Nílá-tútá (Hind., Punj.), Mór-tuttá, Mhor-tuttah (Duk.), Tutiyá (Beng.), Nila-toth (Kash.), Mayil-tuttam, Turichu, Tuttam-turichi (Tam.), Mayilu-tuttam (Tel.), Turisha, Mayil-tutta (Mal.) Mail-tutyá (Can.), Mórtúta (Guz.), Palmánikam (Cing.), Douthá (Burm.), Toorsi (Malay).

109. Sulphate of Copper, of fair quality, is procurable in most bazaars; it should be in crystalline masses, of various sizes, of a dark-blue colour, without any light green or whitish powder adherent on the surface; if these exist they should be thoroughly removed previous to the salt being employed medicinally. Or it may be further purified by dissolving in boiling water, filtering, and setting the solution aside to crystallise. In doses of from a quarter grain to two grains it acts as an astringent and tonic; in larger doses (5 to 10 grains) it is a powerful emetic.

110. In Chronic Diarrhœa and Dysentery the following pills are often productive of great benefit. Take finely powdered Sulphate of Copper and Opium, of each 6 grains; thoroughly mix them with a small portion of honey, and divide into twelve pills, of which one should be taken thrice daily. These pills have been found very useful in controlling Diarrhœa in the advanced stages of Consumption (Phthisis). In the Chronic Diarrhœa and Dysentery of Children, a better form is 2 grains of the Sulphate dissolved in 12 drachms of Omum water; of this the dose is a teaspoonful thrice daily. In all these cases, should benefit not be manifest in a few days, the remedy should be discontinued.

111. In Diphtheria the Sulphate of Copper has been highly spoken of. Of a solution of 5 grains in one ounce of water, a teaspoonful may be given to young children, and repeated every half-hour till it produces vomiting. The same treatment has also been advised in cases of Croup. After the occurrence of free vomiting its use should be discontinued.

112. In Ulcerations of the Mouth, whether occurring in children or adults, 3 to 5 grains of finely powdered Sulphate, incorporated with half an ounce of honey, is a very useful application. It may be easily applied to the ulcers by the finger.

113. In the Ophthalmia of Children attended with copious discharge, a solution of one grain in one ounce of water, applied several times in the day, will often be found serviceable. In obstinate cases the strength may be doubled, but it should never be so strong as to cause pain.

114. Obstinate Indolent Ulcers will often yield, when other measures have failed, to the persevering application of solutions of the Sulphate, of graduated strengths, from 2 grains to 10 grains in the ounce of water. At the commencement the weakest solution is applied morning and evening, water dressing (394) being applied in the intervals. When the first solution ceases to occasion a feeling of heat in the ulcerated surface, the strength should be gradually increased by single grains till the 10-grain solution is borne, by which time the ulcer is generally almost healed. When the edges of the ulcer are hard and unyielding, they may be touched every second or third day with the Sulphate in substance; and it may also be thus used to check Exuberant Granulations.

115. In Ringworm and Scalled head the following ointment has been found useful: Sulphate of Copper in powder, 20 grains; powdered Galls, 1 drachm; Ceromel, 1 ounce. Mix them thoroughly, and rub well into the diseased spot. In Prickly Heat, a lotion of the Sulphate of Copper (10 grains to one ounce of water, or Rose water) often affords more relief than any other application.

116. Excessive Bleeding from Leechbites may often be speedily arrested by the application of a little powdered Sulphate of Copper. In Bleeding from the Nose, a solution of 4 grains of the Sulphate in one ounce of water introduced into the nostril, is sometimes effectual when Alum fails.

117. In Poisoning by Opium, Datura, Nux Vomica, Cocculus Indicus, Bish (Aconite), Arsenic, &c., where the poison has been swallowed, an emetic should at once be given to evacuate the contents of the stomach. For this purpose, Sulphate of Copper may be advantageously employed—5 grains in a pint of tepid water, taken at a draught. If this does not operate in half an hour it may be repeated; and a third dose, even, may be given if necessary, but this quantity should not be exceeded; as, unless it is vomited up, it remains in the stomach, and in large quantities is itself capable of acting as a poison. Its operation should be promoted by copious draughts of warm water. Its use as an emetic should be limited to cases of poisoning when it is of the greatest importance to empty the stomach as rapidly as possible. In other cases it is not a safe or manageable emetic. White of egg is the best remedy if the Sulphate causes any unpleasant effects.

Jépál, Jamál-gótá (Hind.), Jamál-guttah (Duk.), Jépál, Jamál-gotá (Beng., Punj.), Nérválam kottai (Tam.), Népála-vittulu (Tel.), Nirválam (Mal.) Jápálada-bíjá (Can.), Népálácha-bi (Mah.), Jamlá-gota (Guz.), Jápála, Jaipála (Cing.), Kanakho-si, Sa-díva, Ta-díva (Burm.), Buah doomkian (Malay).

