NYMPHS A LOTUS 27 



Chemical Composition. — Fliickiger has isolated a bitter 

 lirinciple analogous to berberin ; also buxine and paradne, which 

 latter received the name pdosine from Wiggers in 18.39. The 

 former chemist proposed the name buxine for all these analogous 

 principles. Pelosine or buxine is precipitated by a concentrated 

 solution of HCl, by sal ammoniac, by potassium nitrate and 

 potassium iodide. He also discovered a neutral substance, 

 (hyamitin, which crystallizes in microscopic tablets ; sulphuric 

 acid added to these gives a pretty dark blue color which changes 

 to green. 



Botanical DE'scription. — A climbing shrub with cylin- 

 drical woody stem, with leaves simple, alternate, entire, petio- 

 late, ovoid, broad at the base. The inferior surface of the leaf 

 is pubescent, especially in- the intervals between the ribs. 

 Flowers dioecious, small, racemose. Calyx of 12 sepals ar- 

 ranged in 3 whorls, the inner ones broad and petaloid. Corolla 

 of 6 petals arranged in 2 whorls'. Stamens sterile or rudi- 

 mentary in the pistillate flower, the staminate flower bearing 

 6 ; anthers innate, '2-celled. Drupes oval, 2 or 3 cm. long, 

 black, closely resembling a grape seed. 



NYMPHJEACEJE. 



Water-Lily Family. 

 Nymphsea Lotus, L. 



NpiM. VuLG. — Lawas, Talaylo, Tunas, Gaway-gaway, Tag., 

 Vis., Pam.; \Vater Lily, Eng. 



Uses. — The anaphrodisiac virtues attributed to this plant 

 and to all the water-lily family are purely imaginary. Its juice 

 being slightly bitter and astringent is used in decoction as an 

 injection in gonorrhoea. It possesses mild narcotic properties, 

 for which some use the juice of the whole plant, rubbing the 

 forehead and temples with it to produce sleep. 



Botanical Desceiption. — An aquatic plant, -with leaves 



