838 
INDIAN MEDICINAL PLANTS. 
larger in the false than in the genuine seed. The longitudinal, rod-like thick- 
enings, which form the wall of the hair in eaAh case, show a slight difference. 
In the genuine seed these thickened parts usually remain coherent at the tip 
of the hair, but in the false they frequently separate and show a slight curva- 
ture at the extreme end. These insignificant differences, of course, are of no 
value in the examination of the powdered drug, and if the seed is entire it is 
easily distinguished by its lighter colour and the ridge round the edge, as 
well as the complete lack of any bitter taste. Since there is no significant 
difference in microscopic characters, a short series of experiments was made 
to try to find a chemical test whereby the fasle seed conld be detected. 
Since it was required to distinguish the false seed, the positive tests for 
strychnine were, of course, valueless, since a mixed powder would give these 
reactions. Transverse sections were cut and examined under a simple lens 
and also under the microscope while being treated with various reagents. 
The reagents used included strong nitric acid, a mixture of strong nitric and 
sulphuric acids, 50 per cent, sulphuric acids, 50 per cent, sulphuric acids with 
potassium dichromate, potassium hydroxide solution, B. P. strong solution of 
iron perohloride, and solution of iodine and potassium iodide. No difference 
was observed in -he reactions of the two seeds with these reagents. 
As the published accounts of the genus Stnjchnos give very meagre details 
with regard to the seeds, it has not yet been possible to assign the false seed 
to its species, although its structural identity with that of Strychnos Piux- 
vomica leaves no doubt that it is a species of Stnjchnos." 
Uses : — Acording to the authors of the Phavmaeographta 
Ipdica Vol. II p. 459), , “ no mention of Nux-Vomica can be 
found in the older Sanskrit medical works. + + We can hardly 
suppose that a plant having such marked poisonous properties 
can have escaped the notice of the earliest settlers in India, and 
there can be no doubt that the wood has been in use from a 
very ealry date as one of the hinds of Mushadi in Southern and 
Western India. We also find that in the Indian Archipelago, 
which was colonised at a very early date by the Hindus, the 
wood is used as a popular remedy for dysentry, fevers, and 
Dyspepsia.” “ Nux Vomica seeds produce a sort of intoxication, 
for which they are habitually taken by some natives as an aphro- 
disiac. Those who do so gradually become so far accustomed 
to this poison that they often come to one seed daily, which is 
cut into small pieces and chewed with a packet of betel leaf. 
Medicinally, the seeds are used in dyspepsia and diseases of 
the nervous system” ( Bindu Mat. Med.) The author of 
Makhzan-ul-Adwiya recommends great caution with regard to 
the medicinal use of Nux Vomica, and says that it is very useful 
