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A few remarks on (he poisonous properties of the Valotropis 

 Gigantea, the Mudar of Bengal, the Yercum of the Tamils, 

 and the Warra of the Sinhalese. — ByW. C. Ondaatje, Esq., 

 Asst. Col. Surgeon. 



In the course of my public duties, as Medical Officer, in charge 

 of the Civil Medical Stores, I was called upon to discover, if pos- 

 sible the cause of the death of one John Melder. He died at Chi- 

 law, and the stomach and intestines with their contents were sent 

 to me on 31st March last for examination, 12 days after death. 

 He died shortly after some drugs had been administered to him by 

 a native, who was considered to be a most experienced medical 

 practitioner. It appears that the deceased having required an 

 emetic, the native Doctor gave him a small quantity of powdered 

 Kukuroomang seed, (Randia dumetorum), a well known native 

 emetic, mixed in about 2 dessert spoonfuls of the milk of the plant 

 called Warra (Caiotropis Gigantea) with a quantity of cow's milk. 



The immediate effects of the dose were incessant vomiting, and 

 excruciating pain in the bowels: the extremities became benumbed 

 and lifeless; and in about 2 hours after the medicine had been 

 given, death supervened. The mudar has not to my knowledge 

 been considered as a poison by Toxicologists either Indian or Eu- 

 ropean. I made some experiments with a view of ascertaining the 

 physiological properties of the fresh milk of the mudar. An ounce 

 of it being given to a pup, in 5 minutes it began to froth at the mouth, 

 and violent vomiting ensued until the stomach was completely 

 emptied of its contents. The animal cried and groaned evidently 

 from pain in the bowels. It lay down on the ground and gradually 

 sank and expired within 24 minutes. 



Ten minutes after I examined the animal. The mouth and tongue 

 were of a violet colour. The stomach was quite empty, and the 



