The Taleef Shereef; Or, Indian Materia Medica

Notice

The medical knowledge represented in this book is several centuries old. The publication of this book is for historical interest only, and is not to be construed as medical advice by Project Gutenberg or its volunteers. Medicinal plants should not be used without consulting a trained medical professional. Medical science has made considerable progress since this book was written. Recommendations or prescriptions have been superseded by better alternatives, or invalidated altogether. This book contains a number of prescriptions that are very dangerous.

THE
TALEEF SHEREEF,

OR
INDIAN MATERIA MEDICA;

TRANSLATED FROM THE ORIGINAL.
BY
GEORGE PLAYFAIR, Esq.
SUPERINTENDING SURGEON, BENGAL SERVICE.

PUBLISHED BY
The Medical and Physical Society of Calcutta.
Calcutta:
PRINTED AT THE BAPTIST MISSION PRESS, CIRCULAR ROAD.
SOLD BY MESSRS. THACKER & CO. CALCUTTA; & BY MESSRS. PARBURY, ALLEN & CO.
1833.

TRANSLATOR’S PREFACE.

In the course of a practice of upwards of twenty-six years in India, I have often had occasion to regret, that I had no publication to guide me, in my wish to become acquainted with the properties of native medicines, which I had frequently seen, in the hands of the Physicians of Hindoostan, productive of the most beneficial effects in many diseases, for the cure of which our Pharmacopeia supplied no adequate remedy; and the few which I had an opportunity of becoming acquainted with, so far exceeded my expectations, that I determined to make a Translation of the present work, for my own gratification and future guidance.

Having finished the translation, I became convinced, that I should not have fulfilled the whole of my duty if I did not make it public; and ill calculated as I know myself for such an undertaking, I have ventured to offer it to the world, with all its imperfections.

Conscious, that the liberal minded will give me credit for the best of motives, I shall not dread criticism; and if it has the effect of inducing those more competent to the task to an inquiry into the properties of native medicines, my views will have been fully accomplished.

In writing the names of the different medicines, I have followed the Author’s example, and have been guided solely by the pronunciation, without altering the sound given to the letters in English, and have not borrowed a single name from any work of Oriental literature. In this I may have acted wrong, but I did so from the conviction, that by this method, the names would be more familiar, and better understood, by the Natives in researches after the different drugs.

I have inserted as many of the systematic names as I could trace, both from Dr. Fleming’s work, and those of others; but I regret, that I was not honored in the acquaintance of any Botanist who could have assisted me with more.

To the youth of the profession, I trust the work may be acceptable, by leading them to the knowledge, that such medicines are in existence; and my medical brethren of the higher grades may not deem further inquiry into the properties of native drugs beneath their notice.

To the profession at large, then, I beg leave to dedicate this Translation, with the hope, that they will make due allowance for all faults, and that some of the more experienced will favor us with another and better edition.

To my respected friends Messrs. Wilson and Twining, the profession is indebted, that this little work ever saw light; and though they are godfathers to none of its errors, yet without their encouragement and aid, it must have slumbered in oblivion, and remained as was intended, (after the failure of an attempt on the part of the translator,) a manual for his own private use.

GLOSSARY.

ERRATA.

The following errata have been integrated in the text. Minor inconsistencies in the errata themselves have been ignored.

تاليف شريف

THE TALEEF SHEREEF,
OR
INDIAN MATERIA MEDICA.

TRANSLATED FROM
THE ORIGINAL, WITH ADDITIONS.

ا

1 Am, Ambe, Anbe آم امبة انب.—The Fruit, Mangifera Indica.

The produce of a large tree very common in Hindostan. The fruit is about the size of, and very much resembling in shape, a goat’s kidney, and having the external appearance of an apple. When ripe, it sometimes retains the green color, but oftener becomes yellow, or red and yellow.

The virtues ascribed to this tree, are as follows:—The bruised leaves and young shoots applied to the hair, expedite its growth, and considerably darken its color.

The bark of the trunk of the tree, and of its roots, is cooling and astringent; the former powerfully so. The leaves are astringent, and promote digestion; their ashes styptic.

The young flowers are cool and drying; have a pleasant aromatic scent, and when taken internally, are cooling and astringent; recommended for the cure of chronic Gonorrhœa or Gleet, purulent expectoration, bilious foulness of the blood and boils. The young unripe fruit has much acidity, and is drying; moderately used, it increases all the animal secretions, and is beneficial in chronic affections of the liver; it promotes appetite, and is lithonthriptic. The fruit, when ripe, is sweet, cooling, mucilaginous and heavy, tending to allay thirst, and useful in nervous affections; strengthens the system, restores impaired appetite, (is said to moderate an increased secretion of bile,) and improves the complexion. The fruit is of various sizes, from a few drachms to a pound weight; but it is usually met with weighing about 4 ounces. It becomes acid about a month after the fall of the flower, in which state it is used as preserves, such as jellies, pickles, &c.; at this time, too, it is used as seasoning for Pilaus, and other dishes; for when the stone or kernel has become hard, it is no longer fit for these purposes. When the fruit has attained its full growth, and when nearly ripe, it is to be taken from the tree, and put into dry grass, straw, or the leaves of the Palass tree, and there allowed to become ripe; this process deprives it of all acidity, and also prevents the formation of a resinous gum, which it contracts when allowed to ripen on the tree, and which renders it too pungent to be eaten with relish.

The fruit is in perfection in the hot winds, and when the rains commence, it ripens very fast; before the cold weather it is usually out of season.

There are some trees that blossom the whole year, and some few that even produce fruit; but instances of this are very rare.

There is a variety of this tree on which the fruit is sweet from its first formation; this requires to be used early, otherwise it will in all probability become a prey to insects.

Some trees produce fruit only once in 4 years. In general, it produces fruit in abundance every second year, and less in the alternate year; some are even perfectly barren every alternate year.

There is a mode of manuring this tree, which it is said improves the flavour of the fruit greatly; this is mixing the juice of its fruit with milk, and pouring it over the roots. It is also said to be possible to communicate the flavor of any particular fruit to the mangoe, by its expressed juice being made use of, as an application to the roots of the tree.

The kernel of the mangoe, roasted, is pleasant to the taste, and grateful to the stomach; it is much recommended in laxities of the bowels, and strengthens the primæ viæ; water drank after having eat of this kernel, seems to possess a flavor peculiarly excellent. The usual mode of preparing them, is to allow them to remain exposed to the rains, till the shell shall have become decayed; by this process it is deprived of any heating or irritating property. Prepared in this manner, and kept a short time in lime juice, taken out, bruised and mixed with salt, fennel, &c, it is much extolled for strengthening the stomach, and promoting digestion.

If preserved for 3 years, pounded, and swallowed to the quantity of a tolah, with a little water, no medicine is preferable for strengthening bowels habitually lax.

In the acid state, the fruit is very prejudicial to those who have any disorders in their teeth, a cough, an affection of the chest, or who are subject to cholicky pain in the bowels, but very beneficial when used in irritable habits. The best method of using them is this. The acid unripe fruit, after the outer rind has been peeled off, is to be cut into thin slices, and infused for some hours in water; this water so impregnated, is to be drained off, mixed with a sufficient proportion of sugar, and used as sherbet. It produces a great relish for food, and is in other respects beneficial. The same effects are produced by the unripe fruit, being roasted and allowed to remain in water, as above mentioned. It is recommended in paralysis, from coup de vent. Many physicians have considered the mangoe to be of a cooling nature, but, in my opinion, it is heating in all its stages. The Yunani physicians have stated the ripe fruit to be hot in the 2d, and dry in the 3d degree.

Its virtues may be described in a few words. It strengthens the system, gives tone to the kidnies, restores impaired appetite, &c. It is aperient, improves the complexion, beneficial in piles, an useful deobstruent, braces and increases the bulk of the solids, and removes nervous affections. In some of these disorders I am inclined to doubt of its good effects, but such virtues are attributed to it. It is recommended, in order to prevent any bad effects from the fruit in its unripe state, that raisins be eaten with it. Hukeem Alwee Khan, a man of eminence in his profession in the reign of Mahommed Shah, says, that if ever this fruit disagreed with the system, it must have been eaten when unripe or green.

I had occasion to attend a gentleman of very high rank, who laboured under dropsy; I cured him of the disease, but 3 years afterwards, having eaten a large quantity of mangoes, the disease returned, and I have observed the same effects in other cases.

Hukeem Alli Mughphoor, physician, states, that influenced by the resemblance of the mangoe to the human kidney, he concluded that it must be beneficial in that organ, (disorders of;) he therefore prescribed it in a case of hectic fever, arising from diseased kidney, and completely cured the disease. In this I differ from him entirely; he must have mistaken the nature of the complaint, for a remedy given expressly for the cure of a disease in the kidney, could not, at the same time, have removed the fever, excepting appropriate medicines had been administered along with it!!

The best mangoes are those having a thin juice, sweet and free from fibres; and they ought to be cooled in water or in ice, especially during the hot weather. It is preferable to use the juice of the fruit without eating any of the fibrous parts; a neglect of this may produce various disorders, such as indigestion, cholicky pains, &c. It is very common to eat the expressed juice, mixed with sugar and other things, with rice, or with bread, but this is great imprudence; for in the most healthy subjects it may produce nausea, and general uneasiness.

Should any ill effects follow the use of the mangoe, milk, or the kernel of the fruit, will be found a corrector. My father’s opinion is, that these are not the only remedies; for if it produces any heating effect, curdled milk will give relief, or even cold water, or acidulated sherbet, and he himself was always in the habit of using the Phalsa sherbet on these occasions.

Should cholic be produced, the Oil of Almonds or other sweet oils, will remove the complaint; and a diarrhœa is to be cured by the use of the kernel; and a swelling of the abdomen, by milk, in which a little ginger has been mixed; or even ginger by itself will have the effect

A substitute for mangoe, as a medicine, may be had in Chobe Cheenee.

In general, it will be adviseable to abstain from the use of the mangoe, till 2 or 3 showers of rain have fallen; but those of a cold phlegmatic or melancholic temperament do not require to be so particular.

Those for whose complaints mangoes have been recommended, have in a few months derived great benefit from their use, by eating them with camel’s milk. There are many kinds of this fruit, and their names are as various; but the stronger the scent, the more effectual they are as a medicine. In Persian it is called Nugzuck.

2 Aramsheetul آ رام سيتل.—Pungent and cooling; useful in bilious and catarrhal complaints; also recommended in foulness of the blood.

3 Akaholie اكاهولى.—Vermifuge, also recommended in bilious and catarrhal disorders, in seminal weakness and gonorrhœa.

4 Adki ادكى.—Vide Arhir.

5 Anula آنولا. (nasal N.)—Or Amle, (Phyllanthus emblica, W. Murray IV. 127, Myrobolans.) The fruit round, like a plum. The tree like that of the tamarind, of a pleasant acid, and sweetish astringent taste. It is aperient, cooling, and drying; of great use in eruptions of the skin, arising from a redundance of bile. Other virtues ascribed to this fruit may be found in all Yunani works. It is also called Bidjee and Dhatri Phill, used by the natives for cleansing the hair.

