Shórá (Hind., Duk., Punj.), Sórá (Beng.), Saféd-shora (Kash.), Pot-luppu (Tam.), Peti-luppu, Shúrá-karam (Tel.), Veti-uppa (Mal.), Pet-luppu (Can.), Shóra-mítha (Mah.), Sóro-khár (Guz.), Pot-lunu, Vedi-lunu (Cing.), Yán-zin (Burm.), Sun-dawa (Malay). In Kashmir the term Shorá means Gunpowder, hence one must speak of White Gunpowder (Saféd Shorá), which is the name of Nitre, if it is wished to procure it. (Dr. Aitchison.)

263. Nitre is obtainable in most of the bazaars of India, but often in a very impure state. To fit it for internal use it should be purified by dissolving it in boiling water, removing the scum after the liquid has been allowed to settle, straining the solution through calico and setting aside to crystallise. Pure specimens, which are sometimes met with in large bazaars, should be in white crystalline masses or fragments, colourless, and of a peculiar, cool, saline taste.

264. In Fever, when the skin is hot and dry, the tongue parched, the thirst great, and the urine scanty and high-coloured, an excellent refrigerant drink may be made by dissolving two drachms of Nitre in a quart bottle of thin conjee, and sweetening to the taste with honey or sugar candy. This quantity may be taken daily, in divided doses as an ordinary drink. Tamarind or Lime Juice may be added to improve the flavour if desired. It will be found to moderate the fever, cause some perspiration, and increase the quantity of urine. Should the patient reject the first one or two doses, it should still be persevered in, unless it should manifestly disagree. In Smallpox, Measles, Influenza, and Catarrhal attacks, the above drink has also been found useful. For children the strength should be reduced one-half or more.

265. For the relief of Headache and Delirium, occurring in the course of Fever, a very cold and agreeable lotion for the head may be made by dissolving two ounces of Nitre, and an equal quantity of Sal Ammoniac, in a quart bottle full of Water; this should be applied by constant relays of freshly wetted cloths.

266. In Inflammatory Sore Throat, a popular remedy, sometimes successful in the early stages, is a small piece of Nitre allowed to dissolve slowly in the mouth.

267. In Bleeding from the Lungs, Stomach, Uterus, or other internal organs, attended by Fever, Nitre proves serviceable though it is not to be relied upon as the sole means of cure. It may be given in doses of ten to fifteen grains, in three ounces of conjee or simple water four of five times a day; the patient at the same time being kept perfectly quiet and cool.

268. In Asthma, great relief in many instances results from the inhalation of burning Nitre. For this purpose, dissolve four ounces of the salt in half a pint of boiling water in an open vessel; immerse moderately thick blotting-paper in it for a few minutes, then dry it by exposure in the air or to the fire; when quite dry, cut it in pieces about four inches square, and keep ready for use. Immediately when an attack threatens, burn one, or, if required, two pieces of this paper, so that the fumes may be freely inhaled; but it should not be held too near the face, or the fumes may prove too irritating, and increase rather than diminish the symptoms. The same measure proves very useful in Spasmodic Coughs, whether connected with Chronic Bronchitis or not. Persons thus afflicted will do well to burn one or two pieces of this Nitre Paper in the bedroom before retiring to rest at bedtime, care being taken to prevent the too ready escape of the fumes.

269. In Gonorrhœa, a solution of a drachm of Nitre in a pint of rice conjee or decoction of Abelmoschus (2) taken freely as a drink, serves to allay the heat on passing urine. Obstinate cases of Leucorrhœa sometimes yield to a combination of Nitre (10 grains) and Alum (5 grains) taken thrice daily. It may be advantageously given in conjunction with infusion of Moringa (237). Nitre has been found to act beneficially as a diuretic in the early stages of Dropsy.

270. In Acute Rheumatism, Nitre may be given with advantage, commencing with doses of 40 grains, twice daily: this may be gradually increased to 60, 90, up to 120 grains, the vehicle in each case being half a pint of warm rice conjee. The quantity of Nitre may be diminished as the severity of the symptoms subsides. A strong solution of Nitre (three ounces to a pint of water) forms a most soothing application to the swollen and painful joints; cloths saturated with it should be kept constantly applied; the ease which it affords is often very great.

Nutmegs.

Jáé-phal (Hind., Duk., Beng.), Záfal (Kash.), Jádi-káy (Tam.), Jájí-kaya (Tel.), Játi-ká (Mal.), Jaji-káyi (Can.), Jái-phal (Mah., Punj.), Jáye-phal (Guz.), Jádi-ká, Sádi-ká (Cing.), Zádi-phu (Burm.), Buah-pala (Malay).