119. The Croton seeds met with in Indian bazaars are often spoilt by long keeping, &c.; they should, when practicable, be collected fresh when required for use. They are about the size of a grain of coffee, oval, rounded, of an imperfectly quadrangular form, with a thin brittle light-coloured shell, containing a yellowish albuminous kernel, enclosing a large leafy embryo; inodorous; taste at first mild, subsequently acrid and pungent. In their natural state they are violently purgative, and even in small quantity poisonous.

120. The following Croton pill is said to be an effectual purgative: take any quantity of the seeds, deprived of their outer shell, boil them three times in milk, and after boiling, carefully remove the outer skin and the little leaf-like body (embryo) which will be found between the two halves of the kernel; if the latter be allowed to remain, it will cause violent griping and vomiting. To 30 grains of the seeds thus prepared add 60 grains of finely powdered Catechu, and with the aid of a little honey or gum beat them into an even mass. Mix the ingredients thoroughly, and divide into pills, each weighing two grains. One of these is a sufficient dose for an adult, and should be given only when a strong purgative is required, as in Apoplexy, Convulsions, Insanity, Ardent Fevers, &c. Should it cause much griping, vomiting, or too violent purging, a good large draught of lime juice is the best remedy; and it may be safely repeated in half an hour if the vomiting, &c., continue.

121. The oil expressed from these seeds, Croton Oil, is a powerful purgative, in doses of one drop, or even less, made into a pill with bread-crumb. It is applicable for all the cases mentioned in the last section; and where one drop does not operate the dose may be increased to two or even three drops. In Apoplexy, Fits, &c., where the patient is unable to swallow, it is sufficient to place the oil at the base of the tongue. Its use, as a general rule, should be confined to adults.

122. A useful stimulant liniment is made by mixing half an ounce of Croton Oil with three and a half ounces of Sesamum, Cocoa-nut, or other bland oil. It causes a vesicular eruption, and proves serviceable in Chronic Rheumatism, Paralysis, Diseases of the Joints, Phthisis, and Chronic Bronchitis.

Kabáb-chíní (Hind., Duk., Punj.), Liút-marz (Kash.), Vál-milagu (Tam.), Tóka-miriyálu, Chalava-miriyálu (Tel.), Vál-mulaka (Mal.), Bála-menasu (Can.), Kabábachini, Himsí-míre (Mah.), Kabáb-chíní, Tadamirí (Guz.), Vál-molagu, Vát molavú (Cing.), Lada-bereker (Malay).

124. Cubebs of very fair quality is often obtainable in the bazaars. [In Southern India and elsewhere Sítal-Chíní is the name in use for Cubebs, and Kabáb-chíní for Allspice (fruit of Eugenia Pimenta), whereas in Calcutta the reverse holds good, the former (Sítal-Chíní) is applied to Allspice, and the latter (Kabáb-chíní) to Cubebs. In the Madras bazaars the name Kabáb-chíní is also often applied to the buds of Mesua ferrea: this is incorrect, the proper name of the latter being Nágésar (Moodeen Sheriff). According to Dr. Aitchison the fruit of Zanthoxylum alatum, Roxb. (Zanthoxylon hostile, Wall) is often sold as Cubebs (Kabáb-chíní) in the Punjaub bazaars.] It is usually about the size of black pepper, globular, wrinkled, blackish, supported on a short stalk, has an acrid camphoraceous taste, and a peculiar aromatic odour. Within the shell is a hard, spherical, whitish, oily kernel.

125. The chief use of Cubebs is as a remedy in Gonorrhœa, but it is only admissible in the more advanced stages, when the acute symptoms have subsided; in the earlier stages it may do harm. The following is a good form: Take of powdered Cubebs, two ounces; powdered Alum, half an ounce. Mix thoroughly, and divide into nine equal parts, one to be taken thrice daily in water. These powders may also be used with benefit in Gleet, Leucorrhœa, and other Vaginal Discharges of Women.

126. The Coughs of Old Age, attended with much expectoration, are sometimes greatly benefited by Cubebs in doses of eight or ten grains thrice daily.

Dhatúrá (Hind., Duk., Beng., Punj., Guz.), Umattai (Tam.), Dáthir (Kash.), Ummetta, Duttúramu (Tel.), Ummatta (Mal.), Ummatte (Can.), Attana (Cing.), Padáyin (Burm.), Kachubung (Malay). These are the native generic names of the Datura plant, the different species being distinguished by affixes denoting the colour of the flowers, white, purple, &c.

128. The white and purple varieties of Datura are common on waste places throughout India; they possess the same medicinal properties, and although the purple variety is generally regarded as the more powerful, there is no evidence of its being so. Although a valuable medicine, much caution is necessary in its employment; as in over-doses it acts as a powerful narcotic poison. A very useful preparation is a tincture made by macerating two and a half ounces of bruised Datura seeds in one pint of proof spirit (356) for seven days in a closed vessel, occasionally shaking; it should then be pressed, and filtered, and measured, and sufficient proof spirit added to make one pint. This tincture generally produces all the sedative and narcotic effects which could be expected from opium, besides effecting a great saving, opium being very expensive, whilst this tincture can be prepared at a comparatively small cost. The dose requires to be regulated in each individual case; it is better, therefore, to commence with small doses of ten or twelve drops in a little water, and increase them to twenty or thirty drops, according to circumstances. As a general rule, twenty drops will be found to be equal in effect to one grain of opium. One of the effects of Datura is to produce dilatation of the pupil; the eye should therefore be occasionally examined whilst this remedy is being administered, and should the pupil be found very large and dilated, it may be regarded as a sign that the medicine has been carried as far as it can be with safety, whether it has produced its other intended effects or not.

