153 



Observe wood and seeds of the CLEARING NuT Tree CASE 

 (Strychnos potatorum, Linn, f.), a moderate-sized tree of 79. 

 India and Ceylon. The ripe seeds are used to clear 

 muddy water, by rubbing them round the inside of the 

 vessel. 



They are also much used in medicine, and the pulp of 

 the fruit is eaten and made into preserve. The wood is 

 used for ploughs, building purposes, cart-wheels, &c. 



No. 374. St. Ignatius' Beans. The seeds of CASE 

 Strychnos Ignatii, Berg., a shrub or small tree, native of 80. 

 the Philippine Islands. The properties of these seeds are 

 identical with those of Nux-vomica, hence they are largely 

 used in India, and with us for the manufacture of 

 Strychnine. The supply, however, is very irregular. 



Note seeds of Mussaenda Coffee {Oaertnera vagi- 

 nata. Lam.), from Reunion. It is a low erect shrub, and 

 the seeds have been recommended as a coffee substitute, 

 but are of little value, as they do not contain caffeine. 



Gentian Order {Gentianeae). A numerous and 

 widely dispersed family of herbaceous plants, generally 

 with smooth, entire, opposite leaves and iDeautifully 

 coloured flowers. They are characterised by a powerful 

 bitterness in every part ; hence their use by all nations as 

 febrifugal and stomachic medicines. 



Note specimens of root of Oentiana Kurroo^ Royle, 

 occasionally used in India in medicine. 



No. 375. Gentian Root {Gentiana lutea, L.). Native 

 of France, Germany, the Alps, Pyrenees, &c. ; principally 

 employed as a tonic. 



Note also roots of Field Gentian (Genticma cam- 

 pestris, L.), employed in rustic medicine as a tonic and 

 stomachic. 



On an upper shelf of the next compartment observe 

 Chiretta or KiRAYAT of India (Swertia Chirata, 

 Ham.). The entire plant is collected when in flower, and 

 is valued in Hindu medicine on account of its tonic, 

 anthelmintic, and febrifuge properties. It is frequently 

 imported into this country for medicinal purposes. 



Note also Bogbean (Menyanthes trifoliata, L.), a 

 perennial marsh herb of this country, used in medicine 



