N. O. GRAMMES. 
1383 
p. 28, No. 114). A belief in the emmenagogue properties of the 
leaves is common alike in India and China ; but neither in this 
nor in any other character does it appear worthy of attention as 
a medicine. In positions where ordinary surgical appliances 
are not at hand, it is well to bear in mind that, with very little 
manipulation, splints of any required length or size can be 
obtained with little delay from the stems of the bamboo. For this 
purpose the older drier stems are to be preferred, the younger 
yielding somewhat on pressure. A silicious concretion, Tabashir 
or Tabasheer, found in the articulations of the bamboo, merits a 
brief notice. The most complete account of its varieties, history, 
formation, and properties has been published by Sir David Brews- 
ter (Philosoph. Trans., 1819, and Edin. Journ. of Science, vol. 
viii., p. 286) ; and in the same paper are embodied some learned 
remagks by Prof. H. H. Wilson on its nomenclature, and the uses 
to which it is applied by the natives, drawn from Sanskrit works. 
Several analyses of it have been made by Smithson, Fourcroy and 
Vauquelin, John, and Dr. E. Turner. The most recent and 
complete is that of Prof. T. Th'omson, of Glasgow (Records of 
Gen. Science, Feb. 1836) who found its constituents to be, in 
100 parts, Silica, 90‘50 ; Potash, 1 TO; Peroxide of Iron, 0‘90 ; 
Aluminia, 0‘40 ; Moisture, 4‘87 ; Loss, 2:23. It is highly prized 
in native practice as a stimulant and aphrodisiac ; but from its 
composition we are warranted in believing that as a medicinal 
agent it is inert. (Madras Quart. Journ. of Med., April 1862, 
p. 245.) (Ph. Ind.) 
The tender leaves of this plant used with black pepper and 
common salt to check diarrhoea in cattle. (Thornton, Monghyr.) 
The most efficacious application for dislodgment of worms in 
ulcers is a poultice made by pounding the young shoots of the 
bamboo. The juice is first poured on the vermin, and the 
ligneous mass is applied and secured by a bandage. (Hony. 
Surg. P. Kinsley, Madras.) The leaf-bud is used as decoction 
to encourage the free discharge of the menses or lochia 
when this is scanty. (Moodeliar, Madras.) Used in leprosy, 
fevers and haemoptysis. (Thompson, Madras.) 
Tamil practitioners say the root is diluent, the bark cures 