128β. In Datura we have an excellent, if not perfect, indigenous substitute for Belladonna [Atropa Belladonna, Linn., is an indigenous shrub, in the Western Temperate Himalaya, alt. six to eleven thousand feet; from Kashmir to Simla (Flora British India), and the Kuram Valley, Aitchison]—in the treatment of Cataract and other Diseases of the Eye. Its mydriatic (pupil-dilating) powers have been examined by Sub-Assistant Surgeon Tarra Prosonno Roy (Indian Med. Gaz., Sept. 1870). He first applied a portion of a watery extract of the leaves of D. alba around the eyes; the pupils became widely dilated, and continued so for two days. He next tried an alcoholic extract of the seeds of the same species prepared by macerating half an ounce of the seeds in four ounces of country spirit, evaporating the tincture to dryness on a water bath, and dissolving the residue in one ounce of water. Experiments made with this solution prove beyond a doubt its power of causing dilatation of the pupil when locally applied; the strength of this watery solution being, at a rough estimate about equal in power to a four-grain (to the ounce) solution of Atropine.

129. In Asthma, the dried leaves and stem cut small and smoked, like tobacco, in a pipe, afford in many cases great relief. In some the benefit is immediate and striking, in others it has little effect, and in a few it acts injuriously; its value in any case can only be ascertained by personal experiment, but it is worth a trial in all cases. When the leaves fail, the dried seeds, which are thought to be more powerful, may be tried. The earlier in the attack it is employed the greater are the chances of success; it has little effect when the attack has lasted for some hours. For a person subject to asthma, a good plan is to adopt the habit of smoking a pipe of it the last thing at night, whether an attack is threatening or not; at any rate, he should keep a pipe of it already filled, with the means of lighting it, by his bedside, so that, immediately on an attack commencing, he may use it. From ten to twenty grains of the dried plant is sufficient to commence with; it may subsequently be increased to thirty grains, but in all cases it should be immediately discontinued if it produces giddiness, a feeling of sickness, or any other unpleasant symptom. Serious, and even fatal, consequences have followed its incautious use, hence too much care cannot be exercised in its employment. In Chronic Coughs, where the cough comes on in violent paroxysms, and is hard and dry, with scanty expectoration, smoking Datura (ante) proves beneficial.

130. For Rheumatic Swellings of the Joints, Lumbago, Painful Tumours, Nodes, &c., Datura, locally applied, often proves most serviceable in relieving pain. There are four modes, in either of which it may be advantageously employed: 1. Poultice, made by bruising the fresh leaves into a pulp, and mixing them, with the aid of a little water, with an equal weight of rice flour, to the consistence of a poultice. 2. Epithem; which consists of steeping a few entire leaves in arrack or other spirit, and placing them, whilst wet, over the seat of pain, and securing them in that position by a bandage. 3. Fomentation; made by infusing the leaves in boiling water, in the proportion of one ounce to each pint of fluid, and applying as directed in paragraph 393. 4. Liniment; prepared by macerating, for seven days, one ounce of the bruised seeds in a pint of Sesamum or other bland oil, and straining. In addition to the above-named affections, these preparations, applied to the loins, are useful in relieving the pain attendant on painful or difficult Menstruation, and in some painful affections of the Uterus; in the latter, they may more advantageously be placed over the lower part of the abdomen. They also prove beneficial in relieving Neuralgic pains, especially of the Face; for this the liniment is best adapted, well rubbed in over the seat of pain, and along the space immediately in front of the ear, or rather, in the narrow space between the ear and the jaw.

131. In Tetanus or Lock-jaw, consequent on a wound, Datura is worthy of a trial in the absence of more effective agents. Poultices of the leaves, renewed three or four times a day, should be kept constantly to the wound, which should be further cleansed if covered with thick discharge or slough, by the process of irrigation of tepid water (395). The Tincture of Datura, in doses of 20 to 30 drops in water, may also be given internally three or four times daily. The dose must be regulated by the effect produced, but it may be continued, unless the spasms previously yield, till it produces full dilatation of the pupil with some degree of giddiness, drowsiness, or confusion of ideas, beyond which it is not safe to carry the medicine. If the spasms abate, i.e., if they recur at more distant intervals, and are less severe and prolonged when they do occur, the medicine, in smaller doses at longer intervals, may be continued till the spasms cease altogether; but if, under the use of the remedy, after it has produced its specific effects on the system, the spasms show no sign of abatement, no good, but perhaps harm, will result from continuing it. In addition to the above means, Datura liniment (130) should be well rubbed in along the spine several times daily. The patient should be confined to a darkened room and protected from cold draughts of air; the bowels should be opened, if necessary by turpentine enemas (364). The strength should be supported by strong beef-tea, or mutton-broth (413), by eggs, beaten up with milk, and by brandy-mixture (420) or other stimulants; if these cannot be swallowed they should be given in enemas, for which purpose not more than four ounces should be used at a time; larger quantities will not be retained. The treatment detailed in this paragraph is advocated from the success which has in some cases of Tetanus attended the use of Belladonna—a drug to which Datura bears a very close resemblance in its effects on the system: employed as above directed, it may be need with perfect safety, provided that the case is carefully watched, and the medicine diminished or discontinued on the full development of its physiological effects.