6 Aru الو.—A variety of plum, much resembling the common sort, both in the tree and fruit; it however possesses more acidity, and is less easy of digestion.

7 Abi ابى.—Pyrus Cidonia. The Quince; slightly astringent, and cool in a great degree; heavy and difficult of digestion, yet it is gently laxative and expectorant, and is recommended for strengthening the powers of virility. In Arabic Siffirjill, Persian Behi.

8 Aak آك.—Arug, Mudar, Asclepias gigantea. A milky shrub, very common all over India; its pod resembles a mangoe, but rather longer in proportion: when ripe it breaks, and is found filled with a white substance, resembling silk, to which the seeds are fixed. The leaves of the plant resemble the Dak, but are somewhat smaller: its height is generally from 1 to 1½ yard; when its leaves or stalk are broken, a white milky liquid exudes. There are two kinds, white and red; both are purgatives, violently so. It is said to be beneficial in the following disorders. Foulness of the blood, bilious affections, Juzam, Psora, Zærbad, boils, cuticular eruptions, diseases of the liver, visceral obstructions, hæmorrhoids, all internal diseases, dropsy and worms.

(“Many and wonderful virtues are ascribed to this plant; but I must refer those who have faith in charms to the original Taleef Shereef, when their curiosity will be amply gratified.” Translator.)

All the above virtues have been ascribed to this plant; my opinion is, that the application of the leaves is useful in swellings, promotes suppuration in indolent tumors, and cures eruptions on the skin. The milk blisters, and if applied to the eye, it produces swelling, itchiness, and loss of vision. The powder of the root, mixed with goat’s blood and fresh butter, and applied to the eye, is said materially to strengthen vision. In other works it is said, that the milk of every variety of this plant is poisonous, and violently cathartic.

9 Aal آل.—Vide Mujeet, Rubia, Madder, a wood used for dyeing a red color, and forming a principal article of commerce in some parts of India. In the “Dhara Shakoi” it is called Mujeet, but I suspect that they are different plants, as the Mujeet is thin, and of a fine red color; whereas the Aal is blackish, with a tinge of yellow, though not thicker than the other.

10 Aditt Bagut ادت بهگت.—In Persian, Aftab Perust, Helianthus Annuus. The sun-flower; the name of a flower called also Soorujmookee. The stem grows straight about a man’s height; the leaves are broad and triangular, the flower circular, flat and yellow, with serrated edges, and it is said to follow the sun in his diurnal progress. There are two kinds, a small and greater; their medical properties the same; they are bitter to the taste, and heating in a considerable degree. It is beneficial in cholicks, dropsical affections, foulness of stomach, and rheumatism; it also improves appetite, and promotes expectoration in cases of cold, accompanied by fever.

11 Area اروى.—A culinary fruit resembling the cucumber, and grows in the rainy season; it is so cooling that it produces pains all over the body; it is moreover difficult of digestion, and if taken in any quantity produces fever.

12 Anwul (Nasal) انول.—A large tree very common in India, which when in flower, has a very beautiful appearance; its flowers are yellow, resembling those of the Cassia. There are two kinds of this, one called Mahedi Anwul. Of this also there are two varieties. It is cooling, and the medicinal properties of all varieties are the same. It is used with good effect in bilious vomitings, and also in leprous affections of the skin. It is recommended in weakness of the eyes, asthma, affections of the chest, and foulness of blood. It strengthens the weak and emaciated, and braces the solids when relaxed by disease or otherwise.

13 Aruk عرق ارك.—This name is indiscriminately given to four different kinds of trees; Nowa, Cutel, Burhil and Taar.

14 Aloo (Bochara) الو بخارا.—A kind of plum.

15 Abnoos (Ebony) ابنوس.—A large tree, producing a sweet fruit like grapes. Its leaves resemble those of the Sinobir, but are somewhat broader: it is an evergreen, and its wood is, when good and full-grown, dark-colored and durable; its leaves are smooth and glassy; its properties said to be very active and deleterious; it is heating in a considerable degree, and is said to be lithonthriptic. It dispels flatulency, and cures tympanites. It is recommended in chronic affections of the liver. Filings or raspings of the wood are styptic, and its charcoal more so; a decoction of the wood, in spirits, is very effectual in discussing scrophulous tumours, when externally applied.

The raspings of the wood, mixed with whites of eggs, is an excellent application to scalds and burns; they are also famed for cleaning deep foul ulcers, and inducing the growth of healthy granulation.

Taken internally, the dose is 10½ Mashas, and should it disagree with the stomach, which it often does, honey, or Gum Arabic, with sweet basil, are correctors. The large Baer Tree, (Konar), is a good substitute for the Abnoos; quality, hot 3, dry 2. Persian Awnoos.

16 Anbihildee انب هلدى.—Curcuma zedoaria, (Rox.) Amomum Zed. Wildenow. An Indian root, hot and dry in the 2d degree; useful in herpes, and foulness of the blood, and much esteemed as an external application in wounds and bruises, for which it is also internally exhibited: orange juice used as a vehicle, corrects, in some degree, its heating quality; or if this be not procurable, Bapahic, or the seed of the Penwur, or Turmeric, will have the same effect; the medicine may be given to the quantity of 3½ Masha.

17 Apurjeeta اپرجيتا.—Clitoria ternatea, Crow’s beak, a twining shrub. The natives call it Kowwa Thontee, which literally signifies crow’s beak, also Neelisbund; the plant is about a foot and a half high, and sometimes less, resembling the Cungheiy, only the leaves of the latter are smooth and polished, while those of the former are rough and hard; both the Apurjeeta and the variety Neelisbund, are cooling. It is beneficial in weakness of sight, in clearing the voice and soreness of the throat, and is useful in the poisonous bites of leeches. It is also of use in rheumatic affections of the joints, Juzam, bilious disorders, mucous discharge from the lungs or bowels; it allays general heat, and is said to be an antidote to certain poisonous substances, and of great efficacy in hard indolent tumours, and affections of the skin.

18 Abruc آبرق.—Talc, A fossil substance, beneficial in seminal weakness, redundance of bile, mucus, &c. An antidote to poison. The physicians of Hindostan prepare it for use by calcination. Arabic, Tulk.

19 Abhea ابهىء.—A name for Hurr; it also signifies the water of life, and a medicine called Guloe.

20 Aotungun اتنگن.—A very common seed, resembling coriander. In powder it is recommended as giving strength to the system, and rendering Aphrodisie more permanent. It is a very favorite medicine in India. It is, moreover, useful in Nephritia and liver complaints, and it is very innocent in its operation. Some physicians describe it as hot and dry, in a considerable degree, and disagreeing with the stomach; they, therefore, recommend it to be taken with a proportion of sugar. In all its properties the Maadentezerrubad states the Bonphilly to be nearly the same; dose 4¼ Mashas.

21 Atees اتيس.—The root. Of this there are two kinds, a white and black, and both are very common. The white kind resembles the Jedwaar; the root is very irregular in thickness. It frequently is found resembling the white Bahmen. Both kinds are bitter, astringent, pungent, and heating; aiding digestion, useful in dysentery, vomiting, and piles.

22 Adjmode اجمود.—Bishop’s Weed, Sisson Ammi, (Linn.) Amoos, (Arab.) Ajooan, (Hind.) Nemkha, P. Ajamodum, S. A hot seed, stomachic cordial and stimulant. (Ajmood, Parsley? Taylor. Apium Involucratum.) Apium Involucratum, Rox. M. S. “Sp. Ch. Annual, glaucous, villous, superior leaflets filiform, both general and partial, involucra, about 6 leaved.” Bitter and pungent, light and heating, increases appetite, induces costiveness, and strengthens the vital energy; increases the seminal secretion, and removes pains and other disorders, the consequence of colds; beneficial in nausea, is vermifuge, relieves hiccup, and is useful in Dysuria, but it produces heat in the abdomen. It is called Curufs, but it is only a variety of this, and is something betwixt that and Aniseed, though this may be owing to the difference of cultivation.

23 Adjwain اجوائين.—“Anise Seed. In Arabic, Aneesoon. Pimpinella Anisum, Linn.

“Ujwain. The seed of a plant of the Dill kind, Taylor. Ligusticum Adjwaen, Roxb. Sp. Ch. annual, erect, leaves super de compound, with filiform leaflets, ridges and furrows of the seeds distinct and scabrous. This is what is recommended to notice by Dr. Percival, under the name Ajava seed.”

A species of the above, of which there are two kinds, one of which is called Juhar; both are bitter, pungent, and aromatic; it resembles the Ajmode, but is smaller, and has a strong aromatic scent. It assists digestion, improves appetite, is useful in rheumatism and catarrhal affections; is vermifuge, beneficial in dropsy, dispels flatulence, and is highly extolled in flatulent cholic. A. Nanchoa.

24 Adjwain اجوائين.
25 Khorasanee خر اسانى. “Hyosciamus niger, Linn. Black Henbane. Narcotic. Corrector, Vinegar.”

This plant grows thick from the root, and is covered with a hairy down. The seeds are contained within a hard thick shell, and the leaves are like those of the pomegranate flower. The pod is filled with seeds of a small irregular shape. There is a plant called Hulbeh, which resembles this, but is smaller. A. Buzurulbunje.

26 Adjan اجان.—Or Adjain, a large tree, with wide spreading branches, in size approaching that of the mangoe; its leaves growing close, and also resembling those of the mangoe tree, but longer and thinner; the fruit is about 1½ foot long, and very thin.

27 Akhroat اخروٹ.—“The Walnut, Juglans regia, Linn.” This is a native of hilly countries; its leaves are like the Terpat; the fruit is sweet to the taste, heating, and heavy; it loosens the bowels, and restores strength; it is useful in rheumatic affections, increases mental energy and the powers of manhood, and gives relief in flying pains in the stomach. A. Jouz.

28 Andaluck اندالک.—A kind of grain.

29 Aderuck ادرك.—“Ginger, Amomum zinziber, Linn. Amomum zinziber, Wild. Adraca, S. Sonth (dried root,) H. Sunthi, S.” A very common root, the stem of which is knotty, and from every knot, a leaf is produced; it is hot and heavy; promotes digestion if eaten before meals, mixed with Lahore salt, (rock salt;) it prevents flatulent swellings in the stomach and bowels. P. Zinzibeel tur. It is much extolled as a stomachic when prepared as sweetmeats; but if the syrup be allowed to dry, it spoils, becomes less grateful to the taste, and its heating quality is much increased.

30 Arnee ارنى.—The name of a tree, in height that of the Peach tree, but it is full of branches from the root upwards, and the leaves are like those of the Sumhaloo; it is heating, and beneficial in rheumatic complaints and swellings from cold. In the Dhintri it is described as oleaginous and heavy; effectual in Jaundice, increasing appetite, loosening the bowels, and removing flatulence.