272. Mace.

Jáé-patrí (Hind., Can., Tel., Guz.), Jótri (Beng.), Jáuntari (Punj.), Jów-watir (Kash.), Jádi-pattírí, (Tam., Mal.), Vasá-vási (Cing.), Zadi-phu-apóén (Burm.), Bunga-pala (Malay).

273. Nutmegs and Mace, generally procurable in bazaars, are aromatic, stimulant, and carminative, closely allied to Cloves and Cinnamon, for which they may be substituted. Nutmegs in large doses are thought to possess some narcotic properties, hence some care is necessary in their use.

274. The Native or Country Nutmeg, the produce of Myristica Malabarica, Lam., is larger than the officinal Nutmeg, possesses little of its fragrance or its warm aromatic taste, and is very inferior as an internal remedy. Bruised and subjected to boiling, it yields a considerable quantity of a yellowish concrete oil, which, when melted down with a small quantity of any bland oil, is regarded as an excellent application to Indolent and Ill-conditioned Ulcers, allaying pain, cleansing the surface, and establishing healthy action. It deserves a trial as an embrocation in Chronic Rheumatism.

Afyún (Hind.), Afím (Duk.), Afím, Afín (Beng., Punj., Kash.), Abini (Tam.), Abhini (Tel.), Kasha-kasha-karappá (Mal.), Afímu (Can.), Afín (Mah.), Afím (Guz.), Abin (Cing.), Bhain, Bhín (Burm.), Afíun (Malay).

276. Opium is one of the most valuable medicines we possess when properly employed, but as it is very powerful in its operation, it may be productive of great mischief if used without care and caution, or in unsuitable cases.

277. The Opium procurable in the bazaars is always more or less adulterated, hence the quantity procured in one shop is sufficient to procure a good sleep whilst the same quantity procured at another shop will perhaps produce no sensible effect whatever on the system. This shows the necessity of great caution in its employment.

278. The uncertainty which attends the operation of bazaar Opium leads me to recommend that establishments at out-stations should be always provided with a supply of genuine Smyrna or Turkish Opium imported from Europe. It seems advisable to have it in two forms—a. In 1 grain pills, done up ready in an impermeable covering, like those sold by Kirby and others; by keeping it in this form it is always ready for an emergency. b. In the form of Tincture, Laudanum, which is a very convenient form when small or fractional doses of Opium are required, or when it is desirable to obtain a speedy effect. Fifteen minims contain one grain of Opium; this holds good, however, only with recently prepared or carefully preserved laudanum. It should be borne in mind in all hot climates that evaporation of the spirit constituent will take place even in well stoppered bottles, and that in proportion as this evaporation takes place, the strength of the tincture is increased, so that in long kept Laudanum ten minims, or even less, may contain a grain of Opium. Hence, in using old Laudanum it is advisable to commence with smaller doses than in that recently prepared; the dose can be subsequently altered according to the effect produced or desired.

279. Preparations of Opium should always be kept under lock and key, or they may disappear at a rate which cannot be accounted for by evaporation or the heat of the climate! Opium in all its forms is a temptation which few natives have moral courage enough to resist.

280. The preparations of Opium mentioned above should be reserved for internal administration; for external application, where uniformity of strength is of comparatively little consequence, bazaar Opium may be employed, but even here it is desirable that good specimens of the best kinds should be used. A few additional observations on this point may be acceptable.

281. Of the several kinds of Opium met with in India the chief are:

1. Patna Garden Opium; and 2. Malwa Opium.—The former, prepared exclusively for medicinal purposes, occurs in square packages of from two to four pounds weight, covered with layers of talc, and further defended by a case of brown wax about half an inch in thickness. It is solid, brittle in the cold season, of a brown colour, and fine smell; it yields a large proportion (7 to 8, or even 10 per cent.) of Morphia. Of Malwa Opium there are many varieties; of these the two principal are, first, that in flat circular cakes, of about a pound and a half in weight, without any exterior covering; dull opaque, blackish brown, externally; internally somewhat darker and soft; odour resembling that of Smyrna Opium, but less powerful, and combined with a slight smoky smell; taste, intensely and permanently bitter: it yields only from 3 to 5 per cent. of Morphia. The other, a superior kind of Malwa Opium, occurs in balls or cakes of smaller size, about ten ounces in weight, covered with a coarse dust composed of broken poppy petals; colour internally, dark brown; texture, homogeneous; odour and taste similar to the other variety; it yields from 7 to 8 per cent. of Morphia. The other varieties of Indian Opium, the Himalayan or "Hill Opium," the Kandeish, the Kutch, &c., are less applicable than the preceding for medicinal purposes, on account of their varying strength. (Pharm. of India.)