132. In cases of Guinea Worm, a Datura poultice (130) is said to be the most useful in relieving the pain, and hastening the expulsion of the worm.

Sóyah, Suvá (Hind., Punj.), Sóyí (Duk.), Sóí-biól (Kash.), Shulphá, Shonvá, Shóvá (Beng.), Shatta-kuppi-virai (Tam.), Shata-kuppi-víttulu (Tel.), Shata-kuftá (Mal.), Sab-basagi (Can.), Suvá-nu-bi (Guz.), Sada-kuppa, Sata-kuppi (Cing.), Samin (Burm.), Shatha-kupay, Adas pudus (Malay).

134. The Indian Dill Seed possesses no specific characters to distinguish it from the European article, for which it may be substituted. The Distilled Water, when procurable, is the best form, but in its absence an infusion of the bruised seeds, 3 drachms to half a pint of hot water, may be used; of this, when strained and cold, the dose for an infant is a dessert-spoonful or more, sweetened with a little sugar. It proves very effectual in relieving Abdominal Pain, Flatulence, and Colic in Children. Its efficacy is often much increased by the addition of a teaspoonful of lime water.

Mach-chí-ká-tél (Hind., Duk.), Machár-tail (Beng.), Mín-yenney (Tam.), Chépa-núne (Tel.), Mínnai, Malsyam-nai (Mal.), Míniná-yanne (Can.), Mo-solícha-téla (Mah.), Mín-tel, Mal-tel (Cing.), Miniak hati-yu putch (Malay).

136. Oil from the livers of the White Shark (Squalus Carcharias, Linn.), the Seir (Cybium Commersonii, Cuv. et Val.), and other fish, is now extensively prepared in various sea-coast towns of India. When properly made it is of a fine amber colour; the smell and taste are similar to Cod-liver Oil, but more strongly marked and more disagreeable. The great objection to its use is its nauseous taste, but this might probably, in a great measure, be obviated by extracting it by the process of boiling the fresh livers in water, instead of allowing them to undergo a degree of putrefaction before the process of extraction is commenced, as is the usual practice. As a medicinal agent it appears to be quite equal to Cod-liver Oil, for which it forms an excellent substitute; but where the stomach is very irritable, and the aversion to it unconquerable, it may be advisable to have recourse to the European imported article. "Turtle Oil," prepared from "turtles" (tortoises?) which abound in the Straits of Manaar, between India and Ceylon, has been proposed by Surgeon Y. Anthony Pillay (Madras Journal of Med. Science, March 1870), as a substitute for Cod-liver Oil, over which it has the advantage of being much cheaper. After two years' experience of it in dispensary practice he reported highly of its efficacy in that large class of scrofulous and anæmic cases in which fish-oil is indicated. Specimens of this oil sent to the Madras Medical Stores were pronounced unfit for medicinal use; but the principal storekeeper (Dr. F. Day) adds, "If this turtle oil were prepared from the animal after it had been well cleansed from all blood, and the straining properly carried out, an oil would probably be produced but little inferior to the present fish-oil." It seems well worthy of notice in the southern portion of the Peninsula, where it is procurable at very small cost.

137. Remarks on its Use.—a. The best time for administering the oil is immediately after or, to those who prefer it, during a solid meal. Taken on an empty stomach it is almost sure to nauseate. Patients who can take it at no other time will sometimes retain a dose if given the last thing before going to bed.

b. For disguising the nauseous taste and preventing subsequent eructations, a good plan is to take a few grains of common salt, both immediately before and after a dose. As a vehicle, a little orange-wine, or solution of quinine, or lime juice, or hot strong coffee without milk, have been advocated by various writers. A little Omum water (317) is perhaps the best vehicle of all.

c. The bulk of the whole dose of the oil and vehicle together should be so small that it may be swallowed at a single draught; therefore the vehicle should not exceed a table-spoonful, with, at first, a teaspoonful of the oil, to be gradually increased to a table-spoonful. The spoon and glass used for taking it should be kept scrupulously clean, as any oil left adhering to them soon turns rancid. In taking this (as well as all other nauseous drugs) it is advisable to prevent, as far as possible, the tongue from coming in contact with it; to effect this the tongue should be projected on the surface of the glass or spoon, and the fluid thrown down as far back in the throat as can conveniently be done.

