508 Journal of the Asiatic Society of Bengal. [November, 1910. 



Sang-i-shadnaj , a fossil nummulite. 

 Sancha, a nummulite from Mazari hills. 



These fossils have no other virtue than what they derive 

 from calcium carbonate, but on the strength of the doctrine of 

 similitudes they are administered on 

 blance to the products of disease. 



account 



Spcmgida or Port f era. 



Spongia 



• • • * * • 



Sponge. 



Vern. : — Mua badal, Hind. ; Vadatu, Guz. ; Abar murdah, 

 Pers. ; Isfanj, Arab. 



The name seems to be given from the idea that this sub- 

 stance is allied in its nature to the clouds, and hence its pro- 

 perty of holding water. 



The antacid properties of burnt sponge and its tonic and 

 deobstruent qualities have been much extolled. It is given in- 

 ternally in cases of dropsy, dysentery and bowel complaints. 

 Its efficacy is supposed to depend upon the iodine it contains. 

 Sponge consists of an organic body, spongin, and 3 to 4 per 

 cent, of ash. 



ACTINOZOA. 



Alcyonaria. 



Coralliu 



Red coral. 



Vern.: — Mungki sakh, sang-i-marjan, Hind.; Pravala, 

 Mar. ; Kya ve khet, Burm. , Bussud, Arab. ; Marfan, Pers. ; 

 Probata, birbat, Sans. 



Obtained from the Red Sea and Persian Gulf and Arabian 

 Coast. 



This coral is digested in lime juice and reduced to powder, 

 or calcined in covered crucibles and then powdered. It is used 



and acidity depending on 

 dyspepsia. Dr Honigberger says, the Hakims use it externally 

 for weakness of vision, and internally for spitting of blood, and 

 suppression of urine. Coral consists principally of calcium 

 carbonate, the red kind has been said to contain about 4 per 

 cent, of ferric oxide. My specimens are free from iron and the 

 colouring matter is organic. Baden Powell refers to Kushta 

 sang-i-marjan, from Sirmur, as a pink powder not effervescing 

 with acids. 



Tubipora musica, Cham. . . . . Organ pipe coral. 



Vern. : — Mungay-ki-far. 



Composed of a number of bright red tubular cylindrical 

 thecae united together. It is used in the same manner as red 

 coral. The colouring matter is organic. 