31 Arhir or Toor ارهر و تور.—“Cytisus cajan.” Some consider these as distinct species, but in my opinion Toor is only Arhir in an overgrown state. The plant grows to the height of a yard and half; and the taste of the pea of the Arhir is preferable to that of the Toor. Toor is sown and cut down at the same time as the sugar-cane; whereas the Arhir is sown, and cut with the barley. The pod of the Toor is larger than that of the Arhir; and the former has an unpleasant smell, which is wanting in the latter; they are both used very commonly as food, all over India. It is in its properties cool and dry, and produces costiveness; it is useful in bilious and catarrhal disorders, and in foulness of the blood. It is even said to be an antidote to poisons. In its taste it is sweet, like that of the Cassela. I conceive it hot in the 2d, and dry in the 3d degree, and recommend it for strengthening the stomach. When used as food it is heavy; but is beneficial in complaints having their origin in cold. If twice scalded in hot water, before it is boiled, it will cause less thirst; and if boiled in milk, or whey, it becomes less heating. A decoction of the leaves is recommended as a wash for the mouth, in cases of toothache, and diseases of the teeth. P. Shakool.

32 Aord, or Aort, or Mash. ماش.—vide M. (Phaseolus Max.)

33 Arne’ ارنى.—The wild buffaloe. Its flesh recommended in Marasmus. P. Gowmeche Serhaie.

34 Arnd ارنڈ.—“The Castor, Ricinus communis, W. Palma Christi.” Wildenow says, “Planta semper annua, nunquam fructicosa vel arborea, nec in calidissimis terræ plagis liguescit.” But this is incorrect; for the plant is perennial, and becomes a moderate sized tree. The natives, however, have a prejudice against allowing it to grow beyond 3 or 4 years, and even this is only in solitary places. The chief reason I fancy is, that it interferes with the cultivation of the soil, if permitted to remain. They usually sow it with grain, and reap the grain crop before it has attained its full height; this they can do annually, but seed sown under its shelter the second year, would not succeed.

A shrub, with broad soft leaves, like the fig tree; it grows about 6 or 8 feet in height; the root is hollow, and without flaw or wrinkle; the seed grows in bunches like grapes, and the shell of the pod, which resembles gall-nuts, is covered with soft prickles. The seed is like the coffee bean, and is stained with different colored spots, so as to appear like marbled paper; the kernel is white, soft, and oleaginous. There are two kinds of this; one with a red, the other with a green pod; the former is culled Jongia Arnde; both varieties are sweet, heating, and heavy. The oil of the kernel is useful in removing obstinate constrictions of the intestines, when given warm; also in flatulency; rheumatic swellings of the joints and lumbago; in strangury, spasms in the urinary bladder, headaches, dropsy, and feverish complaints. It is also recommended as an expectorant in difficulty of breathing, and in cough; in affections of the skin, and in superabundance of mucus in the intestines. It is a warm, stimulating purgative; the dose one or two table spoonsful. Both my father, uncle, and I, have used it with great success, in cases of obstinate cholic from costiveness. They also used the leaves moistened with ghee, as an external application in rheumatic pains and swellings. If the seeds are bruised, and mixed with curdled milk, and allowed to remain in this state till they become putrid, they form an excellent application for the cure of itch, and usually succeed in 7 or 8 days. It has also been said, that if one of the kernels be taken at first, and daily increased by one, till 100 are taken, and then decreased in the same gradual manner, it will cure Juzam, and other kinds of Leprosy.

35 Arusa ٱروسا.—A name for the Baan Tree; vide Bansa. In the Maadentezerrubad, it is thus described:—Arusa is a medicine of Hindoostan, hot and moist, or in the opinion of some writers, cool and moist, in the 2d degree: half an ounce of the juice, with as much honey, is a cure for hoarseness, or loss of voice; and used with the fruit of the Peepul tree, it increases appetite, and corrects mucous discharges. A decoction of the leaves in water, is useful in Jaundice, difficulty of breathing, Gonorrhœa, and hectic fever. As a gargle it strengthens the gums; and the leaves bruised, and taken in honey or water, cure Epistaxis, Hœmatemesis, Nausea, Vertigo, and Suppression of the menses.

36 Arjun اڑجن.—A tree, also the fruit; hot and astringent; useful in bilious affections, and in prostration of strength from fatigue, and an antidote to poisons. Its use is interdicted in disorders arising from cold; also in ulcers: but externally applied it cleanseth foul sores, and promotes healthy granulation. It prolongs Aphrodisia, strengthens the system, and expedites the union of divided parts. Some physicians call it cooling. Pentaptera Arjuna.

37 Arloo, Catoombura, or Sheunag, ارلو.—The name of a tree, a native of the hills; it is pungent, beneficial in loosening phlegm, and promoting appetite; it produces costiveness, and is vermifuge, and recommended in Juzam. It is an ingredient in the Dusmool.

38 Arvie, or Arum Colocasia, آروى.—A root and seed. It is about 3 inches long, more or less, and when the outer rind is removed it is white. Its stem is about 3 feet in height; its leaves large like a shield, with the points reflected; in consistence and polish it is like the plaintain leaf. It is also called Cutchaloo, but the different names are only applied with propriety to different parts of the same root; the Cutchaloo being more like a Byngun or Egg-plant. They are both in general use in India. The Arvie is dressed with meat, and the Cutchaloo is roasted; the leaves and shoots are also commonly eaten. Its properties, I can declare from experience, are in a small degree cool; and it is useful in giving strength to the system; prevents the involuntary emission of semen; it produces wind, and is heavy and hurtful to the throat Its corrector is acids, and being repeatedly washed in water. The Cutchaloo is the most powerful, and the most hurtful of the two kinds. A. Culdass, at least it is so stated; but in the Yunani works, there is a material difference; as the Culdass is described, therefore, it is doubtful to me whether they are one and the same.

39 Armeede, ارميدى.—A kind of cucumber.

40 Aorde Gunta اردى گهنٹا.—A kind of Satawur.

41 Aistullkund استل كند.—The name of a root; also called Giràmkund; also a variety of the medicine Maankund: it promotes phlegm, and corrects bile and wind; it is also useful in foulness of the blood and general swellings. The other kind is useful in foulness of blood, and in bilious affections; it is sweet, cool, and heavy. It is likewise called Istolékund.

42 Asperuck اسپرك.—A name for Akléel ul Mulk.

43 Asgund اسكند.—Physalis flexuosa. A very common white root, also called Asgund’h, about half a yard long, like the sweet potatoe, (Convolvulus batatas.) When thin and dry, it resembles the Shúkákul mysrie, (carrot;) its leaves are very like those of the kuth, (Mimosa catechu,) but rather less. It grows about a yard along the ground; its taste is astringent and bitter; it is hot, and strengthens the powers of virility; removes bilious and mucous affections; is beneficial in general swellings, and white leprosy.

Some give this name to the Kaknej, or Winter Cherry. In the Maadentezerrubad, it is thus described. Asgund is a medicine of Hindoostan; the best sort of which is procurable at Nagour. It is hot and dry in the 1st degree. The people of India use in its stead, the Soorinjan, (the Hermodactylus.) It is especially beneficial in pains of the joints. The root, when arrived at perfection, has a strong scent of the horse; from which circumstance it has in India, derived its name; Asp, signifying the horse, and Gund, smell: it is also called Bajecund.

If 3 drachms of the root be boiled in 2 pounds of cow’s milk, and 1 ounce of sugar mixed with it, and this taken for 14 days, it increases peculiar secretions, and improves the complexion.

44 Asphill اسپهل.—Padmunie, a variety of Kunwul. The Lotus, (Nymphæa Nelumbo,) which is produced on dry land. It is sweet, bitterish, and cool; is useful in vomiting, Diarrhœa, and foulness of the blood.

45 Astull استل.—Buntàki, a name for Buratha; it means a large Byngun, or Egg-fruit; the plant being the same.

46 Aspurka اسپرك.—Cool and light; promotes peculiar secretions, and is useful in various disorders: it removes offensive exhalations; moderates profuse sweats; is beneficial in dropsy; restores strength; cures emaciation; and is an antidote to poisons.

47 Aoshire ٱسير.—Kuss kuss. Ooseer? Andropogon muricatum, Kœnig. A name for Kuss kuss. In the Dara Shekoi, it is called Aosire, and is described as the root of the grass kuss, with which houses are made cool in the hot weather. It is cool, and assists digestion, cures laxity of the bowels, and is useful in bilious affections, foulness of blood, and superabundance of mucus; allays thirst, is a grateful application to blistered parts, or where much heat is experienced; beneficial in difficulty of voiding urine, in boils and eruptions, and prolongs aphrodisia.

48 Asteghoon استگہون.—An article of food, made by mixing one part of Moong, with two parts of rice, boiling them together, and pouring off the water, with which is to be mixed rock salt, assafœtida, coriander, ginger, and peepul. This is an excellent drink in fevers, in bilious affections, and foulness of the blood; it increases appetite, and clears, and gives tone to the kidnies and bladder.

49 Apheem افيون.—(Papaver somniferum.) Of this there are four kinds; the 1st, which is white, is called Chaarun, (promoting digestion;) the 2d, Maarun, is black; the 3d yellow, and the 4th, of all these colours mixed, called Saarun. Its properties are well known, and fully detailed in all Yunani works on medicine.

50 Aginmunt اگن منت.—Agwunt. Names of Arnee; q. vide.

51 Agust اگست.—(Æschynomene Grandiflora.) A tree, cool and dry, producing flatulence, curing bile, foulness of blood, and mucus; also fever. Its flowers beneficial in improving the sense of smelling, and in night blindness.

52 Akroat اكروٹ.—Vide Akhroat.

53 Akirkirra اقرقرها.—or Akirkirrhà, (Dranculus.) In Yunani works called discutient and alternant.

“Anthemis Pyrethrum, Linn. Pelletory of Spain, Ainslie. Off. The Root. Pyrethre, (F.) Eaher Wustrell, (G.) Akkárácárum, (Tam.) Powerful stimulant, useful as a sialagogue, to excite an increased flow of saliva; hence useful in headache, rheumatism of the face, toothache, in paralysis of the tongue and muscles of the throat.”

54 Agur اكور.—Dry and light, useful in affections of the eyes; it also promotes the secretion of bile. A. Oodh.

55 Agunie Char اكنى كهار.—Pungent and very hot. In rheumatic affections of the chest, Soonpat from mucus, and rheumatic pains in the joints, it is highly beneficial. This medicine is the produce of the western provinces of India; and the best kind is red, and feels hot to the touch; it is found by the sides of rivers.

56 Akasbele اكاس بيلہة.—Cuscuta reflexa, a name for Afteemoon, (Dodder of Thyme.)

57 Alsi آلسي.—“Linum Usitatissimum, W. Atasi, S. Tesi, H. Emollient and demulcent.” Grows about 1½ foot high; its leaves are thin, and its flower of the color of Lapis lazuli. In India it is supposed to decrease the secretion of semen, and to weaken sight; it is hot, and said to be discutient; it is useful in phlegm from cold. A. Buzzúrkatan.

