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sicians in different parts of India that the plant has a decided action upon the uterus, and increases or induces uterine contractions. There appears to be no doubt as to its anthelmintic properties. (Dymock).

Chem. comp.— The plant contains a nauseous volatile substance, an alkaloid, and a large quantity of salts. The alkaloid is amorphous and gives no colour reactions with the strong mineral acids. The bitter concentrated tincture on standing deposited cubical crystals of potassium chloride. The ash calculated on the air-dried plant was 17.75 per cent., and strong alkaline fumes were given off from the plant when burning.

Sans. :— Rudrajatâ, Arkamula ; Sunanda ; Ishvari.

Vern.: — Isharmul, isharmûl-ki-jar (H. and Duk.); Isarmul (B.), Bhedi jane-tet (Santal) ; Sâpasand (Bomb, and Mar.) ; Arkmula, ruhimula (Cutch and Guj.) ; Peru-marindu, perum-kizhangu (Tam.) ; Ishvara-véru, dûla-gôvela, govila (Tel.) ; Karalekam, karukakpulla, karal-vekam, ishvarâ-muri (Mal.) ; Ishverivérû (Kan.) ; Ich-chura-muliver (Tam.).

Habitat : — Throughout the low country of India, from Nepal and lower Bengal to Chittagong ; and the Deccan Peninsula, from the Concan southward.

Shrubby, quite glabrous, twining, prostrate herbs. Stems slightly woody at base, branches slender. Leaves very variable, membranous, linear, ovate, obovate-oblong, or subpanduriform ; base cuneate or rounded ; basal nerves short ; in the narrowest form 4 by ½-⅓in, in the broadest 4-5 by 3in., abruptly or gradually obtusely acuminate or apiculate, often oblong and quite obtuse. Petiole ¼-⅓in., very slender. Perianth straight, greenish- white ; base globose ; tube shortly funnel-shaped ; mouth oblique, trumpet-shaped, gradually passing into short, oblong, obtuse, glabrous, purple and brownish lip. Flowers 1-3 ; corymbs short, pedunculate. Anthers 6 ; stylar column 6-lobed. Capsule 1½-2in. long, oblong, grooved. Seeds flat, triangular, winged.

Uses : — The root, which is very bitter, is held in much esteem by the natives as a stimulant, tonic, and emmenagogue, and is employed by them in intermittent fevers and other affections.