80 



Observations on Madar. 



be particularly useful in jaundice ; — nothing more seems 

 known concerning it. 



Gymnema Sylvestris (f?erroo canchorie vayer, x^inslie). 

 This twining plant tho' less abundant than the preceding is 

 not uncommon. It is known by its dense clusters of small 

 yellow flowers. The root is bitter and supposed by the na- 

 tives to possess virtues against snake bite. It is given in 

 decoction and the powder is applied to the bitten part. It 

 is supposed by the Cyngalese to possess virtues similar to 

 ipecacuana. (Ainslie.) 



Secamone emetica : this plant was altogether unknown to 

 Roxburgh, though not uncommon in the southern provinces 

 of the peninsula in jungles near the foot of the hills. He sup^ 

 posed that it might be a narrow leaved variety of the next 

 from w^hich it is most distinct, neither is it mentianed by 

 Ainslie, which surprises me. The natives, in the districtg 

 where it grows, seem to be generally aware that its roots are 

 powerfully emetic ; their information on that head, communi- 

 cated to Dr. Koinig and myself at a long interval being 

 the same, I consider satisfactory evidence of the fact. 



Hemidismus indica (Nunnari vayer, Ainslie). A very com- 

 mon plant, now well known from being in general use in 

 our hospitals under the name of country sarsaparilla. The 

 root has a thin dry outside, and a thick mucilaginous in- 

 side bark, and does not seem to possess any of the emetic or 

 purgative properties of the preceding species and is con- 

 sequently, apparently at least, an exception to the rule ; I say 

 apparently, for the difference may be in degree only, not in 

 kind. 



I have now I think adduced sufficient evidence to prove, 

 both the similarity and the value of the medicinal virtues resid- 

 ing in the roots of a large proportion of the plants of t his order : 

 Yv^e have less information concerning the parts exposed to the 

 action of air and light, but we do know that Ceropegia bubosa 

 is eat by the natives both raw and dressed, that C. juncea 

 is made into pickles and generally used in that form, as well 

 as eat raw ; and that the young shoots of Sarcostemma 

 (^C3manchum) vim,male,{Kr\dL\c\i\YiQ., Ainslie) Ascleplas acicta 

 Ro.rb. is eat by the natives. Roxburgh remarks of it, that it 

 aiTords; a larger quantity of very fine milky juice than any other 