58 Aoloo ٱلو.—The owl. Those who eat its flesh may expect to be deprived of all reasoning faculties, with loss of memory. It produces much wind, and is called in Persian, Boom.

The women of India frequently give it to their husbands, that by the mental weakness it produces, they may obtain more liberty of conduct than might otherwise be agreeable.

59 Alaechee الايچي.—A. Kakla. “Amomum Cardamomum, Wild. Amomum Repens, Wood, vol. II. p. 356.” It is of two kinds, and very common. The tree is very large, its leaves resemble those of the sugar cane, of the length of a man; it is very fragrant, and both kinds are nearly alike in properties. The physicians of India call it moderately cool, aromatic, and bitter; and that it is useful in bilious affections, rheumatic complaints, and superabundance of mucus; it is likewise said to decrease Aphrodisia, and to be prejudicial in affections of the chest The large kind possesses all these properties in a greater degree than the small; “the latter is called the Guzerattee Alaechee.”

60 Alta التا.—A name for the Lac colour.

61 Amulbedh املبيدة.—Called also Amulbenth, a very acid fruit of India; the tree much resembles the lime tree, but is rather larger. It is so very acid, that it will, in a few minutes, dissolve a needle, or small shell. It is light and aperient; improves decayed appetite; is cardiac; removes visceral obstructions, and increases all the secretions. I have been accustomed to take out part of the pulp of the fruit, and to fill the empty space with such medicines as assist digestion, and correct disorders of the digestive organs, in a pounded state, and allowing the fruit, thus medicated, to dry, and using it under the title of Amulbedh. It is brought in quantities from Jeynugger, and Ruttunboil. A spurious sort of this is made from the large lemon, and sold in its stead. I have found it useful in promoting digestion, giving relief in rheumatism, and as an aperient (Amul means acid.)

62 Amulchangerie امل چاںگرى.—An acid fruit, from a plant of India, called Changerie, much resembling the In-ubassaleb, (Nightshade,) and grows about 8 inches high, or more, and is about as much expanded. Its properties are hot, light, and stomachic; it promotes digestion, and is beneficial in Piles and Juzam; it cures laxities of the bowels, and decreases all the secretions, except bile.

63 Amlie املي.—Tamarindus Indicus. A large tree; the fruit and leaves off it are very small, growing from both sides of a centre stem; they close up at night, and are expanded during the day. The fruit resembles a bean-pod, bent in the centre, and usually less than 8 inches in length; it bends so as to assume the figure of a semi-circle, but often not so much. The Author of the Book Tophut-ul-Momeneen, describes the tree as resembling the Pomegranate tree; but I suspect he had never seen it. It is acid and heavy, removes flatulence, but increases bile and blood.

When ripe, it is laxative, promotes appetite, and is beneficial in oppression after meals. It is dry, light, cardiac, and restores prostration of strength from fatigue. It removes nausea, giddiness, thirst, and general heat. Sherbet prepared from it, should it agree with the stomach, is preferable to any other, and prevents the noxious influence of the hot winds on the system. The kind which is red, ought to be chosen for preserves, and it possesses all the properties of the fresh fruit. The flowers of the tamarind eat with meat, increase its flavor; they also prevent accumulation of bile, are aperient, and increase appetite; but they are improper when acidity prevails in the stomach.

64 Amrutphull امرت پهل.—A name given to the sweet lime. Vide Rajeneemb.

65 Ambarae انبرائى.—A fruit, the produce of the hills, large and acid.

66 Amarbele اماربيلى.—A name for Afteemoon (Dodder Thyme.)

67 Amroude امرود.—(Guava.) An Indian fruit resembling the pear. It is full of small seeds, and is of an unpleasant smell; its tree resembles the mulberry, but is smaller; the leaves are like the leaf of the mangoe, green, with a tinge of red, and the veins of the leaf are strongly marked. The fruit is pendant, and its shape pyramidal. It is also called Suffryam, “Psidium pyriferum.” It strengthens the stomach, produces costiveness, and is astringent. I have given it with good effect in laxities of the bowels.

68 Amratuck امراتك.—The name of a culinary vegetable.

69 Amultas املتاس.—Called also Kurwara. “Cassia Fistula, W. Sauvernaca, S. Casse, F. Rohnkassie, G. The pulp of its fruit laxative.” Its flowers are dressed, and eaten with meat; and it has the virtue of giving it additional flavor, and loosening the bowels.

70 Ananass انناس.—Called also Kutel Sufrie, (The Pineapple,) for this reason, that if the plant is carried along with a person proceeding on a journey, it will produce fruit. It is about the size of the large lime, called Turunje; its color yellow, tinged with red; its surface is irregular, and covered with small prickles; its smell like that of the mangoe, and very pleasant; the whole plant, including the fruit, is about a yard in height; the leaves have serrated edges, and the fruit grows perpendicular. On the top of the stem there is a bunch of leaves growing from the top of the fruit, which if broken off, and planted, is reproductive. It bears fruit only once, and only one fruit at a time. I have not seen its properties noticed in any work, but the people of India call it cooling. It was first described by Abul Fuzul, in the Ayen Akberry; and this was afterwards copied by the Author of the Dhara Shekoih, from which others have copied it. Part of this description I have copied, and from my own observation have added the remainder. In my opinion it is hot in a small degree, and moist in the 2d degree. Its use is grateful to the system, and it gives strength to the intellectual powers, also tone to the stomach. It is injurious to the throat, to the solids, to respiration, and to the intestines; but its corrector is sugar, and if it be sliced, put in rose water to which sugar is added, and allowed to stand for some time, its beneficial properties are increased, while its injurious qualities are prevented or corrected. A preserve made from it, is excellent, and is used with stews and Pilau, as giving them great additional relish.

72 Ambeloona انبلونا.—A fruit of Hindoostan, acid and astringent, cool and producing costiveness, beneficial in mucus and bile; also in carbuncle, and other tumors and affections of the throat.

73 Ambegool انبغول or Angool, or Ambegooda; called also Inderain Soorkh. (Vide the next article.) A plant whose taste is bitter and astringent; it is hot and moist, light and purgative, beneficial in flatulence, mucus, and general swellings. It is vermifuge, and removes pains in the bowels. It is an antidote to poisons, and removes disorders produced by indigestion. The fruit of the plant is sweet and cool, heavy and purgative, useful in affections from wind, bile, and disorders of the blood; it removes general heat, and is beneficial in Marasmus. It decreases the seminal secretion, increases mucus, and strengthens the system. Nourdi Mahommed says, that in the epidemic carbuncle which affects the armpit or throat, this fruit is given with more success than any other medicine; and that one fruit given internally, and another applied to the part, will cure the disease, should there be any stamina remaining in the system. He also says, that if ten pounds of this fruit be steeped for a week in Anula water, taken out and dried, put into a mill, and the oil expressed, and this oil introduced into the nose for 8 days successively, white hair will become black. He writes much more respecting its virtues; but as I have had no experience of them, and cannot vouch for the effect, I forbear to transcribe them.

74 Inderain اندراين.—“Cucumis Colocynthus. Wild Gourd. Bitter cucumber. It is said by Thunberg to be rendered so perfectly mild, by being pickled, as to be used as food at the Cape of Good Hope.” The fruit of a plant like the small melon, and very bitter; the plant too resembles that of the melon, and in Persian it is called the bitter melon. There are two kinds of this, one I have already described under the head of the preceding article. Both are bitter, powerful, hot, light, and purgative; a cure for Jaundice, useful in bilious and mucous affection, diseases of the spleen, dropsy and fever: they are also vermifuge.

In menstrual suppression the following is said to be effectual.

Of the root of Inderain Soorkh 1 pice weight, pepper 14 grains in number; bruise, and give in water: effectual in two or three days.

Also the following is used by the natives; bitter Toombric seed, Jawakhar, Goor, Mynphill, in equal parts, mixed with the milk of the prickly pear, and formed into a tent; applied to the Os Uteri for 3 days, it will produce fever.

75 Anderjow اندرجو.—“Nerium Anti-dysentericum, Echites Anti-dysenterica, (Roxb. MS.) Curaya, H. Cutaja, S.” A large tree, with leaves like the almond tree; it produces a fruit long and broad, which grow separate from each other. The fruit contains a number of seeds, rather longer than those of the melon, and resembling a bird’s tongue. The pulp of the fruit is of a yellowish white, but the seeds are red. Its properties are bitter, pungent, cool, and astringent. It cures flatulence, bile, and fever, is vermifuge, and is useful in piles, and beneficial in that kind of carbuncle the matter of which is infectious: there are two kinds of this, a bitter and a sweet sort: of these, the bitter is to be preferred. In Hemorrhoids, where much blood is discharged, if taken in the quantity of half a tolah daily, in cold water, for eight days, the cure will be accomplished. The bark of the tree, taken in cold water, will remove laxities of the bowels.

76 Anar انار.—A name for Darim, q. vide. “Punica Granatum.”

77 Aunalie انالى.—A name for Shakakool, (Wild Carrot.)

78 Ambaray انباراي.—or Ambara, a vegetable used by the poorer classes, resembling Sunn (hemp.) When young, it is hot, heavy, and promotes appetite; it is useful in flatulence, and loosens the belly: when ripe it is sweet and cool, and increases seminal secretion. In the Dunterie it is written, that it is oleaginous and astringent.

79 Ankaloon انكالون.—The name of a salt called also Oodoobudh. Vide Loon.

80 Anbertasung انبر تاسنگ.—A name for Sungbusserie.

81 Angud انگد.—The name for Hungoot, q. vide.

82 Anjeer انجير.—Ficus Carica. The Fig. A common fruit. Its virtues are fully pointed out in Persian works. Another variety, called Anjeer Deshtee, (Adam’s fig,) Keonberrie. Some writers call the fig hot, others describe it as cool, like the Goolur.

83 Aaont آونٹ.—The Camel. The flesh is sweet to the taste, and light; it increases the strength of vision and dispels flatulence, kills larvæ in the stomach, useful in piles, and increases bile and mucus: in P. Shootur.

84 Aoode Belao ٱود بلاؤ.—Lutre Lutreola, (Shaw.) The Otter? An animal, named also Kunduss, called in P. Saqeabi. Its scrotum is called Jeunel bedesther. Its properties fully related in all Yunani publications.

85 Aoont Kutara ٱونٹ كٹارا.—A prickly shrub, about a yard high; both leaves and branches are full of prickles, and its flowers are yellow; its fruit round, and also full of prickles. It is bitter and pungent, useful in phlegm and cough, also wind; increases bile, and is diuretic; it promotes digestion, and increases the strength of the system. If the fresh root be cut into small pieces, and the oil extracted from it by heat, and this oil to the quantity of one masha, rubbed over a plaintain leaf, and externally applied, it will increase Aphrodisia, and lengthen its duration. This oil, applied to the parts, will restore strength. Its application will also remove an offensive effluvia from the axillæ. Echinops Echinatus, (Roxb.)

