MATERIA MEDICA. 
3T1 
Latterly, when better impressions succeeded, and our walks were 
unrestrained by limits or attendants, the rains not only checked, 
but generally disappointed my researches, by presenting the subject 
flowerless, (or in an unfit state for preservation,) and consequently 
not admitting their classification, as is too evident in the following 
list of such plants as are used as medicines by the Ashantees. 
1. Cutturasuh. [^Chrysanthellum prociimhens. Persoon. syn. 2. p. 
47 1, Verhesina mutica Willd.) A small plant, a decoction of which 
is purgative, before boiling it should be bruised. 
2. Aduraba, (a species of Ficus.) The bark and fruit are pounded 
with Mallaguetta pepper and a small plant called a whintey whin ti n g, 
boiled in fish soup : two doses in the third month of gestation are 
said to cause abortion. 
3. Koofoobah {Gloriosa superba. Lijin.) is bruised with Malla- 
guetta pepper (lesser cardamom seeds) and applied to the ancle or 
foot when sprained. 
4. Tandoorue (^perhaps a Cupania or Trichilia.) The bark is 
pounded and boiled with Mallaguetta pepper ; used for pain in the 
belly, and acts as a purgative. 
5. Bissey. (Sterculia acuminata. Palis, de Beauvois, Flore d'Oware 
l.p. 41. tah. 24.) The fruit is constantly chewed by the Ashantees, 
especially on a journey ; it is said to prevent hunger and strengthen 
the stomach and bowels ; has a slight bitter aromatic astringent 
taste, and causes an increase of the saliva while chewed. 
6*. Attueh. {Blighia sapida. Hort. Kew. ed. 2. vol. 3, p. 350. Akeesia 
africana Tussac Flor. des Antilles 66. ) A decoction of the bark is 
said to be anti-venereal. The fruit is eaten. 
7. Ricinus Communis Linn. Castor oil nut tree, 30 feet high 
here, and not a bush as on the coast : not used as medicine by the 
natives. 
* I am indebted to Mr. Brown's knowledge for the names and references in the 
parentheses. 
