75 
flower and fruit of tlie plant, and, in the case of specimens 
sent in the moist state, the fluid in which they hare been 
preserved. Any information possessed by the sender regard¬ 
ing the uses and reputed proportions of the substance should 
also be given. 
As the physiological examination of a substance can be 
undertaken only with large quantities of it, as liberal a 
supply as possible of the part of the plant reputed to have 
useful or tonic properties should be sent. This becomes all 
the more important when it is recollected that a chemical as 
well as a physiological investigation is required before 
sufficient knowledge of the applicability of the substance to 
the treatment of disease can be acquired. 
It is important also to point out that the examination of 
the physiological and chemical properties of a part of a 
plant is eminently unsatisfactory, and the value of the results 
greatly lessened, if materials are not supplied for the botanical 
identification of the plant. The parts required for this pur¬ 
pose are the flowers and fruit. When, therefore, these parts 
are not indicated or suggested on account of the local repu¬ 
tation of the plant, they should be sent on account of their 
botanical value and interest (see a). 
Details regarding the mode of preparation and adminis¬ 
tration of drugs in disease by the natives should be par¬ 
ticularly noted, as well as the diseases in which they are 
used. 
T. R. F. 
No. X.—NARCOTICS AND ALLIED DRUGS. 
1. What narcotics are employed ? 2. Are they indigenous l 
3. If so, are there any traditions as to their use ? 4. If 
imported, are there any traditions regarding their introduc¬ 
tion? 5. Where were they brought from ? 6. Were they 
imported by strangers entering the country, or by emigrants 
returning home from elsewhere ? 7. Do their names appear 
to be of foreign origin ? 8. What is the method of preparing 
them for use ? 9. Are they used in a pure state or mingled 