282. There are some points connected with the use of Opium which should always be kept in mind:

a. Some persons are very intolerant to the action of Opium; in these even the smallest dose produces great nervous excitement, violent headache, and vomiting. When this peculiarity is known to exist, the drug should be avoided.

b. Infants and young children bear Opium badly; cases are on record in which three drops of Laudanum have proved fatal to infants. Still, there are diseases of childhood in which it proves valuable, but in these it should not be given except under professional advice or superintendence.

c. It should be avoided as far as possible during pregnancy. Recent experience seems to show that its frequent or habitual use exercises a prejudicial effect on the fœtus.

d. The previous habits of the patient materially influence the effects of this medicine. A confirmed Opium-taker requires a far larger dose to produce a given effect, than one not habituated to it.

e. When the use of Opium is clearly indicated, and the patient from any cause is unable to swallow, it may be given in an enema; in this case a larger dose, a third or even a half larger, is required than when given by mouth.

f. Whenever in doubt as to the advisability of giving Opium, take the safer course and—avoid it!

For treatment of poisoning by Opium, see Index.

283. There are many diseases as Rheumatism, Tumours of different kinds, Cancer, Carbuncles (Rajah Boils), Abscesses, and Ulcers connected either with Leprosy, Syphilis or Scrofula, in which the pain, especially at night, effectually banishes sleep; here Opium is invaluable. An adult may commence with one grain pill or fifteen drops of Laudanum, taken about an hour before the usual bedtime: if this succeeds in procuring sleep it may safely be repeated nightly; if not, the dose may be doubled the second night, and trebled the third night; but it is not advisable to go beyond this quantity except under professional advice. Even these quantities after a week or two's use lose much of their power, and may require to be cautiously increased. When the pains are lessened and the patient is improving, the quantity of Opium should be decreased gradually, rather than the whole supply left off at once. To control the Sleeplessness and Restlessness of Delirium Tremens, Opium given as above may be necessary, but each dose should be combined with four or five grains of Camphor in the form of pill; in fact, Camphor alone in doses of 2 to 3 grains every three or four hours, exercises a most soothing influence, and when this treatment is adopted, the Opium at bedtime may be given alone.

284. In Spasmodic Affections of the Bowels, violent Colic, and the Passage of Gall Stones, and when the pain is violent, a full dose of Opium, e.g., 20 to 25 drops of Laudanum in a wineglassful of Omum water, or Infusion of Sweet Flag root (12), often affords speedy relief; should it not do so, however, in half an hour the dose may be repeated, and a third dose after an hour, should the pain continue unabated. At the same time, hot water fomentations, a turpentine stupe, or a mustard poultice, should be applied externally. When the pain has subsided a dose of Castor Oil is advisable, especially when there is reason to suspect that the attack has arisen from the use of crude or indigestible articles of food.

285. In Cholera the practice of giving Opium in large and repeated doses, especially in the solid form, in all stages of the disease, is fraught with danger. Administered judiciously at the proper time, and in proper cases, it is capable of doing much good, but its indiscriminate use often produces the worst effects. At the outset of an attack, few remedies are more useful when combined with Acetate of Lead. (See Index.) Again, it is a valuable adjunct to the "Calomel treatment" of Dr. Ayre, which consists in giving one or two grains of Calomel, with from one to five drops of Laudanum, every five, ten, or fifteen minutes, according to the urgency of the symptoms, till the quantity of Laudanum has reached altogether 60 or 80 drops, when it should be discontinued. An essential part of this treatment, which has sometimes proved very effectual, is the free use of cold water as a drink.

286. For relieving the pain and irritation of the Bladder, caused by the presence of Stone in the Bladder, Gravel, &c., no medicine gives more relief than Opium in full doses, as advised in paragraph 284. It proves, however, even more effectual if introduced into the rectum, either in the form of suppository (two grains of Opium with four grains of Soap), or in enema (30 to 40 drops of Laudanum in two ounces of thin conjee water). It may also be given with great benefit in Irritable states and Painful Affections of the Kidneys.

287. In Retention of Urine arising from Spasmodic Stricture of the Urethra, a hot bath and a full dose of Opium (25 to 30 drops of Laudanum), followed by a dose of Castor Oil, will often suffice to give relief in recent cases of no great severity following a debauch, exposure to wet, &c. The Opium given in an enema of two or three ounces of rice conjee, sometimes succeeds when it fails if given by mouth.

288. In Diabetes, Opium occasionally produces the most beneficial results, especially in old cases occurring in the aged. It requires to be given in full doses and to be persevered in, the effects being carefully watched; the dose diminished, or the remedy left off altogether, if it gives rise to headache or other bad symptoms. It is worthy of remark, however, that persons suffering from this disease will take large doses with impunity.