d. The dose, as a general rule, at the commencement is a teaspoonful three times daily, gradually increased as the stomach is able to bear it. It is rarely requisite to exceed a table-spoonful twice or thrice daily; large quantities either derange the stomach and liver, or pass off unabsorbed by the bowels.

e. The diet during the course of the oil should be plain and nutritious, consisting of bread, fresh meat roast or boiled, poultry, game, &c., with a fair proportion of vegetables, and fruit, and a moderate quantity of liquids. All rich articles of food, as pastry, fat meat, cream, &c., should be avoided. Wine is preferable to beer, the latter often disagreeing. Should a bilious attack come on, the oil should be discontinued, the diet lightened, and an occasional aperient administered. In a few days, when the attack has passed off, the oil may be resumed, beginning with the small doses as at the first. In all cases during the use of the oil, the bowels should be kept regular, if necessary, by mild aperients.

f. During its use the patient should be as much as possible in the open air, and take gentle exercise.

138. It is in Pulmonary Consumption that the value of Fish-liver Oil is most manifest, but there are a large number of cases of a scrofulous character in which it proves almost equally valuable. In Scrofulous Abscesses, Suppurating Glands, Ulcerations, Discharges whether from the Nose or Ears, and Skin Diseases, especially when the patient is weak and emaciated, the oil is indicated and proves most beneficial. It proves equally useful in Scrofulous Affections of the Joints and Bones, especially in Rickets; and in Scrofulous Ophthalmia.

139. In the Mesenteric Affections of Children the best results often follow its use; the little patient rapidly gains strength and flesh, the tumefied belly becomes reduced, the stools lose their clayey colour and become bilious and healthy. It should not only be given internally, but should be used as a liniment to the abdomen. The Obstinate Constipation of Children sometimes yields to the use of the oil, and its return is prevented while the remedy is continued. In Stricture of the Rectum, as an adjunct to dilatation cod-liver oil is an excellent remedy: it nourishes the patient, and softens the motions, rendering aperients unnecessary. (Mr. Curling.) It is also well worthy of a trial in cases of Chronic Hydrocephalus, or Water on the Brain, occurring in children of a scrofulous habit.

140. In the advanced stages of Hooping Cough, and in other Spasmodic Coughs, which often remain after an attack of Bronchitis, especially when occurring in weakly children, marked benefit follows its use.

141. Chorea (St. Vitus's Dance) and Epilepsy sometimes are benefited by it when more active remedies have failed. The same remark applies to some forms of Neuralgia, especially Tic Douloureux; but the cases in which it will prove serviceable can only be ascertained by trials with the remedy.

142. In Chronic Rheumatism attended with much debility and emaciation, it often proves useful; in fact, in all cases of Atrophy (wasting or emaciation), whether connected with Rheumatism, Scrofula or defective digestion or resulting from long-continued confinement in close rooms, as in jails, &c., a course of the oil offers the best prospects of success. In some form of Paralysis it is occasionally very beneficial. In Leprosy it is a remedy well worthy of careful trial; not so much as a curative agent as a means of relieving many of the distressing symptoms.

143. In all the above cases the remedy should be persevered in for weeks or even longer; and the rules given above for its administration must be carefully attended to. Its operation is most beneficial in the cold season.

Mái-phal, Mázu-phal (Hind.), Mái-phal, Májú-phal (Duk.), Máju-phal (Beng., Punj., Kash.), Máshik-káy (Tam.), Máshi-káya (Tel.), Máshik-káya (Mal.), Máchi-káyi (Can.), Mái-phala, Máshi-ká (Mah.), Máyi-phal (Guz.), Mása-ka (Cing.), Pinza-káni-si, Pinz-gáni-di (Burm.), Manjakani (Malay).

145. Many varieties of Galls are met with in the bazaars; the best for medical use are globular, about the size of a nutmeg, of a yellowish-white colour and very astringent taste, with a small hole on one side of the surface. In the absence of this kind the other varieties of Galls may be employed, as they all partake, more or less, of the same astringent qualities. The dose for an adult is from 10 to 20 grains in powder or infusion; but a better form is Decoction, prepared by boiling for ten minutes in an earthenware vessel 1½ ounces of bruised Galls in a pint of Water; of this, when cold and strained, the dose is from 1 to 2 ounces thrice daily, oftener. This decoction forms also a useful astringent wash, gargle, &c.

146. In Chronic Diarrhœa, especially in Natives, powdered Galls in 15 grain doses thrice daily often prove useful, and in obstinate cases its efficacy is increased by the addition of half a grain of Opium with each dose. A little powdered Cinnamon may be advantageously added, and the whole given in honey. In the advanced stages of Dysentery the decoction (ante) seems to answer better, and it may be given in doses of 1½ to 2 ounces thrice daily, with the addition of Opium, as above, and a carminative. This treatment is adapted only for adults.

