70 



Observations 07i Miidar. 



[Jan., 



grouped according to their natural affinities i embracing un- 

 der each order, a succinct accounct of the properties for which 

 it is remarkable, and under each species those which have 

 been discovered as belonging to it individually ; thus teach- 

 ing, if I may so express myself, both the theory and 

 practice of medical Botany, by reducing to a systematic 

 arrangement, the numerous detached facts which during 

 a long series of years have been accumulating ; many of which 

 are now nearly lost, from the multiplicity of works through 

 which they are scattered. I am well aware that to complete 

 such a w^ork, requires leisure, and opportunities of consult- 

 ing rare and costly volumes, that do not fall to my lot ; 

 but to form the ground work by reducing to system all 

 that is easily accessible, is to lay the foundation of an edi- 

 fice which others can easily complete. 



Trusting that the example of Dr. Wallich of Calcutta, 

 and of Mr. Malcolmson, both of whom have liberally offer- 

 ed their assistance, will be followed by my medical brethren 

 generally, I shall cheerfully continue the labours I have 

 commenced, in the hope of seeing them at no very distant 

 period^ crowned with success. 



I remain, Sir, 

 yours &c. 



Rob. Wight. 



Bellary, 15th Nov. 1834. 



///. Observations on Madar f Calotropis procera J, with 



some remarks on the medical properties of the natural order 

 Asclepiadece. By Rob, Wight M. D. Surgeon Regt. 



jy. L 



The attention of the profession was directed some years 

 ago to the medical properties of the mudar plant, by seve- 

 ral papers on the subject published in Bengal, and in 

 part republished in the medical periodicals of Europe. The 

 writers of these papers, gave such favorable accounts of its 

 virtues in the cure of disease, that many others w^ere induc- 

 ed to try it, both in this country and in Europe. The trials 

 made in the Carnatic, with the Mudar of the country, did 

 not tend to confirm the favourable accounts given of it by 

 the Bengal medical officers, nor did the effects produced, 

 correspond with their accounts, or with those published in 