289. In many painful Affections of the Uterus Opium is of the greatest service. Besides being employed in the form of suppository or enema, as mentioned in paragraph 286, Camphorated Opium Liniment (291) warmed, may likewise be rubbed into the loins, or a hot rice poultice sprinkled with Laudanum applied over the lower part of the abdomen. When given internally in these cases it requires to be given in full doses, and it may be advantageously combined with Camphor (73). For the relief of After-Pains, 15 or 20 drops of Laudanum in a wineglassful of Camphor julep, or Omum water, or a little simple conjee, generally affords speedy relief. In threatened Abortion from a fall, over-exertion, &c., a similar dose of Laudanum, with perfect rest in the recumbent position, may suffice to prevent further mischief; should there be great restlessness or pain, it may be repeated with advantage.

289a. In Dysentery, Opium in full and repeated doses (one to two grains three or four times a day) was formerly in great repute, but it has fallen into disuse since the Ipecacuanha treatment has been reintroduced; still, amongst the natives it seems, in many cases, to answer better than the latter drug. Even when Ipecacuanha is employed, a preliminary dose of Laudanum (25 to 30 drops) is often of great service in enabling the stomach to bear it and in preventing its emetic operation. For the relief of the local pain, bearing down, and straining in this disease, a small enema (two ounces) of conjee, with 30 to 40 drops of Laudanum in it, affords more relief than anything else. Opium is a valuable adjunct to Catechu and other astringents in the treatment of Diarrhœa.

290. Vomiting is sometimes speedily relieved by a few drops of Laudanum (5 to 10 drops) in an effervescing draught, or a little Omum water. It may also be advantageously combined with Infusion of Cloves and other remedies.

291. There are many external or local diseases, including Chronic Rheumatism, Lumbago, and other Muscular and Neuralgic Pains, Spasms, and Bruises, Enlarged Glands, Mumps, &c., in which simple Opium Liniment, readily made by rubbing down a drachm of bazaar Opium in two ounces of Cocoanut, Sessamum, or other bland oil, proves very useful. Its efficacy, however, is greatly increased by conjoining it with an equal quantity of Camphor Liniment (68). This, which may be called Camphorated Opium Liniment, is an excellent application in many painful external affections. It should be well shaken before being used, which it may be night and morning, or oftener if required; care should be taken not to apply it to an abraded or sore surface; it is only adapted for the sound skin, and not even then if the pain is attended with much heat and redness; under these circumstances, cooling lotions (325, 380) are better adapted. This Camphorated Liniment, well rubbed in along the course of the spine, is occasionally very useful in Hooping Cough. For Stiff Neck, warm Laudanum rubbed in over the part answers better.

292. In Ophthalmia attended with great intolerance of light, great relief may be obtained by fumigating the eye with the vapour of boiling water, to which has been added a teaspoonful of Laudanum, or a couple of grains of Opium. An excellent eyewash in these cases is composed of Laudanum, Vinegar, and Brandy, each one part, and Water four parts. Toothache, depending upon a decayed tooth, is often relieved by a grain of Opium put into the hollow of the tooth; the saliva should not be swallowed. Earache also frequently yields to a mixture of equal parts of Laudanum and any bland oil, inserted into the outer passage of the ear on a piece of cotton wool: care should be taken not to push it in too far.

293. To Painful Piles, where there is much swelling and heat, a very soothing application is a soft rice poultice, the surface of which has been sprinkled with Laudanum, or smeared over with simple Opium Liniment.

Popaiyáh (Hind.), Popáí (Duk.), Papaiyá (Beng.), Pappáyi (Tam.), Boppáyí (Tel., Can.), Pappáya (Mal.), Pópayá (Mah.), Papáyi (Guz.), Pepolká (Cing.), Pimbo-si (Burm.), Papaya (Malay).

295. The fresh milky juice of the Papaw has been successfully employed in the treatment of Worms, especially the common Round Worm or Lumbricus. The juice should be collected as it flows out from incisions made in the unripe fruit; a table-spoonful suffices for a dose for an adult. It should, whilst quite fresh, be mixed with an equal quantity of honey and two ounces of boiling water, and the whole well stirred. When cool, this should be taken as a draught, and two hours subsequently, one ounce of Castor Oil, with half a table-spoonful of Lime Juice. This process should be repeated two days in succession. Half the above dose is sufficient for a child between three and seven years old, and a third, or about a teaspoonful, for a child under three years of age. Should colic follow its use, draughts of sugar and water, or sugar and milk, should be freely given. In Ringworm the unripe Papaw fruit, cut in slices and rubbed on the spots, is said by Dr. H. H. Goodeve to be a very simple and efficient remedy.