86 Aoonk ٱونک.—A plant, a yard or more in height, whose leaves are about 2 inches in breadth, and hard like the leaves of the Mocao; its flower is prickly, and its seed very small, even smaller than the Powar, which it resembles. There are two kind: the branches of one red, the other white; both bitter, and promoters of digestion, decreasing mucus and wind, removing flatulent swellings in the stomach or bowels, and pains therein; useful in piles and Psora.

87 Ahmlee اهملى.—Called also Buzuroolreshad.

88 Aegoor ابغور.—Powerfully astringent and bitter, easy of digestion, beneficial in disorders of blood, bile, mucus, and also in Juzam, an antidote to poison, and strengthening eye sight. P. Shingirff. (Cinnabar?)

89 Aechill ايچل.—The name of a reed.

90 Aent اينٹ.—(Brick.) In P. Khysht. When the seminal secretion is too thin, this is given with success; the older kind is preferred in medicine. In the Tophutul Momeneen and other works, its virtues are described.

ب، پ

91 Padill بادل.—Sometimes called Patill, and another kind denominated Kashta Padill or Kut Padill. Of this also there is another kind, but as the properties of all are the same, I have not particularly distinguished them from each other. It is the flower of an Indian tree, which in size is equal to the Mangoe or Jamin, its pod is 1½ feet long, and 4 fingers in breadth, formed of different layers, and lined with a soft cottony substance. The seed resembles that of the Seriss tree, and its taste is astringent, sweet, and its properties mixed, cool and hot. It is beneficial in swellings of a general nature, in foulness of the blood, in difficulty of breathing, in thirst, nausea, and loss of appetite. Its flowers correct all the natural secretions, and remove bilious laxity of the bowels, and heartburn. The pod relieves hiccup, and corrects bilious and mucous secretions; some have described its properties as cool, and the Dhuntri recommends the first kind, as the one to be preferred for internal use.

92 Paá پاء.—Sulphur Zinci, a name for Zaje Suffed. It resembles the Shibbi Yemani, but of a more yellow tinge, and less transparent, but its pungency and astringency greater; placed in the fire it becomes sublimed; its nature hot and dry. If a cloth is wetted with its solution, and allowed to dry, and then placed in the vagina, it dries the part, and lessens its diameter.

93 Beekhbans بيج بنس or Beedjbans.—A kind of green bamboo, shot as arrows by the Nepaulese, and which poison the wound they inflict.

94 Bansa پانسا.—Called also Piábansa. Some say that it is the name of the Baadawurd tree; however this may be, it is the name of a very common tree, found in plains and waste places; it grows about the height of a man, more or less; has spreading branches, which grow out of its stem even to the root: its leaves are thin, small, and pointed, when the tree is young; but they increase in size as the tree grows, and become like those of the Jamin. Its flowers are white, with prickles on their stalk. The other kind called Pia Bansa has colored flowers.

It increases wind, and clears the throat; it removes disorders of bile, mucus, or blood, cough, difficulty of breathing, nausea, fever, seminal weakness, juzam, and marasmus. A tooth-brush made of its wood, materially strengthens the gums and teeth, and of this many have had experience. It strengthens the system, darkens the color of the hair, cures the itch, and is an antidote to poison. In its nature it is hot, and is useful in eruptions of the skin and leprosy.

In the Maadentezerrubad, that with the yellow flowers, is called Pia Bansa, and the tree is said to be about a yard high, with long leaves, hot, cool, and dry in an equal degree; a decoction of the root is beneficial as a gargle in toothache, or with the addition of the leaves, as a gargle in ptyalism.

95 Baluka بالوكا.—Cucumis Madraspatanus. A species of Kitcherie; it is also called Kootoombur. Phoont is likewise a variety of this, and is in Persian named Dustoombaóyé. When unripe, its taste is sweet; it is cool, and heavy, removes eruptions of the skin from bile, and when ripe, it is hot, light, aperient, creating appetite, and bile.

96 Palewut پال وٹ.—Also Palook, a medicine of India. The first is sweet, hot, and cool, in an equal degree; it is heavy, and corrects bile and wind. The second kind, also called Malook, is sweeter than the first, and in all its properties resembling Padill, except that it produces less thirst.

97 Baraykund باراى كنڈ or Keetkuroódh, or Subbuzkund.—The produce of a wet or moist soil. Its capsule is thick and hard; it is sweet, bitter, pungent, and increases the powers of manhood, and generally strengthens the system; it increases bile, but removes a superabundance of phlegm or wind. It is vermifuge, and useful in seminal weakness. Its leaves used as greens, create appetite, improve the complexion, and are beneficial in Juzam. I have ascertained from several books of Hindoostan, that it is a species of Russain, and that Barayokand and Bedareekund are one and the same plant; but some books state the contrary.

98 Banjkakóra بانج كاكوڑا.—A medicine of India, of a light nature, beneficial in mucous affections, antidote to poison, useful in boils and wounds, also in sores; called in Persian Khora. One kind of this bears no fruit, hence its name Banja.

99 Pakur پاكڑ.—A large tree, beautiful in appearance, as large as the Jamin. The leaves also resemble the Jamin, but broader, longer, and thicker; its fruit is yellow, and when ripe, like the apple, but when small, it is more like the peach; it is cooling, and cures boils, eruptions of the skin, and is effectual in mucous and bilious affections, it also allays swelling in wounds. The fruit bears the same name; it is acid, its sherbet cardiac, promotes appetite, and decreases bile. By some called Pakull.

100 Panee Amluk انى املك.—A medicine of Hindoostan, hot and heavy; it cures flatulency, and when ripe, it increases the bilious and mucous secretions.

101 Paadae پااداى.—Pungent and bitter, hot and light, cures wind, bile, Juzam, and fever; vomiting, dropsy, affections of the heart, general heat, itch, disorders from poison, difficulty of breathing, and is vermifuge. It also cures Badgola, boils and eruptions of the skin, and removes laxities of the bowels.

102 Babchee بابچى or Bakchee, an Indian medicine, the seed of which is black; it is beneficial in every kind of leprosy, and in every pain of the stomach; it is used both internally and externally. I have used 2 mashas of this, with other appropriate medicines, infused in water for a night, strained and given as a drink to those affected with white leprosy, and other affections of the same nature; and have used the strained refuse externally, with the greatest success. It is pungent and aromatic, hot and dry in the 3d deg. light and cardiac, creates appetite, and cures affections of bile and mucus; but is prejudicial to the eyesight, and lessens the seminal secretion.

In the Maadentezerrubad it is written, that Babchee is a seed about the size of gram, or rather less, of a dark color, and aromatic flavor, hot and dry in a small degree, cures wind, mucus, and Juzam; the itch and other eruptions of the skin when discoloration or ulceration takes place, and all complaints arising from foulness of blood. In Acouta, or that scaly leprous eruption that is often met with, it is very effectual, the part being first moistened with mustard oil, and the powder of the seed sprinkled over its surface.

“Tried in Lepra without effect, both in substance and in infusion, in 1818.—Translator.”

103 Paperie پاپري.—A name for Shumshad, cool, and brightens the complexion, and is useful in mucous and bilious complaints.

104 Babur بابر.—Called by some Nagbo, and also Badrouje.

105 Barasinga باراسينگا.—Cervus Elaphus. Called so from its many branched horns; it is about the size of a small cow, and is also called Thunkur or Eal. Its meat is sweet to the taste, and heavy; it increases Aphrodisia, cures wind, bile, and mucus. The horns rubbed down in water, and applied externally, cure rheumatic and other pains.

106 Parba پارها.—Cervus Porcinus. Very common in the upper parts of India; its properties I have never seen noticed in any Indian publication. I have met with a description of another kind of deer, Cheetul, and in my opinion they are nearly alike in their properties; the flesh of both easy of digestion, quickly increasing the volume of blood and bulk of the solids; it is without fibres, hot and somewhat dry.

107 Bander باندر.—Monkey. The flesh is beneficial in flatulencies, difficulty of breathing, and Jaundice, and is vermifuge; in P. Bozeena.

108 Baag باگهة.—In P. Sher. The Tiger. Its flesh is hot, and cures affections from wind, and complaints of the eyes. Its milk, mixed with Soorma, is an excellent application in that disease of the eye called Mootiabin. My grandfather experienced its good effects in his own case in the cure of this disease.

109 Palug پالگ.—A much esteemed kind of culinary vegetable (Spinnach.) A. Isphanach: cool and heavy, laxative, producing wind and mucus, as also swelling of the abdomen. It is beneficial in difficulty of breathing, and eruptions from bile. Some say that it produces intoxication in a small degree, but this I have not found to be the case.

110 Paan پان.—Aromatic, bitter, astringent, hot, and aperient. (“Piper Betel, Lin. Warm juice, febrifuge; given in indigestion in children, and combined with musk in Hysteria.”) It creates appetite and agreeable sensations; it also increases semen, and is aphrodisiac. It cures disorders of wind, mucus, and of the blood; corrects vitiated breath, preserves the gums, clears the blood, is useful in prostration of strength from fatigue, and cures nervous head-aches. Its juice is beneficial in giving tone to the stomach and heart, and it promotes digestion. It corrects a cold temperament, cures cholicky disorders, and pains of the bowels, and this I have repeatedly found by experience. In my own opinion, and in the opinion of every Yunani writer whom I have consulted, (with the exception of Shaik Boo Alli,) it is hot; but the physicians of Hindoostan very generally agree with the Shaik. Those of a hot temperament, who use much of this plant, are subject to eruptions of the mouth, and fissures in the tongue. Its correctors are almonds and the kernel of the cocoa-nut, but the former is to be preferred, and the addition of the almond increases its effects on the mental powers.

The distilled water of Paan, as described below, is recommended for correcting a melancholic temperament, strengthening the stomach and circulation, removing spasms in the stomach, creating appetite, correcting flatulence, and loosening phlegm.

Take flowers of Bugloss 5 scruples, rose leaves 6 drachms, cloves 13 scruples, Paan 4 ounces, distilled water of Bugloss two pounds, rose water 6 pounds: distil, and give as a dose from one to four drachms. Another: take of cinnamon 13 scruples, Indian Spikenard and Galangal, each 14½ scruples; Bugloss, Soad Kufah, and dried mint, each 19 scruples; rose leaves and cloves each 24 scruples; anise seed (Nancha), and another kind called Rajiana, and sweet-scented flag of Toorkistan, each 19 scruples; Paan 50 leaves or more, good rose water 15 pounds: distil. The dose to be regulated by the temperament of the patient.

Another: take of Indian leaf (Tezpat), 1/2 a pound; cloves, Indian Spikenard, and anise seed (Nancha), each 4 ounces, good Paan 200 leaves; bruise all the ingredients, and let them remain in infusion for 24 hours in 20 pounds of water, then draw off by distillation 14 pounds: the dose will be from 8 to 10 scruples given after meals.