147. In Prolapsus (descent) of the Rectum, the daily use of an enema of decoction of Galls proves useful by constringing the parts; and this may further be effected, especially in the case of children, by keeping a pad saturated with the decoction over the external parts after the protruded bowel has been returned. The same treatment is applicable (the decoction being used as a vaginal injection) in cases of Prolapsus of the Uterus (descent of the Womb).

148. In Piles unattended by increased heat or inflammation, a very useful application is an ointment composed of 1½ drachms of powdered Galls, and 1 ounce of Ghee. The ingredients should be thoroughly mixed. If there should be much pain half a drachm of Opium may be added to it. It should be applied twice daily. Enemas of the decoction (ante) may also be used with advantage.

149. In Gleet and long standing Gonorrhœa, 20 grains of powdered Galls, twice or thrice daily, have sometimes a good effect in checking the discharge. In Leucorrhœa, and other Vaginal Discharges, the same treatment is applicable, and at the same time injections of the decoction may be employed.

150. In Relaxed sore Throat and Enlargement of the Tonsils a very useful gargle is composed of 40 grains of Alum, six ounces of Decoction of Galls (145), and one ounce of Honey.

151. In the Intermittent Fevers of Natives, powdered Galls, in doses of 20 to 30 grains, three or four times a day, have been found serviceable in some cases; or smaller doses (10 to 12 grains) may be given in 1½ ounces of Infusion of Chiretta (98) repeated every hour, for four or five times in succession, immediately before the period at which the fever usually returns. An aperient should, in all cases, be taken before commencing this treatment, which is only suited for adults.

152. In Poisoning by Nux Vomica, Cocculus Indicus, Datura, Opium, and Bish (Aconite Root), after the stomach has been freely emptied by emetics (which is the first thing to be done), the Decoction of Galls, in doses of 3 or 4 ounces, should be given every ten minutes or quarter of an hour, for four of five times in succession. It is thought to act as an antidote; in some cases it certainly seems to act very beneficially.

Sónth, Sindhi (Hind.), Sónth (Duk., Beng., Punj.), Shó-ont (Kash.), Shukku (Tam.), Sonti (Tel.), Chukka (Mal.), Vanasunthi (Can.), Súnt (Guz.), Ingúrú, Velichaingúrú (Cing.), Ginsi-khiáv (Burm.), Hulya-kring (Malay).

154. Dried Ginger is preferable to fresh or green Ginger for medicinal use, but if not procurable the latter may be employed. It is best given in the form of Infusion, made by macerating 1 ounce of bruised Ginger in a pint of boiling water in a covered vessel for an hour and straining. The dose is from 1 to 2 ounces. A very useful domestic remedy is made by steeping 3 ounces of Ginger in a pint of Brandy for ten days. Of this a teaspoonful or more may, with great advantage, be added to aperient, antacid and other medicines.

155. In Colic, Flatulence, Vomiting, Spasms, and other painful Affections of the Bowels unattended by fever, the above Infusion, especially if taken warm, in doses of 2 ounces every half-hour or hour, often affords great relief. The addition of 20 or 30 grains of Carbonate of Soda, if at hand, greatly increases its efficacy. For children a tablespoonful of the infusion is sufficient.

156. In Chronic Rheumatism Infusion of Ginger (2 drachms to 6 ounces of boiling water and strained), taken warm the last thing before going to bed, the body being covered with blankets so as to produce copious perspiration, is often attended with the best effects. The same treatment has also been found very beneficial in Colds or Catarrhal attacks, and during the cold stage of Intermittent Fever.

157. In Headache a Ginger plaister, made by bruising Ginger with a little water to the consistence of a poultice, applied to the forehead, affords in many instances much relief. Toothache and Faceache are sometimes relieved by the same application to the face.

158. Relaxed Sore Throat, Hoarseness, and Loss of Voice, are sometimes benefited by chewing a piece of Ginger so as to produce a copious flow of saliva.

Garjan-ká-tél (Hind.), Gorjon-tail (Beng.), Hora-tel (Cing.), Kanyen-si (Burm.).

160. Gurjun Balsam, or Wood Oil, is a transparent liquid of the consistence of olive oil, lighter than water, of a dark-brown sherry colour, with an odour and taste resembling Copaiba, but less powerful. It has been used as a substitute for this latter drug in the treatment of Gonorrhœa, and trials with it in the hands of Europeans have shown that it is a remedy of no mean value in this affection. It is only advisable in the advanced stages, or when the disease has degenerated into Gleet. In the latter affection it is stated to prove most useful. It is also well worthy of a trial in Leucorrhœa and other Vaginal Discharges. The dose is about a teaspoonful twice or thrice daily, given floating on Omum or other aromatic water, or made into an emulsion with lime water. It is apt occasionally to produce an eruption on the skin similar to that which, in some instances, follows the use of Copaiba.