296. In Enlargements of the Spleen and Liver Mr. Evers (Indian Med. Gazette, February 1875) reports highly of the value of the milky juice of the unripe Papaw fruit. Of sixty cases treated with it, thirty-nine were cured. He administered it as follows: About a teaspoonful of the fresh juice was thoroughly mixed with an equal quantity of sugar, and the mass made into three boluses, one to be taken morning, noon, and evening. For children a single drop of the juice with sugar was found sufficient. A poultice of the pulp of the unripe fruit was placed in each case over the enlarged organ; but on this Dr. Evers places little reliance. From 20 to 25 days was the longest period a patient was under treatment. A nutritious and liberal diet to be enforced. It was found notably useful in recent cases. No ill effects—nothing beyond a feeling of heat in the stomach—followed its use. Should there be gastric or intestinal irritation, a small dose of Opium or Henbane may be combined with the juice.

Bará-ghókrú (Hind., Dak., Beng.), Ánai-nerunji, Peru-neranji (Tam.), Enuga-palléru-mullu, Káítu-nerinjil (Tel.), Ána-nerinnil, Káttu-nerinnil (Mal.), Ánne-galu-gidá (Can.), Hattí-charátté (Mah.), Motte-ghókru (Guz.), Ati-naranchi (Cing.), Sulegí (Burm.).

297. This small plant, with its yellow flowers and sharp-spined seed vessel, exhaling when bruised the odour of musk, is common on dry sandy localities, especially on the seaboard of most parts of Southern India. The fresh leaves and stems briskly agitated in cold water convert it into a thick mucilage, nearly of the consistency of the white of a raw egg, inodorous and tasteless. An infusion thus prepared is a highly prized remedy among the people of Southern India in Gonorrhœa. For this purpose half a pint of the above infusion is taken every morning for ten days successively; and under its use great relief to the scalding on the passage of urine is afforded, and a cure in many cases effected. It seems well worthy of further trial. One of its effects, indeed its principal one, is greatly to increase the flow of urine; hence it might prove useful in some forms of Dropsy. Water rendered mucilaginous by this plant soon regains its original fluidity; hence the infusion should be freshly prepared each time it is to be administered.

Kálí-mirch, Gól-mirch (Hind., Punj.), Kálí-mirchí (Duk.), Kálá-morich, Gól-morich (Beng., Punj.), Martz (Kash.), Milagu, Mulagu (Tam.), Miriyálu (Tel.), Kuru-mulaka (Mal.), Menasu (Can.), Miré (Mah.), Kálo-mirich, Miri (Guz.), Kalu-miris (Cing.), Náyu-kon (Burm.), Lada hitam (Malay). Black pepper, when fresh and of good quality, is a useful stimulant and stomachic in doses of from 10 to 15 grains or more.

299. In Cholera the following pills were formerly held in high repute in Bengal. Take of Black Pepper, Asafœtida, and Opium, each 20 grains; beat them well together, and divide into 12 pills; of these one was the dose, repeated in an hour if required. On account of the quantity of Opium they contain, it is inadvisable to continue their use too long (See Par. 285). They are chiefly indicated at the very outset of the attack.

300. For Piles in aged and debilitated persons the following Confection is often of great service: Take of Black Pepper in fine powder, 1 ounce; Caraway fruit in fine powder, 1½ ounce; Honey, 7½ ounces. Rub them well together in a mortar, and give from one to two drachms twice or thrice daily. It proves useful also in the case of old and weak people suffering from Descent of the Rectum. An infusion of Black Pepper (2 drachms of bruised Pepper to 1 pint of Boiling Water) forms a useful stimulant gargle in Relaxed Sore Throat, and Hoarseness dependent thereon.

Jangle-arandí (Hind., Guz.), Jangli-yarandi (Duk.), Erandá-gách, Bon-bhérandá (Beng.), Kátt-áma-naku (Tam.), Pépalam (Tel.), Káttá-vanaka (Mal.), Bettada-haralu (Can.), Rána-yerandi (Mah.), Val-endaru, Erandu (Cing.), Késu-gi, Simbo-késu (Burm.).

302. A common plant in waste places throughout India. The seeds, which in their native state are an acro-narcotic poison, yield on expression about 30 per cent. of a pale yellow oil, which in doses of 12 to 15 drops acts as a purgative equal in action to one ounce of Castor Oil, but is far less certain in its operation and causes more griping than the latter, hence it is rarely employed. Its ill effects are corrected by Lime Juice, as in the case of Croton Seeds (Sec. 120). Diluted with a bland oil (1 part to 2 or 3), it forms a useful embrocation in Chronic Rheumatism. The leaves locally applied to the breasts, as directed in Sec. 85, are stated notably to increase the secretion of Milk; it is worthy of a trial. More important, however, than the preceding is the alleged power of the fresh juice to arrest Bleeding or Hæemorrhage from Wounds. Baboo Udhoy Chand Dutt (Indian Med. Gazette, Oct. 1, 1874) details two cases in which a piece of lint, soaked in the juice and locally applied, at once arrested the bleeding; in one of these cases alum, perchloride of iron, &c., had been previously used without effect. He states that it does not cause pain nor act as a caustic, but seems simply to coagulate the blood, and covers the bleeding surface with a tenacious layer. Further evidence of its styptic powers is recorded by Mr. B. Evers (Indian Med. Gazette, March 1875), who furnishes also an interesting account of a pulsating tumour, "a varicose aneurism," situated just above the inner ankle, which was cured (?) by the subcutaneous injection of a drachm of this juice. The styptic properties of this agent seem well worthy of further trial.

