324 
ADULTERATION OP SENNA. 
griping and unsatisfactory effect. On examining the leaves, 
the)' were found as usual much adulterated with the cynan- 
chum. A syrup was prepared from the Alexandrian senna, 
from which the spurious leaves had been removed, and the 
result was as good as that obtained from the Tinnivelly ; but 
this process being attended with too much trouble to admit 
of its being generally adopted, there appeared to be no advan- 
tage in using Alexandrian senna while the Tinnivelly was free 
from objection. 
This is a question which deserves the consideration of the 
Pharmaceutical Society, as it ought to be decided which kind 
of senna is actually the best, and if we give the preference to 
the Alexandrian, in accordance with the usually received opi- 
nion, we ought to take steps for preventing an adulteration 
which is calculated to bring the article into disrepute. In 
cases of this kind individuals have but little opportunity of 
effecting a reformation ; but a society, one object of which is 
to improve the quality of our Materia Medica, is in a posi- 
tion to exert a beneficial influence. The Alexandrian senna, 
like every other commodity, is collected and brought into the 
market according to the demand, and while we are willing to 
submit to the imposition, and offer no opposition to the circu- 
lation of a spurious article, it is not likely that the collectors 
will discontinue their present practice. 
But it is our duty as a public body to issue proper instruc- 
tions respecting the importation of drugs, and by publishing 
among our members an exposure of any fraud, with the 
means of detecting it, we shall confer on a genuine article that 
comparative value which will ensure a constant supply in the 
market. There is one objection to the general adoption of 
the Tinnivelly senna, which is, that the quantity imported 
into this country is not nearly sufficient to meet the demand. 
It is cultivated only on one estate at Cape Comorin, and in 
the event of a deficiency the other varieties of East India 
senna (Bombay or Madras) might be substituted. As these 
are inferior in quality, it is necessary to observe the distinc- 
tion. The Tinnivelly senna is known by the size of the leaf- 