161. In Leprosy the use of Gurjun Balsam was introduced in 1873 by Surgeon-Major J. Dougall, and the reported success of the remedy gave rise to sanguine anticipations that a specific for this disease had at last been discovered. Although subsequent experience proved this hope to be fallacious, yet the lessons imparted by Dr. Dougall's treatment are far from unimportant. His treatment consisted in the internal and external use of the Balsam: for the former purpose it was given in two-drachm doses, with lime-water, twice daily; for the latter, in the form of ointment composed of 1 part of the Balsam and 3 of lime-water, which was directed to be thoroughly and perseveringly rubbed in over the whole body for two hours a day by the patient himself, as far as practicable. This was insisted upon not only for the sake of the action of the ointment on the skin, but because it was considered that any gentle employment conjoined with exercise was likely to prove beneficial both physically and mentally. Under this treatment (no change having been made in the diet) Dr. Dougall obtained signal and manifest improvement in numerous cases; but this was unhappily found to be of only a temporary character, the discontinuance of the remedy being in all cases followed by a relapse. Still further to test this treatment, Dr. A. H. Hilson (Indian Ann. of Med. Sci., Jan. 1877) instituted two sets of trials on leprous subjects (12 of each group), treated respectively by Gurjun Balsam, used externally and internally on Dr. Dougall's system, and by the ordinary Til (Sesamum) or Sweet Oil of the bazaars, used externally only. The results which he arrived at are as follows: 1. That the application of Gurjun oil removes the local manifestations of leprosy to a great extent. 2. That it has no specific influence over the constitutional taint or leprous cachexia. 3. That ordinary Sweet Oil is equally efficacious as far as the local effect is concerned, and therefore it is not improbable that the benefit which patients experience from the application of Gurjun oil is due to the friction producing absorption of the deposits which are effused into the skin and cellular tissue during the course of the disease. Dr. Dougall may have failed in finding in Gurjun oil a specific in leprosy, but he has rendered important service in leading us to a knowledge of the vast benefits to be derived from diligent oleaginous frictions in its treatment; and, as he himself justly remarks, "even temporary improvement is worth striving after in such a disease."

Híndí-sál-sá, Jangli-chanbéllí (Hind.), Nanníré-jar (Duk.), Ananto-múl (Beng.), Nannárí-ver (Tam.), Sugandhi-pála, Pála-chukkam-déru (Tel.), Nannári-kizhanna, Naru-níntí (Mal.), Sugandha-pála-da-béru (Can.), Irimusu (Cing.), Anant-mūl (Punj.).

162. The specimens of Hemidesmus Root, procurable in most parts of India, which are best adapted for medical use are medium sized, about the size of a quill, having a full, peculiar aromatic odour, and a feebly bitter and agreeable taste. The freshly collected root is preferable to that bought in the bazaars, as that is often inodorous, tasteless, and almost worthless. The virtues of the drug reside mainly in the root-bark, hence if the larger roots are employed you get an undue proportion of the inner woody portion, which is comparatively inert.

163. Hemidesmus proves most useful in Constitutional Debility, from whatever cause arising; also in Chronic Rheumatism, Constitutional Syphilis, Skin Diseases and Ulcerations, especially those of Syphilitic origin, Indigestion, and Loss of Appetite. It is best given in the form of Infusion, prepared by infusing one ounce of the bruised roots in half a pint of boiling water in a covered vessel for an hour, and straining. Of this the dose is from 2 to 3 ounces thrice daily. Its efficacy is much increased by being taken while the Infusion is still warm; the addition of milk and sugar renders it so like ordinary tea that children will take it readily; and this is fortunate, as it is a peculiarly useful tonic for the pale, weakly offspring of Europeans in India; for such it may be substituted for tea at breakfast and supper. Some children prefer it to ordinary tea.

Shahad, Madh (Hind.), Shahad (Duk.), Modhu (Beng.), Tén (Tam.) Téne (Tel.), Tén (Mal.), Jenu (Can.), Mada (Mah.), Madh (Guz.), Páni (Cing.), Piyá-ye (Burm.), Ayer madu (Malay), Saht, Shahd (Punj.), Mhách (Kash.).

165. Honey of fair quality is obtainable in most parts of India. Though not possessed of any marked medicinal properties, it is always advisable to keep some in store, as it forms an agreeable sweetening ingredient for mixtures, is a good vehicle in which to administer powders for children, and is one of the best substances in making pills, &c. Should it be dirty and impure, it should be "clarified" by melting in a water bath and straining through cloth.

166. A mixture of Honey and Distilled Vinegar or Lime Juice, in equal parts, melted together by gentle heat, is an excellent adjunct to cough mixtures; and in the Coughs of Childhood this combination, diluted with an equal quantity of water, and with or without a few drops of Paregoric, forms a useful and pleasant mixture, which children will readily take when they will not swallow other more nauseous medicines.

167. An excellent stimulant application, termed Ceromel, for Indolent and other Ulcerations, is formed by melting together, with the aid of gentle heat, 1 ounce of Yellow Wax and 4 ounces of Clarified Honey, and straining. It is admirably adapted for use in hot climates, where animal fats, the basis of so many ointments, soon become rancid and unfit for medicinal use.