Another: take of cloves, Oodghoorkee, each 13 scruples; reduce both to a coarse powder; flowers of Bugloss, raspings of white Sandal wood, each 5½ scruples; Bugloss, rose leaves and Indian leaf, each 4 ounces; white Paan 100 leaves, rose water 8 pounds, distilled anise seed water 4 pounds; infuse 24 hours in the heated liquids, and draw off by distillation 8 pounds.

111 Pariss Peepul پارس پيپل.—Called also Palass Peepul, (Hibiscus populneoides, Roxb.)

Warning: using mercury as described below is very dangerous. Mercury is highly poisonous and the claims made are incorrect.

112 Para پارا, or پارد Parud, (as it is called in Sanscrit,) Mercury. It is hot, gives strength to the eyesight, is useful in Juzam, and is vermifuge. A. Zeebuck. P. Seemab. It is very generally used throughout India, in many ways, both in its native and prepared state; but in the latter we ought to be very cautious, for it is seldom sufficiently killed, or removed from its native state, in which it is a dangerous drug. One grain or two grains, or even a little more, is taken for a dose, and in some cases with success. Cups are also made of it, from which milk is drank; they possess this virtue, that a greater quantity of milk may be taken in this way than in any other. It is said, that if a little Mercury be tied up in a cloth, and boiled in milk, that the milk will have an aphrodisiac property. Should any one have taken live Mercury, and the result be, that he is attacked with Juzam, or other leprous affection, let him take the whole of an Indigo plant, and cutting it in small pieces, let it be boiled in a large quantity of water; then straining it, drink a cupful of the water very frequently, till all is taken, and till then eat no food. All the Mercury will in the course of the day be evacuated per urethra, and if the whole does not make its escape the first day, the treatment must be repeated. If the urine be received into a brass vessel, or any other with a polished surface, the Mercury will be detected; many people having been in this predicament, have followed this advice, and found the result to be as I have stated it.

In a state of calcination, if it is mixed with strong vinegar, or lime juice, and afterwards dried, if no live Mercury appears it is good; otherwise it is dangerous. Others have said, that if mixed and rubbed with the juice of the radish leaf, till they are incorporated, and then a little lime juice poured over it, and again rubbed and dried, it will be fit for use; and the less live Mercury that is perceptible, the less dangerous it is.

To make cups and balls of Mercury, triturate the Mercury well with pounded bricks, in an iron pot, moistening the mixture with water; wash the whole in water, and strain through a moderately fine cloth, till the Mercury becomes perfectly clear like a looking glass. Take equal parts of this purified quicksilver, rock salt, and sulphate of copper, and put them into an iron pot, with strong vinegar or lime juice, and let the whole be well triturated for 7 or 8 hours, when the compound will appear like butter; wash this well in water, that the salt and sulphate be carried off, and the Mercury left behind; take this Mercury and coat over the outside of an unburnt earthen vessel or cup, till it shall be well covered and appear like Mercury; place this in a dish filled with lime juice, and let it remain for a week, then take it out and place it in the sun to dry and harden; when quite hard, it may be used in this way, or it may be filled with water and kept so, till the clay becomes soft enough to be separated from the quicksilver. Milk drank from this cup will have an aphrodisiac quality, and will increase appetite. For the formation of this cup, 9 or 10 tolahs of quicksilver will be requisite, and for the balls one tolah.

The Balls.—When the ingredients above-mentioned have, from long trituration, acquired the consistence of butter, balls may be formed of the composition in a fine cloth, and allowed to remain for 7 days in lime juice; then take them out and throw them into a boiling decoction of the Dhatura leaves, allowing it to be well boiled. The balls are then to be taken out of the cloth and preserved for use.

In the Maadentezerrubad it is said, that if a small parcel of Mercury be boiled in soup, made from the Bis-Copra, it will become hard.

113 Baboona بابونة, or Marehtee: Anthemis Chamomile; a common flower, Akhgwan.

114 Bans بانس.—A. Russub. P. Ney. Its leaves like those of the Joowar, when they are young; it is cool and a little astringent, beneficial in dysuria, gonorrhæa, piles, in stomach complaints, bilious disorders, and those of the blood, in cholicky pains from flatulence. Some say, that it increases the secretion of bile. A preserve is made from the young shoots which is much esteemed, and is useful in promoting appetite and giving tone to the stomach, correcting an increased secretion of bile or phlegm. The young shoots are first cut into small pieces, and steeped in salt and water; then dried, and afterwards put into the vinegar or other acid, in which it is to be preserved. The root of the bamboo in equal parts, with Judwár (Zedoary), and Suronjan (Hermodactylis), applied externally, I have found very effectual in removing pains from the joints. The oil expressed from the fresh joints of the plants, is also very beneficial in pains of the joints and other rheumatic affections. Mention is made of this oil in the Hajul Umeer and Ejale naáf, works written by me.

The joints of the bamboo are very useful as a diuretic, and they also are effectual in producing abortion, and made into a decoction with Cassia fistula, are recommended for recorrecting and stopping the discharge after such an occurrence.

115 Badgan Khutay بادگان خطى.—No account having been given of this in any of the Yunani works, it is left for me to give a description of it. It is a seed of a dark red color, the capsule resembles the stone of the tamarind, but is more thin and pointed, and a little open; it is used as an infusion with tea; it is hot, strengthens the stomach; is discutient, removes flatulence, and the tea corrects any bad effects that it may possess.

116 Baremoo بارمو.—A name for Dookoo.

117 Barehie بارحى.—A name for Zedoary.

118 Patirr پاٹير.—The Wagtail, called in Yunani, Suffraghoon.

119 Parjath پارجاتهة, or Parbhudder, (Bombax heptaphyllum.) The gum useful as an expectorant in worms, corpulency, swellings, and wind; it also increases certain secretions; the gum is called Moocherriss.

120 Balchur بال چر.—A name for Chur (Spikenard).

121 Baeberung بابرنگ.—A seed, black, roundish, and pointed; bitter and pungent to the taste, hot and dry, light and cardiac; beneficial in itchiness of the stomach, flatulent swellings, dropsy, affections of mucus, wind, or worms, and remedies costiveness. A. Birnuk Caboolie.

122 Badjera باديرة.—Holcus Spicatum. A common grain; in my opinion hot and dry; it strengthens the system and loins; is aphrodisiac, and corrects acidity in the stomach, but produces flatulence.

123 Papeyha پاپيا.—Papeya, Carica Papeya, W. A native of South America, now common all over India; milky juice of the unripe fruit, vermifuge; dose,—two table spoonfuls in warm milk, afterwards a dose of castor-oil.

124 Papieha پاپيہا.—A common green bird; the poets of Hindoostan keep numbers of them, and have an idea that the noise they make at night, in the rainy season, produces inspiration. Its flesh is useful in affection from wind and mucus, and is alone sufficient to remove disorders from bile.

125 Papeitha پاپيٹها.—“Papita nux, Nux Vomica Serapionis, Faba Indica, or Faba Sancti Ignatii, St. Ignatius’s Bean, Catalougay, belongs to a genus called Ignatia Amara. The above description applies especially to the Papeitha, but not to the Nux Vomica, (Cuchila,) which is a Strychnos, this is not.”

This is a medicine of foreigners, and it is said, that it has been in use for the last century; there is no account of it in any books of Hindoostan, or in the Yunani works; but in this part of the country it is in general use. I have partly taken the present description from the books of foreigners, and partly it is the result of my own experience. In foreign language, it is called Papita. It is a nut, round, more or less so, each weighing about a pice; it is depressed in the centre, and of a brown color, some darker than others. Its properties are said to be various. If one of the nuts be strung on a thread and retained about the person, it is a security against sorcery, and the attempted mischief will recoil on the sorcerer. Should any one be poisoned and this be administered, the poison will thereby be rendered innocent.

Whoever shall keep this constantly about his person, nor noxious wind nor evil eye will affect him.

If one retti or two retti weight of this be rubbed down in water and taken, it will cure pains in the stomach and cholicks.

It is very beneficial in the disorder called Elaous, also in paralytic affections.

In faintings and convulsions, if the teeth are forced open, and a little given internally, also the part of the forehead called peshanie scarified, and rubbed with a little of the medicine, the senses will be restored.

In bites of snakes or the sting of any noxious reptile or insect, it is highly beneficial.

The powder of the seed is styptic, and when applied over a wound in sufficient quantity to form a cake and bound up, it will stop any discharge of blood.

In intermittent fever, if about 4 barley-corns in bulk be given before the cold fit, it will render it much less severe, or remove it altogether.

In labor, if the pains are not sufficiently effectual, 4 barley-corns of this given, will expedite delivery; but if by mistake it be given after delivery, it will cause a protrusion of the bowels.

In all laxities of the bowels it is useful. If a seed be allowed to remain in the mouth, it will promote the discharge of mucus which may oppress the chest, and will relieve acidity in the stomach.

If the nut be cut into slices and fried in sweet oil, the oil will form an excellent application to chancres, venereal or other cuticular eruptions.

Should any one have swallowed poison and become senseless, this oil forced into the throat, if swallowed, will save the patient.

This oil will also have the effect of restoring sensation to parts deprived of it, if rubbed externally.

In suppression of the menses, 7 or 8 barley-corns in bulk administered, will give relief.

Should a tendon be cut through from a wound, filling the division with the powder, will promote adhesion.

A tincture of it in spirits, in the strength of 25 nuts to half a pound of spirit, allowed to remain 15 days in the sun, is aphrodisiac, in the quantity of 16 liquid grains every night.

I have found this medicine given to the quantity of half a drachm, more or less, mixed up into a bolus with rose-water, very beneficial in excessive vomiting.

Once my father and I were proceeding on a journey, it happened, that some of our people had ate in the morning, of the food prepared the night before, which being stale, produced incessant and violent vomiting; their sufferings were great, and the color of their bodies completely changed. My father having no other medicine with him, except this, gave it to them mixed with rose-water, in various proportions, with great success.

In unremitting vomiting, it ought to be given twice, when it will assuredly be successful.

126 Babool ببول, vide Keekur. Acacia Arabica, W.

127 Papotun پيوٹن.—A plant, about a yard high; its seed is like that of the nightshade, at first green, and when ripe, red; in appearance like the Goonchee, covered with a very thin capsule. The leaves heated and applied to swellings are discutient, and the root pounded and mixed with water, applied to the carbuncle or introduced on a seton, will effect a cure in a few days.

128 Paethaon پيٹهؤن.—Called also Culsi or Breshtpirnie. A medicine of India; sweet, hot, light, and aphrodisiac; remedies laxities of the bowels and abrasions of the intestines. It decreases general heat, allays thirst, and is useful in affections of wind, mucus, bile, nausea, and fever. In the Dhinteri, it is said to be pungent, and beneficial in asthma, phlegm, and dropsy.

129 Patole پٹول, vide Pulwul.

130 Patera پتيرا, usually called Patèla, a name of Birdee, a reed, growing in marshy places, used for making mats. It grows about a man’s height, sometimes higher, and about the thickness of one’s finger. Its ashes are peculiarly drying, and in quality dry and moist; if sprinkled over a sore, they quickly dry it up; if mixed with vinegar, dried, pounded, and applied to a carbuncle, it will cure it. They are also useful in Ukula and Nufsoodum.

