed. 



7. Section of the same. 



8. A single hair from the pod, enlarged. 



9. The point of the same, more magnified. 



