Journ. of Med., 1862, vol. v., p. 44) states that the fruit of Feronia elephantum , or Wood-apple, which bears a general resemblance to Bael, is often substituted for it in hospital supplies, and being comparatively useless has induced many to treat the Bael with neglect. The fullest account of its properties and uses is by Dr. A. Grant (Indian Ann. of Med. Sci. 1854, vol. ii., p. 224)— Ph. Ind.
" Physiological Actions. — The pulp is stimulant, stomachic, antipyretic, antiscorbutic, and possesses a beneficial influence over the mucous membrane of the alimentary canal."
" Therapeutic Uses. — The pulp of the fruit has proved very useful in my bands in dysentery, diarrhœa, aphtha?, land- scurvy and some continued fevers. I have generally used it in the forms of powder and syrup. The pulp of the ripe fruit is more suited for the syrup, and that of the half-ripe for the powder. The powder, again, is more useful in acute diseases, and the syrup in the chronic. In acute dysentery, the powder is required to be employed in much larger doses than in any other disease. The first good effect of the powder in acute dysentery is generally the disappearance of blood and a proportionate increase of the fæculent matter in evacuations. In fact, the powder seems to have more power in altering the nature of the dysenteric motions than in reducing their number. To check the frequency of evacuations, the powder generally requires the combination of opiates or some other astringent medicines. The powder and syrup, particularly the former, are also very useful in relieving the febrile condition in some forms of continued fever, including the hectic and typhoid. The abnormal temperature is reduced under its use in a remarkable manner and deserves particular attention.
"Preparations. — Powder and Syrup. — Powder: The pulp being first prepared and dried in the manner described below, is reduced to a fine powder in the usual way and kept in a closed vessel. Syrup : Take of the dry pulp, five ounces ; soak it in two pints of water for a few hours or till it becomes soft ; rub it well with the hand and strain the liquid through cloth up to one pint ; add to the latter fifteen ounces of refined