Ispaghúl, Isbaghól (Hind.), Isapghól (Duk., Punj.), Eshopgól (Beng.), Ís-mogul (Kash.), Ishappukól-virai, Iskól-virai (Tam.), Isapagála-vittulu (Tel.), Isabakólu (Can.), Isabagóla (Mah.), Isapghól (Guz.).

303. Ispaghúl seeds, ovate-elliptical, concave, about an eighth of an inch in length, of a greyish colour, yielding to water an abundance of tasteless mucilage, are procurable in most bazaars, and constitute a highly useful demulcent medicine.

304. In Dysentery and Diarrhœa they have been long held in well-deserved repute when given, as advised by the late Mr. Twining, of Calcutta. "In the Chronic Diarrhœa of Europeans, who have been long resident in India, benefit [he remarks] often follows the use of demulcents followed by mild tonics. For this purpose the Ispaghúl seeds seem to answer better than any other remedy. The dose for an adult is 2½ drachms mixed with half a drachm of powdered sugar candy. The seeds are exhibited whole, and in their passage through the intestines they absorb as much fluid as makes them swell, and by the time they reach the central or lower portions of the canal, they give out a bland mucilage, and in general they continue to possess the same mucilaginous properties until they have passed through the intestines. If the frequency of the dejections be restrained by anodyne enema, and by using only a small quantity of food, the mucilaginous properties of these seeds are most evident. It is said that a slight degree of astringency and some tonic property may be imparted to the seeds by exposing them to a moderate degree of heat, so that they shall be dried and slightly browned. This remedy sometimes cures the protracted diarrhœa of European and Native children after many other remedies have failed."

305. In many affections of the Kidneys and Bladder, in Gonorrhœa, &c. attended with pain, local irritation and scalding or difficulty in passing urine, the following decoction is likely to prove serviceable: Take of Ispaghúl Seeds bruised, 2 drachms; Water a pint; boil for ten minutes in a covered vessel, and strain. Of this the dose is from 2 to 4 ounces, three or four times daily or oftener.

Kélah-ká-pér (Hind.), Mouz-ká-jhár (Duk.), Kéla-gáchh (Beng.), Kadali (Tam.), Kadali, Arati-chettu (Tel.), Vázha-marum (Mal.), Bálegida (Can.), Kéla-jháda (Mah.), Kéla-nu-jháda (Guz.), Kehal-gahá (Cing.), Napiyá-bin (Burm.).

307. The Plantain, or Banana-tree, is extensively cultivated throughout the tropical portion of both hemispheres for the sake of its fruit, which forms a valuable article of diet, and in the dried state is of no mean value as an anti-scorbutic (See Art. Scurvy in Index). It is mentioned in this place chiefly on account of its leaves, which, when young and tender, are of a beautifully fine texture, and may be utilised with great advantage in medical and surgical practice.

a. As a dressing for blistered surfaces, for which purpose they are admirably adapted in hot climates, where Spermaceti Ointment, usually employed in European practice, rapidly becomes rancid, and consequently irritant. After the removal of a blister a piece of plantain leaf of the required size, smeared with any bland oil, should be applied to the denuded surface and kept in its place by means of a bandage. The first sensation it occasions is peculiarly cooling and soothing, and the blistered surface generally heals satisfactorily in four or five days. For the first two days the upper smooth surface is placed next to the skin, and subsequently the under side, until the healing process is complete. The dressing should be changed twice daily, with fresh leaves, or oftener if required.

b. As a substitute for India Rubber or Gutta Percha Tissue in the water-dressing of Wounds and Ulcers. The younger the leaf the better is it suited for this purpose. Two points require attention: 1, the piece used should be sufficiently large to cover or envelop the whole part; and, 2, it should be carefully kept in its place by bandages, &c. If properly applied, evaporation of any subjacent fluid is effectively prevented.

c. As a shade for the eyes in Ophthalmia and other Diseases of the Eye, no manufactured shade is superior to it; the older and greener leaves answer best for this purpose.

