336 
CALYCI FLORAE. 
length of time, the first syrup, which is very acid, is poured off, 
and a second is added. It is evident, that the East India Ta- 
marinds, from the method in which they are preserved, must 
he the best adapted for medicinal purposes. A very excellent 
preserve is imported from Cura^oa, made from the unripe pods, 
preserved in sugar, with the addition of spices. 
The pulp of the Tamarind is cooling and laxative, of a grate- 
ful acidulous sweetish taste, and without smell. It is stated 
by Mr Rennie,* to be incompatible with infusion of senna 
(having been found to weaken its effects), with the resinous 
purgatives, with the tartrites of soda and potash, and with tar- 
tar emetic. It is used infused in water to form a refreshing 
beverage ; or is mixed with cassia or manna as a laxative ; or 
is boiled with milk and strained, to make Tamarind whey, as 
a cooling drink in fevers. A very good gargle for sore 
throat may be prepared from the pulp of the fresh pods. 
The seeds are eaten in times of scarcity by the poorer classes 
of India. They are first toasted, and then soaked for a few 
hours in water, when the skin comes off readily, leaving the 
seed white and soft : they are lastly boiled or fried, and are 
said to resemble the common field-bean in taste. The tree 
itself is very ornamental, and affords a delightful shade. The 
inhabitants of the East have a notion that it is dangerous to 
sleep under it ; and, it may be remarked, that the ground is 
bare and no plant appears to thrive under its branches. 
The leaves have an acid taste, and an infusion of them, 
according to Prosper Alpinus, is given as a vermifuge by the 
Arabs to their children. 
L. Cassia. Cassia. 
Calycine sepals 5, scarcely united at the base, more 
or less unequal. Petals 5, unequal. Stamens 10, 
free, unequal ; 3-4 inferior and long ; those in the 
middle short, straight ; 2-3 superior with abortive 
difformed anthers : anthers dehiscent at the apex. 
Ovary stipitate, frequently arcuate. Legume vary- 
ing. 
This genus comprehends trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants. 
Leaves alternate, and, in our Jamaica species, abruptly pinnated. 
Petioles generally glanduliferous. Several of the species have 
a purgative property — Name, of Hebrew derivation. 
* New Supplement to the Pharmacopoeias, 433. 