Vallári (Hind., Duk.), Thal-kuru (Beng.), Valláraí (Tam.), Mandúka-bramha-kúraku, Pinna-éaki-chettu, Bokkudu-chettu (Tel.), Kutakan, Kodogam (Mal.), Von-delagá (Can.), Hingotu-kola (Cing.), Mink-hua-bin (Burm.), Dawoon-punga-gah (Malay).

169. This small, low-growing plant, common in moist localities in many parts of India, has obtained considerable repute in European practice as a remedy for Leprosy. It is prepared as follows: The leaves having been carefully separated, as soon as possible after the plant is gathered, should be spread on a mat in the shade, and then freely exposed to the air, but not to the sun. In preparing the powder for use, avoid using any heat, as this dissipates all its virtues. They lose about nine-tenths of weight by drying. When thoroughly dried they should be finely powdered and kept in well corked or stoppered bottles. Of this powder the dose is from 3 to 5 grains thrice daily. At the same time some of the powder may be sprinkled on the ulcers, or, which is better, poultices made of the fresh leaves bruised into a paste, may be applied. Under its use the patient, in the course of a few weeks, improves in all respects. After continuing its use for some time, this remedy causes great itching of the skin over the whole body; under these circumstances it should be discontinued for a week, aperients administered, and then recommence giving the medicine. Though it may not effect a cure, it often does a great deal of good. It may also be tried in Scrofula and Syphilis.

170. Chronic Ulcerations of Syphilitic and Scrofulous origin often show a marked improvement under the internal and local use of this remedy, but it requires to be steadily persevered in.

Hirá-kasis, Kashish (Hind.), Hírá-kashísh (Duk.), Hirákos, Hírá-kosis (Beng.), Sang-i-sabz (Punj., Kash.), Híra-kasis (Guz.), Anná-bédi, Anná-bhédi (Tam., Tel., Mal., Can.), Madu-kolpa (Malay).

172. Sulphate of Iron, in a more or less pure state, is met with in most Indian bazaars; that only should be selected for medicinal use which occurs in the form of crystals or small crystalline masses of a pale green colour, wholly soluble in water. The dirty yellowish powder usually associated with it in bazaar specimens, as well as the flat whitish-yellow cakes sold under the same native names as the Sulphate, should be rejected. It is a valuable tonic and astringent in doses of from ¼ grain to 2 grains. In solution it forms a useful external application.

173. Remarks on the Use of this and other Preparations of Iron.

a. Under its use the stools become black and offensive, but they resume their natural characters when the medicine is discontinued. The tongue also, if iron has been taken in solution, becomes black.

b. In order to judge fairly of its effects, it requires to be persevered in for weeks or longer.

c. No advantage is gained by giving it in large doses. The fact of the stools becoming deeply black is an indication that the dose may be diminished.

d. Purgatives increase its efficacy; a dose of castor oil, or other aperient, every week or ten days, is advisable during a course of Iron.

e. Acids and acidulous fruits should be avoided during its use.

f. Children may take it not only with safety, but with advantage.

174. In that form of Constitutional Debility termed Anæmia, when the body is apparently bloodless, when, especially in natives, the inner surface of the eyelids, the tongue, and the palms of the hands, become very pale or white, the Sulphate proves very valuable. It is best given in solution as follows: Take of Sulphate of Iron, 4 grains, Omum water and Infusion of Chiretta, of each 6 ounces; of this the dose is a wineglassful thrice daily for adults, and from a teaspoonful to a table-spoonful for children, according to age. Anæmic females, suffering from Leucorrhœa (Whites) and Amenorrhœa (Suspension of menstrual discharge), may advantageously take it combined with Aloes as advised in paragraph 18.

175. In Intermittent Fever the Sulphate often proves of great service, especially in obstinate or long-standing cases, where the patient has become weak and anæmic. It may be given as follows: Take of Sulphate of Iron, finely powdered, 24 grains; powdered Black Pepper, 30 grains; Beat them into a mass with a little honey, and divide into twelve pills. Of these two should be taken twice or thrice daily, with a wineglassful of Infusion of Chiretta (98), or Gulancha (352). Whilst taking these pills, all acids and acidulous fruits should be avoided, and the bowels kept open. They are inadmissible when the stomach is very irritable, or when diarrhœa exists.

176. Long-continued or repeated attacks of Intermittent Fever are often accompanied by a swelling or hardness under the ribs of the left side; this constitutes the affection termed Enlargement of the Spleen or Ague Cake. In these cases the treatment advised in the last paragraph may be resorted to with benefit, with the addition of a good active purgative once or twice a week. Local pain may be relieved by Turpentine stupes or mustard poultices over the affected part.

177. In Neuralgic or Rheumatic Faceache, recurring periodically, especially when occurring in the weak and anæmic (174), Sulphate of Iron, in 2 or 3 grain doses thrice daily, produces excellent effects; it may be given in the form of pill, with a little Cinnamon powder and Honey, or in solution with Infusion of Chiretta (98), or Gulancha (352). Chorea and other Nervous Affections occurring in anæmic females are often greatly benefited by the Sulphate, conjoined with Aloes (18). Paralysis and Rickets, associated with anæmia, are likewise benefited by it.