Foreign Vegetables. 
The Tree is called Tamarindus , Rail Hifl . 1748. 
Si !i qua Arabic a, qua; Tamarindus , C. B. P. 403. Ta- 
mar indus Detelfide appellata , P. Plan. AS gyp. 
35 1 ‘ jntty* f LVe Tamarindus , Pifon. 157. Tama- 
rindus Marcgr. 1071. Balam-pulli five Maderam- 
pulli , £/. Malab. T. S. It grows in Egypt y Arabia , 
the Indies, Ethiopia , and that Part of Africa , which 
is called Senega. In hot Seafons this Tree fome- 
times gives out a glutinous, acid, and reddifh Sub- 
ftance, which afterwards becomes white and hard 
like Cream of Tartar. 
From the four Tafte of Tamarinds, it is evident 
they are plentifully ftocked with acid Salt : Which 
is alfo proved by their Analyfis , wherein fcarce any 
alkaline Salt is obtained * but, befides the acid, a 
large Proportion of Oil. Six Pounds being diffolved 
in eight Pints of common Water, and having flood 
for two Months, fix Drachms of an effential Salt 
were found flicking to the Sides of the Cafk, and 
after a longer Time the Quantity was greatly aug- 
mented. This Salt differs not from Cream of 
Tartar, having an acid Tafte, and being only folu- 
ble in boiling Water. Again, after they have been 
macerated for fome Days, an acid Spirit is drawn 
from them in Diftillation, not unlike the Spirit of 
Vinegar. Hence it appears that they abound with 
acid Salt, and Sulphur *, yet fo, that the acid pre- 
dominates : Whereas in the Pulp of Caffia the Sul- 
phur is more copious than the Acid. 
The 7 urks and Arabians , according to the Rela- 
tion of Bellonius, when they fet out upon long 
Journeys in the Summer, or are to pafs over the 
Deferts of Arabia , lay in a Provifion of Tamarinds; 
which they ufe only to flake their Thirft, and not 
as Phyfick. For the fame End they likewife preferve 
the Fruit or Pods in Honey, or Sugar, as well when 
they are fmall and green, as when larger and come 
to Maturity. 
N 3 The 