Lál-chíta, Lál-chítarak (Hind.), Lál-chitarmúl (Duk.), Rakto-chitá (Beng.), Chitra (Punj.), Shitranj (Kash.), Shivappu-chittira-múlam, Kodi-múli (Tam.), Erra-chitra-múlam (Tel.), Chenti-kotuvéli (Mal.), Kempu-chitra-múlá (Can.), Támbada-chitramúla (Mah.), Ratnitúl (Cing.), Kin-khen-ní (Burm.), Chiraka-merah (Malay).

309. The root of this plant, common in gardens throughout India, is of great value as a means of raising a blister when other articles of the same class are not available. For this purpose take the fresh bark of the root and rub it into a paste with water and a little rice flour; spread this on a piece of rag and apply it to the surface; in about five minutes it begins to give pain, which increases in severity for about half an hour, when it may be removed; a rice poultice may then be applied over the part, and within twelve or eighteen hours a large uniform blister will be found to have formed. The fluid having being let out, it may be dressed with plantain leaf, in the usual way. The chief objection to the use of a Plumbago blister is the great pain it occasions, hence it should only be used when other blistering agents are not at hand, and a blister is an immediate necessity.

Anár-ká-pér (Hind.), Anár-ká-jhár (Duk.), Dálimgásh (Beng.), Dháun (Kash.), Mádalai-chedi (Tam.), Dálimba, Dádima-chettu (Tel.), Mátalam-chetti (Mal.), Dálimbe-gidá (Can.), Dálimba-jhàda (Mah.), Dádam-nujháda (Guz.), Delun-gahá (Cing.), Salé-bin, or Talí-bin (Burm.), Dalima (Malay).

311. Two parts of the Pomegranate tree, common in gardens and elsewhere throughout India, are employed medicinally, viz., the Rind of the Fruit and the Bark of the Root or Root-Bark.

312. In Diarrhœa and the advanced stages of Dysentery, the rind of the fruit is a valuable astringent. It is best given in Decoction prepared by boiling in a covered vessel, 2 ounces of the bruised Dried Rind, and 2 drachms of bruised Cloves or Cinnamon in a pint of water for fifteen minutes and straining. Of this, when cold, the dose is 1½ ounces three or four times a day; in obstinate cases, five drops of Laudanum may be added to each dose. It is said to be especially useful in the Diarrhœa of Natives.

313. In Relaxed Sore Throat the above decoction, with the addition of a drachm of Alum to the pint, is a very useful gargle, and it also forms a good astringent injection in Vaginal Discharges; in these cases the cloves or cinnamon should be omitted.

314. For Tape Worm the Root-bark is a remedy of established value given as follows: Take of the fresh Bark sliced, 2 ounces: Water, 2 pints; boil to 1 pint and strain. Of this, two ounces should be taken fasting, early in the morning, and repeated every half-hour, until four doses have been taken. This should be followed by an aperient (1 ounce of Castor Oil), and the worm will generally be expelled within twelve hours.

Ajváyan (Hind.), Ajvain, Ajván (Beng.), Ajván (Duk.), Ajwain (Punj.), Jáwind (Kash.), O'mam, or O'mum (Tam.), Omamu, Vámamu (Tel.), Hómam, Ayamód-kam (Mal.), Vóma (Can.), Vóvá, Vóva-sádá, (Mah.), Ajwán (Guz.), Oman, Assamodagam (Cing.), Samhún (Burm.), Lavinju-larmisi (Malay).

316. These small, pungent, aromatic seeds rank deservedly high in the list of native remedies; they are considered to combine the stimulant quality of capsicum or mustard with the bitter property of chiretta, and the antispasmodic virtues of asafœtida. This remedy, Dr. Bidie remarks, in moderate quantities increases the flow of saliva, augments the secretion of gastric juice, and acts as a stimulant, carminative and tonic. As a topical remedy it may be used with advantage along with astringents in cases of Relaxed Sore Throat. For disguising the taste of disagreeable drugs and obviating their tendency to cause nausea and griping, he adds, that he knows no remedy of equal power. Testimony of a similar character is borne by Mr. J. J. Wood and others, and no room is left to doubt the value of this medicine.

317. The natives employ the crude seeds in doses of about a dessert-spoonful with the addition of a little salt; this is chewed and washed down with draughts of water. They also employ them in decoction, but this is objectionable, as heat dissipates the essential oil, in which the virtues of the seeds reside. A far better form is the Distilled Water, Omum water—Aarqe-ajván (Hind. et Duk.), Ajwain-ka-arak (Punj.), Jawind-húnd-arak (Kash.), Óman-tí-nír (Tam.), Ómam-dráv-akam (Tel.). It is also sold under the name of "Sison Cordial." Every Indian domestic medicine chest should contain a good supply of this useful preparation, which is procurable in all the large towns in India, being a very popular remedy with the native and East Indian portion of the community. Where, however, it is not purchasable it can be readily prepared by any native who has a common country still; in this case care should be taken that the right proportions be used—3lb. of the bruised seeds to six quart bottles of water, and distil over four. In order to prevent the seeds touching the bottom or sides of the boiler, and thus by becoming charred communicating a burnt flavour to the water, they should be tied up in a bag or cloth of loose texture, and suspended in the centre of the water. The dose is from 1 to 2 ounces, repeated as circumstances may require; that for a child ranges from a teaspoonful to a table-spoonful, according to age. The Distilled Oil is also an excellent form of administration in doses of 1 to 3 drops on sugar, or made into an emulsion with Gum Arabic.