131 Patung پتنگ.—A large tree, a native of the hills; its leaves are like that of the almond, and its flowers yellow. The fruit round, and of a dirty green color when young, becoming red as it ripens, and sweet to the taste.

Physicians of Yunan have described it as hot, useful in bilious affections, mucus, and blood; also in boils and eruptions. A. Bukkum. The wood is used by dyers. In the Topha it is written, that in the quantity of 15 masha it is a deadly poison. Its powder is excellent as an application to wounds and ulcers. A bath formed of a decoction of the wood, clears the surface of the body, and gives strength to the bones.

132 Putrudj پترج.—A very common leaf, in length from three to five inches, and in breadth two inches; of a green color, and pleasant smell; it is strongly marked by veins, and is brought from the hills. It is hot and light, useful in wind and piles, nausea, pain at the stomach, flatulence, and is cardiac. A. Sadielj Hindui. Laurus Cassia, W. Tamalapatra, S. Tezpat, H. Tez (the bark), H. Twacha, S.

133 Pithpapra پٹهة پاپڑا.—Oldenlandia biflora. Bitter, cool, light, and in its effects astringent; beneficial in affections and disorders of bile, mucus, and blood; also in general heat; useful in giddiness, thirst, and fever; it generates flatulence. A. Shaterra.

134 Batassa بتاسا.—A name for Phaneer.

135 Buthua بتہوا, or Pasthuk, “Chenopodium album.” A plant about a yard high, or even less; its leaves are small like the mint, soft and serrated; when the plant is old, it becomes a little larger, but the leaves remain the same. It is used in India as a culinary vegetable, and ate with or without meat; the leaves are sweetish when young; it delights to grow near water, and is found both in the wild and cultivated state, but the wild is considered the best; it is light and laxative, strengthens the system, is useful in affections of the spleen, eruptions from diffusion of bile, piles, worms, ascarides in the rectum, and corrects all natural secretions except blood. A. Kutf.

136 Butela بٹيلا.—A kind of Pea: see Muttur.

137 Butaer بٹير.—The Quail, Perdix Olivacea, (Buch.) Its flesh is cool, and promotes appetite; is beneficial in fever, and corrects the three principal secretions. Some have said, that this is a name for Tihoo; it resembles the partridge, but is only about half the size. In my opinion, it is cool and hot in equal degrees; it forms a desirable food for the sick, or emaciated; it strengthens the stomach, and produces costiveness.

138 Batees بتيس.—A name for Atees, already described.

139 Pytha پيتها.—The gall-bladder of any animal. Bile is hot and dry, but no general account can be given of its properties, as almost that of every animal differs from another. If goat’s bile be used, it will relieve an affection of the liver, and if it be mixed with camphor and butter, and introduced into the ear, it will cure tooth-ache, or rubbed into the abdomen of a child below the navel, it will prove laxative. Cow’s bile, if introduced into the ear, will cure pain arising from wind, mucus or bile.

140 Putalphoorie پتال پهوڑى.—The name of a grass, which grows in rocky places, from which it has either derived its name or from its property of dissolving the stone in the urinary or gall-bladder. It is a very small plant; its leaves, like those of the Lobeia (a small bean), when chewed are found to be very mucilaginous. It is a powerful medicine in dysuria, and is beneficial in dissolving stones in the urinary or gall-bladder. Of this I have several times had proof within my own observation; and I have given it to the extent of 5 or 6 mashas in these disorders, combined with sugar, or with other diuretic medicines, or sherbets, or even in plain water; a substitute for this may sometimes be found in Gokroo, in cucumber seeds, or some such cooling medicine. A distilled water from it is in use. In one case where I used the Putalphoorie, I found, that while fresh and green, it was not so beneficial, and induced costiveness; but when dried and given, it was much more effectual and less prejudicial.

141 Puturjenie پتر جنى.—A name for Lichmuna and Lichmunie.

142 Butchudder بچهدر.—A species of the Catechu tree; hot and astringent, beneficial in Aphtha, tooth-ache, blood, itch, poisons, and phlegm.

143 Budjaesaar بجايسار.—The name of a tree; the best sort is called Bidjaesaar; it is beneficial in Juzam, ptyalism, white leprosy, seminal weakness, ascarides in the rectum, disorders of bile and blood, cleansing the fluids, strengthening the roots of the hair, and it is well known as an ingredient in many formulæ.

144 Bitchoo بچهو, (Scorpion.).—A. Akrub. Its medicinal properties are described in Yunani works. Bitchoo Diriag is small and of a blackish color, tinged with red, and has a sting on its head with which it wounds; its eyes are pointed, and its head is large in proportion to its body. The author of the Dara Shekoi supposes this to be the Singee fish.

145 Bejoura بجهورا.—A. Utrudj, though some describe them as distinct species.

146 Butch بچ.—Acorus Calamus, W. Vacha, S. Sweet-scented flag, Acorus Odorant, F. Kalamus Nurtzil, G. Calamo Aromatica, J. Acoro Calamo, S. Wedj. A. Agrtoorki. P. One kind of this is white; both kinds are bitter, pungent, hot and stomachic: loosens mucus from the throat, cures itch, mucous disorders, epilepsy, idiotism, the influence of evil spirits. In the Maadentezerrabad it is written, that the Indians have a belief, that if the butch be taken, cut in small pieces, and put into an earthen pot, with ghee sufficient to cover it about an inch, that is one part of the butch and two of ghee, and this pot placed in Jow for 40 days, and 15 mashas of this taken daily, it will cure paralysis and loss of memory, and all complaints arising from cold.

147 Budgerkund بجر كنڈ.—Called also Soorun, q. vide.

148 Beechnak بيس ناك.—The name of a poison; vide Singia.

149 Bedareekund بدارى كنڈ.—A kind of Baraikund. Of this two kinds are described; one of which is white, and called Chitturkund; the properties of all are alike.

150 Bedarkee بداركي.—Also a name for Bedareekund.

151 Budhill بدهيل.—Indian Suffergill (as it is called); the fruit of a large tree, very common all over India; the tree is like a middle-sized Jamin; its leaves are broad and longer than the Daak, but the latter is round, whereas this is longish, irregular on the back, and very brittle; when ripe the fruit is of a sweet acid taste, and when unripe it is perfectly sour; when about half ripe, it is hot, heavy, and flatulent, producing wind, disorders of bile, decreasing aphrodisia and appetite, and increasing phlegm; when ripe its properties are quite the reverse; but with respect to the disorders produced by suffusion of bile, I have not ascertained if it is beneficial or otherwise. The Dara Shekoi has not noticed this medicine, and for my information I am indebted to works of Hindoostan. As far as I can judge, it increases the tone of the stomach, raises the spirits; but taken in quantities, it is difficult of digestion and produces flatulence. It is acid, and therefore remedies bile, but it increases cough. The kernel is astringent.

152 Bedhara بدهرا.—A medicine of India, brought from the hills; it is a light wood about the thickness of liquorice root; bitter and astringent, hot and aperient. It is aphrodisiac; useful in disorders of wind, phlegm, and blood; also in swellings of the body, seminal weakness, and forms an ingredient in many approved formulæ.

153 Pudmeinie پدمنى.—(The Winter Lilly.) The flower of the Kawul; sweet and cool, heavy and stomachic, astringent and useful in disorders of bile, mucus, and blood. A. Neelophir.

154 Pudumcharnie پدم چارنى.—A kind of the above, with few leaves; light and beneficial in mucous disorders and suppression of urine, and it hardens the matrix. For a more particular account, see Kawul.

155 Pudumrauj پدمراج.—Sweet and astringent; cool and aperient; it strengthens the eyes, corrects corpulence, cures boils, eruptions, and is an antidote to poison. A. Yacootlal.

156 Pedloon پدلون.—A kind of salt; vide Noon. The salt of lead, called also Kutchloon.

157 Burrh بڑة.—A large tree of Hindoostan, very common, cool and heavy; astringent, useful in mucous disorders, in bile, boils, and eruptions. In the Maadentezerrabad it is called Reesha in Persian. If the milk is applied to swellings or boils, it will effect a cure by resolution; or if applied to the eye, will remove specks on the cornea. If a tooth be at all loose, the milk applied to it will cause it to fall out without pain, but care must be taken that it be not applied to the sound tooth. If the bark of the tree be put into the pan in which fish is fried, it will soften the bones. The young shoots of the hanging roots and the bark, are cool, dry, and astringent; the milk is hot and powerful; the fruit less so. If the above-mentioned young shoots be bruised and put into a cloth, and heated over the fire, it forms an excellent and affectual application to lumbago or other rheumatic affections. The fruit, ate with milk and sugar, is mentioned as aphrodisiac, and increasing certain secretions. The young shoots of the pendent roots and leaves, and the bark are astringent, and useful in diarrhœa. The leaf-buds are also recommended for the same complaint, dressed with meat or otherwise.

158 Birnaan برںان or Burna برنا.—A tree of Adjmere; the wood of which is used for making beads, which from their beauty are sent to different places as presents. Its medicinal property is hot and aperient, stomachic, beneficial in disorders of the blood, phlegm, wind, dysuria, and emaciation; it is vermifuge, and lithontriptic.

159 Purpeeloo پرپلو.—The Araaq Hinduī. Cool, and useful in itch, Juzam, hemorrhoids, disorders of blood, mucus, and bile.

160 Beridda بريدا.—A medicine of Hindoostan; cool, and grateful, increasing seminal secretion, removing cough, hectic fever, disorders of blood, and phlegm, and increasing the strength of the solids.

161 Pereshtpurnie پريشٹهة پرني.—A name for Pæthaon.

162 Berchakund برچاكند.—A kind of Pindaloo; another kind is called Roomus, also Mudwull; a third kind is Sunkal; a fourth Kashtall; a fifth Hustaloo; a sixth Rucktall, called Ruckutkund. All these roots are sweet, cool, dry, and flatulent; also aperient. They give tone to the urinary bladder, remove eruptions (the consequence of suffused bile), increase semen, phlegm, and wind; they strengthen the solids, are slow of digestion, and increase the secretion of milk. Pindaloo is somewhat bitter and hot, heavy, mucilaginous, and diuretic. Mudwall increases bile, and is bitter; but it is beneficial in mucous disorders.

163 Barumbie بارنبى or Soonputtie سنپٹى.—Sweet, cool, aperient, light; increases the powers of perception and memory, clears the voice, cures Juzam, jaundice, seminal weakness, foulness of the blood, and cough; is an antidote to poisons, beneficial in swelling of the body, in bilious affections, and is a common ingredient in all useful formulæ. A. Zernub.

164 Burberi بربرى.—A name for Hermodaclytes. Cool, strong, dry; increases the general heat and bile, cures disorders of the blood, phlegm, daad, and worms. It is an antidote to poisons.

