153 
are well known. A decoction of the bitter root of Galega purpurea (Tephrosia) 
is prescribed by the Indian doctors in cases of dyspepsia, lientery, and 
tympanitis. Ainslie, 2. 49. The powdered leaf of Indigofera Anil is used in 
hepatitis. Ibid. 1. 179. The leaves of the Phaseolus trilobus (called Sem, or 
Simhi) are considered by Indian practitioners cooling, sedative, antibilious, and 
tonic, and useful as an application to weak eyes. Trans. M. and P. Soc. Calc. 
2. 406. The roots and herbage of Baptisia tinctoria have been found to pos- 
sess antiseptic and sub-astringent properties. They have also a cathartic and 
emetic effect. Barton, 2. 57. This emetic quality is also possessed by others. 
The root of Clitoria Ternatea is emetic. Ainslie, 2. 140; and similar pro- 
perties wiU be found to exist among the tribe Mimosese. Others are 
diuretics, as the roots of Beans, Genistas, Ononis, Anthyllis cretica, &c. DC. 
A few produce gum; Tragacanth is yielded by Astragalus verus and 
similar spiny species ; this is, however, very different from the gum of 
Mimoseae. Among dyes are Indigo, produced from various species of 
Indigofera, especially tinctoria, and Tephrosia Apollinea. Tlie flowers of Butea 
frondosa and superba yield a beautM dye, and the roots form strong rope. 
Royle. Several afford timber of excellent quality, especially the Robinia 
Pseudacacia, or Locust tree, vrhich is light, bright yellow, hard, and extremely 
durable, but brittle ; the wood of Laburnum is a light olive green, beautifully 
grained, and suitable for cabinet-makers’ purposes. Pterocai-pus dalbergioides, 
and several species of Dalbergia, are remarkable in India for the excellence 
of their wood. Sissoo, the timber of the Dalbergia of that name, is one of 
the most valuable of forest-trees. Occasionally narcotic properties have been 
recognized. The seeds of Lathyrus Aphaca are said to produce intense ’ 
headach if eaten abundantly : the seeds of the Laburnum are poisonous ; they 
contain a principle called Cytisine. Those of Abrus precatorius, Anagyris 
foetida, and others, have a similar property. See an analysis of Cytisus, 
Anagyris, and Coronilla seeds, in Me'm. Soc. Phys. Genev. v. 75. Tlie leaves 
and branches of Tephrosia are used for intoxicating fish ; the leaves of 
Ornithopus scorpioides are capable of being employed as vesicatories. Tlie 
juice of Coronilla varia is poisonous. The roots of Phaseolus radiatus are nar- 
cotic. Royle. Finally, besides these purposes, certain species have been 
found to be useful in other ways. The volatile oil of Dipterix (or Couinarouma) 
odorata, or Tonka Bean, has been ascertained to be a peculiar principle called 
Coumarin. It was mistaken by Vogel for Benzoic acid. Turner, 660. It 
may be found in a crystallised state between the skin and the kernel, and 
exists abundantly in the flowers of Mehlotus officinalis. Ed. P. J. 3. 407. 
It has been found that a peculiar acid, called Carbazotic, is formed by the 
action of nitric acid upon Indigo. Turner, 641. Sulphur exists in combina- 
tion with diflerent bases in peas and beans. Ed. P. J. 14. 172. The leaves 
of Coronilla picta are highly esteemed among the Hindoos, on account of the 
virtues they are said to possess in hastening suppm'ation when applied in the 
form of a poultice, that is, simply made warm, and moistened with a little 
castor oil. Ainslie, 2. 64. 
Tribe 2. Swartzie.e. 
Nothing is known of their properties, except that Baphia yields the King- 
wood of the cabinet-makers. 
Tribe 3. C^SALPiNiEiE. 
Purgative properties are their great character ; otherwise they much resem- 
ble Papilionacese. Senna is their most remarkable product. The Senna of 
the shops consists, according to Delile, of Cassia acutifolia. Cassia Senna, and 
Cynanchum Argel. He says the Cassia lanceolata of Arabia does not yield 
the Senna of commerce. The active principle of Senna is called Cathartine. 
It was discovered by Lassaigne and Fenuelle. Ed. P. J. 7. 389. Purgative 