318. In some forms of Dyspepsia, in the vomiting, Griping or Diarrhœa arising from errors of diet; in simple Flatulence and even Tympanites; in Faintness and Exhaustion; in Spasmodic Affection of the Bowels in Choleraic Diarrhœa, in certain cases of Colic; and in Hysteria, it has been found, even when given alone, pre-eminently useful (Wood). It is especially adapted for the Diarrhœa and Flatulent Colic of Children.

319. In Cholera much reliance is placed by the natives and Anglo-Indians on Omum water, and although it appears to have no claim to the character of a specific in this disease which popular opinion assigns to it, there can be little doubt that it exercises considerable power, especially in the early stage, of checking the diarrhœa and vomiting, and at the same time of stimulating the system. It is not to be trusted to alone, but forms an admirable adjunct to other remedies.

320. In Habitual Drunkenness, Dipsomania, Omum seems worthy of trial. On this point Mr. Wood observes, "On account of its biting or pungent, yet pleasant taste, and the sensation of warmth it creates in the stomach, it has been constantly recommended of late years to those afflicted with the desire for alcoholic drinks. It does not, of course, intoxicate, but it is no mean substitute for the ordinary stimulant, in removing almost immediately the sensation of 'gnawing' or 'sinking at the pit of the stomach,' which the frequent use of spirits so invariably brings on. And I have been assured that it has been the means of rescuing many otherwise sensible and useful men from slavery to the habit of spirit drinking."

Chával (Hind.), Chánval (Duk.), Chál, Chánvol (Beng.), Chánwal (Punj.), Thomúl (Kash.), Arishi (Tam.), Biyyam (Tel.), Ari (Mal.), Akkí (Can.), Tándúla (Mah.), Chókha (Guz.), Hál (Cing.), Sán, Chán (Burm.), Bras (Malay).

322. Rice may be utilised in the following ways in the treatment of disease:

a. In the form of Decoction—"Conjee Water," as it is commonly called, prepared by boiling one ounce of cleansed Rice in a quart of Water for twenty minutes, straining, and flavouring with Sugar, and with Lime Juice if desired, to taste. This forms an excellent drink in Fevers, Smallpox, Measles, Scarlet Fever and Inflammations of all kinds, also in Gonorrhœa, and other cases where there is pain and difficulty in passing Urine.

b. In the form of Powder—Rice Flour; this dusted thickly over the surface forms a very cooling and soothing application in Small-pox, Measles, Erysipelas, Prickly Heat, and other Inflammatory Affections of the Skin. It is pleasant to the patient's feelings, and allays heat and irritation. To Burns and Scalds, Rice Flour is an excellent application: it should be used as soon as possible after the occurrence of the injury, and it should be dusted thickly over the whole of the burnt surface, so as to absorb any discharge that may be present, and at the same time exclude the air as far as possible. If in a few days this becomes hardened and irritating, a warm Rice poultice should be applied, so as to soften it and allow its easy removal; the surface should then be dressed with Lime Liniment (229) or Resin Ointment (372).

c. In the form of Poultice.—Rice Poultice.—To prepare this, place a sufficiency of Rice Flour in an open vessel over the fire, gradually add Water, and stir until the mass has the required consistence. A more ready mode is to place the Rice Flour in a basin, and then gradually to add Boiling Water, constantly stirring it, as above. A piece of cloth of the required size being ready at hand, the poultice should be smoothly spread on it, to the thickness of from a quarter to half an inch, and applied over the affected part. In most cases it is advisable before applying it, to smear the surface of the poultice with a bland oil; this renders it more soothing and keeps it longer soft and moist. A rice poultice requires changing twice or even thrice daily. It is an excellent application to Abscesses, Boils, Buboes, Ulcers, and other local inflammatory affections, Inflamed Piles, &c. In Chronic Bronchitis and other Chronic Coughs considerable relief often results from the application of a large soft Rice Poultice placed over the chest at bedtime, and allowed to remain on all night; another may also be advantageously placed on the back between the shoulder-blades. The efficacy of these poultices is in many cases increased by the addition of a little Mustard Flour (1 part to 3 or 4 of Rice Flour), so as to produce a slight redness of the skin; or the surface of the poultice may be smeared over with Oil of Turpentine.