165 Bureeja بريجا.—A name for Kuna, (Galbanum.)

166 Berehta بيرهتا or Berehti بيرهٹى.—(Sorrel)? (but the first is the common name.) Kuthai; some say, that both kinds of Kuthai are called Berehti; but it is not so, the small kind only goes by that name. Karenta and Kutla are both names of the large Kuthai, and Kuthlee; and Kuntkaree and Kuntkalka, are names for the small Kuthai. It is hot and astringent, strengthens the animal spirits; is stomachic, and a pleasant addition to the flavor of food. It is used in disorders of mucus and blood, wind, worms, ascarides in the rectum, Juzam, fever, asthma, pain in the bowels, cough, dysuria, emaciation, Badgola. It is lithontriptic, and in P. is called Badinjandyshtee. The flower called Gulkhar.

167 Purbal پربال.—A name for Coral; see Moonga.

168 Byrumbseerjella بيرم سرجلا, vide Hurhurra.

169 Peertuckhpirnie پرتك پرنى.—A species of Peereshtpirnee.

170 Buryara بريارا.—“Indian Mallow, (Sida cordifolia, W. Sida Rhombifolia, W. Sida Rhomboidœa, Roxb. MS. Sp. Ch.) Shrubby, erect, ramous; leaves short, petioled, rhomboid-lanceolate, serrate, 3-nerved, villous; stipules sitaceous. Peduncles axillary, solitary, shorter than the leaves, one-flowered, capsules 12, without beak, Roxb. MS.” A very light flower of Hindoostan, cool and dry, demulcent and emolient; it promotes seminal secretion, and cures disorders of the spirits, gonorrhœa, and seminal weakness. Take 24 grs. of the dried flower in powder, and eat with milk and sugar, for the cure of the above-mentioned disorders. Ext. Maadentezerrabad.

171 Burruntaaki برنتاكى.—A name for Buretta.

172 Purundha پرندها.—A name for Mahameet.

173 Pursarnie پرسارنى.—Hot and purgative, pungent and strengthening; expels wind, disperses phlegm, &c. In the Maadentezerrabad, Pursarnie is said to be a medicine of India; hot and dry, beneficial in leprosy, boils and pains in the joints, mucous disorders, and flatulence.

174 Berahumnie برهہمنى, or Berrumdundie برهم دندى.—A wild plant, growing very low, with very thin branches and dark-red flowers, having small prickles on them; it is sweet, cool and light, increases knowledge and memory, relieves pains in the back, clears the voice, and is useful in marasmus, seminal weakness, and fever. In the Maadentezerrabad, it is thus described—Beramdundie, a medicine of India, with prickles on its flowers; hot and dry: seven scruples in powder taken in cow’s milk, increases memory; is aphrodisiac, and beneficial in mania; it also removes too great irritability in the seminal vessels.

175 Berahumie برهمى.—I have given a description of this separately, as it is so done in the Maadentezerrabad. A medicine of India, of the herb tribe; pungent, astringent, hot and dry in the 2d degree; beneficial in cholicks, phlegm, epilepsy, depression of spirits, fever from mucus, and delirium from cold; it is also stomachic.

176 Peroza پيروزا, or Berektummun.—A common stone, called in India Feroza. It is astringent and sweet, stomachic, and an antidote to all poisons.

177 Biscopra پسكوپرا.—Trianthema Pentandra. A wild grass, of a spreading kind, about 1½ or a yard long; its leaves are like those of the Bookla Yemania, but rather less; its flowers are of a red yellowish color, and the whole plant forms itself into a circle on the ground of about half a yard in diameter. It is bitter, sweet, hot and dry, also aperient. It cures boils, disorders from mucus, bile, blood, wind, swellings, and creates appetite. It forms an ingredient in many formulæ. One kind of this is red, and is called Rukit Bhitt; bitter and powerfully stomachic; cool, light, and inducing costiveness; producing wind, beneficial in disorders of mucus, bile, and blood.

178 Pystha پيستها.—The Pistachio Nut. Sweet, hot, oleaginous, heavy, aphrodisiac, and detergent; useful in disorders of wind and mucus, and difficult of digestion. A. Fystuk.

179 Pysturling پيسترلنگ.—A name of Chitchera or Chirchera, so called from its fixing itself in one’s clothes.

180 Bussunti بسنتى.—A flower of a yellow color; cool, light, pungent, powerfully diminishing all the secretions and sensible perspiration. Of a sweet smell, and pleasant to the taste.

181 Bishnookrantha بشنوكرانتها.— A kind of Biscopra, of a pungent nature, strengthening the mental faculties; vermifuge; beneficial in boils, eruptions and mucous disorders. Some writers have given it under the head Kuneyr.

182 Bishash بشاش.—A name for Oostoochoodoos.

183 Boqun بكن, or Bookla, or Book.—A plant, the branches of which are very thin, the leaves small, long and pointed; the flowers small and white, growing on every knot of the plant; they are round, useful in disorders from poison, phlegm, bile, and in dysuria. It also is lithontriptic, and beneficial in general heat and delirium.

184 Bukochie بكوچى.—Conyza, or Serratula Anthelmintica. One kind of which is white, both sweet, astringent, and stomachic, powerfully cool and dry. They are aperient, producing flatulent, tension of the belly, promote appetite, and useful in disorders of blood and bile, difficulty of breathing, leprosy, seminal weakness, fever, and worms. The plant is carminative, and its seed increases bile, is useful in white leprosy, disorders of wind and phlegm, and forms an ingredient in many of the formula.

185 Bagerie بگيرى.—Alauda. A bird, the flesh of which is cool, sweet, and dry; beneficial in disorders of bile and mucus. In my opinion it is hot and aphrodisiac; also cardiac, and increases corpulency; it cleanses the blood, and is a very proper food for aged persons, those of a cold temperament, or such as labour under cold diseases.

186 Bukaen بكاين.—Melia Sempervirens. (A species of the bead-tree.) The Hindoos call it Mahaneeb, vide M. In the Maadentezerrabad, it is thus described: Bukaen, is a common tree, cool, dry, and bitter; useful in disorders of the blood, gravel, swellings, and miliary eruptions, also piles and lumbago. If 9 mashas of the seed be bruised, mixed with equal parts of sugar, and taken every morning in water, it will stop the discharge from the bleeding piles; or if a seer of the seeds, when they have become yellow, be infused in two seers of water, and buried in the ground for 21 days, taken out, and ¼ seer drank every morning for six months, it will certainly cure leprosy; both Juzam and white.

187 Pushanbedh پاشان بيدة.—A. Jeuntiana. Its oil is equally beneficial, as that before recommended for strengthening particular organs. This and the Jeuntian are of a very different appearance, they are either distinct plants, or have become different from peculiarity of soil or cultivation. It is a root of a dirty-red color, or when broken, of a bright red; in figure a little crooked. It is cool and laxative; it is lithontriptic, cures seminal weakness, and gonorrhœa. My late uncle used half of this, and half Mendhi, as an application to the inside of the hands and soles of the feet of women laboring under immoderate flow of the menses, and equal benefit was derived, as is usually done from the Mendhi. In the Maadentezerrabad, it is called cool and dry, removing flatulence, bile, thirst, heat, dysuria, gravel, contraction of the urethra, and difficult menstruation.

For the cure of the above-mentioned complaints, it is to be given in water; but for seminal weakness, gonorrhœa, dysuria, &c. it is to be taken in goat’s milk. The dose is six mashas. It grows in stony places.

188 Buckree بكرى, or Chèrie, q. vide

189 Becktindeek بكتنديک.—A kind of Teindoo, q. vide

190 Palass پلاس.—Butea Frondosa. A very common tree, called also Pullae; it is a large forest tree, which in season loses its leaves and throws out flowers of an orange or fire color; its leaves are oval; their breadth about 3 or 4 inches; it is hot, laxative, and stomachic; used in boils, eruptions, Badqola, gravel, piles, worms, and broken bones. It is written, that when the white flowers of the Daak are found, and any one shall eat the seeds and the bark of them, their hearts will be cleansed, their understanding increased, and they shall then ever be endowed with supernatural knowledge; it may be advisable to eat moong ka dall along with it. Its flowers are called Tesoo; they are astringent, curing disorders of mucus, bile, blood, and difficulty in making water. If a decoction is prepared from the flowers, and poured warm from a height on the parts, it will be found useful in pains of the kidneys, bladder, and in suppression of urine. It is diuretic, and if given with medicines of that class, it will add greatly to their efficacy. The flowers are excellent as a fomentation in pains; also hydrocele and schirrous swellings of the testicle may be greatly benefitted by it. The seeds called Palass papra, are hot and light; they cure seminal weakness, piles, worms, and disorders of wind and mucus. In the Maadentezerrabad, “Palass papra is said to be like the seed of the Amultas, round, broad, and thin, of a dark-brown color; its kernel white, or yellowish, and perfectly insipid: it is oleaginous, and smells when chewed.” In my opinion, it is useful in phlegm, and the root is beneficial in cholic. The nurses of Hindoostan put one seed into the mixture, which they exhibit after parturition, with much benefit, as it is cardiac. The capsule when whole is also used in decoction. The dose to an adult is four or five seeds, but beyond that, the opinion of the physician is necessary. I have used the bark of the seed and the capsule made into pills, with great success, when mixed with Goor.

191 Belaikund بلائى كند.—“Maadentezerrabad.” A medicine of India, also called Pullai seed, or Kaika; a seed red, round, and about the size of a pice, but thinner: it is light as a leaf, and is hot, and dry in the third degree. Applied to blisters on the tongue, to boils, or other eruptions; it removes the bad skin, and cleanses the parts below. It is purgative; removes wind, and every complaint of mucus, cold, or itch; its corrector is ghee, or butter, and its succedaneum Koonush. The dose is three and a half masha, or 12 grains.

192 Palass Peepul پلاس پيپل.—Hibiscus Populneoides, (Roxb.) A large tree, of the Peepul kind; its leaves and fruit large, moist and aphrodisiac; producing phlegm and worms.

193 Pulwull پل ول.—Trichosanthes Diœca, (Roxb.) A culinary vegetable, of the cucumber kind, oval in its shape; the plant low, and creeping, like the Kanoorie or Cutcherie; they sometimes sow it with the Paan. It is eaten either (when boiled) by itself, or dressed with meat; it is hot and moist; promotes digestion; and strengthens the stomach and powers of virility; creates appetite; cures cough and disorders of the blood, and lessens the other three secretions. It is also beneficial in fevers, boils, and eruptions. It is vermifuge; its leaves are cooling, and cure disorders. Its branches remove superabundance of phlegm, and its root is pungent and aperient, strengthening the stomach. Equal in its degree. Again, it is said to be a fruit eaten by the people of India, sown and cultivated with the Paan, because it delights in shady places. Useful in fever, piles, and mental debility; it is aperient and promotes digestion; and some say, an antidote to poison.

194 Billie بلى.—The Cat; its meat is sweet, hot, and moist: of use in mucous and flatulent disorders.

195 Billoousseeke بلوسيك.—Astringent; removes disorders of wind, phlegm, cholick, or other pain of the bowels. The Bale which bears no fruit, is called by this name.