Jatropha Curcas. Physic-Nut Tree.

Curcas Multifidus. Jatropha Multifida. Spanish Physic-Nut Tree. Nat. Ord. Euphorbiaceae. Linn. Syst. Mo-ncia Monadelphia. Hab. The West Indies, Brazil, &c. The C. Purgans is found in Ceylon.

Med. Prop. and Action. The seeds of these plants contain an acrid oil, which holds an intermediate place between Croton and Castor Oil, from both of which, however, it differs by its slight solubility in Alcohol. Dr. Christison considers that gutt. xij. - xv. of the oil equals fj. of Castor Oil. The seeds are extremely acrid, a few grains acting as a powerful irritant poison. Lemon-juice would probably prove the best antidote. They might perhaps be a valuable resource to the West Indian practitioner, if prepared in the manner advised for the Croton seeds. (See Croton Tiglium.) A decoction of the leaves is said to increase the secretion of milk.