TAI3A SIII R. ARAB.
Bandochun, Bansk,13esa. Tabaschir, . . . GER.
Wa-tai-ga-kyouk, Bumf. Dunlochau, . . IIIND.
Chuh-hwang, . . CHM. Tivakshera, . . SeNruc.
T'icn-chuli-hwang, „ Oonarnaku,Unalie, St NUII.
Clill-kaR, . . . „ Munjil uppu, . . TAIL Tabachir, . FR., TCRIC.. Vedurn uppu, . . TEL.
A siliceoua concretion found in the joints of the female bamboo. It is partly soluble in water, bluish white, concrete, adhesive to the tongue. It is composed of silica, 90.5; potash, 1.1 ; peroxide of iron, G.9 ; alumina, 0.4 per cent. The Persians decnt it tonic and aphrodisiac, the Arabs suppose it to be astringent ; but from its composition we are warranted in supposing it to be entirely inert. It resists acids, is indestructible by fire, and forms, on being fused with alkalies, a sort of glass. It is much esteemed by the Hindu, Persians, and Arabs as a powerful tonic, and is said by them to have great efficacy in internal bruises. It readily imbibes all the volatile and
fat oils, which produce an opacity. If the oils be tinted with acetate of copper, anchusa root, beech-nut, sulphuric acid, or malic acid, the tabashir assumes respectively the colours of the emerald, ruby, chrysoberyl, pink topaz, and Brazil ian topaz. Mr. W. Lange has ai3certained that the silicium in the sap of plants exists exclusively as a hydrate of silicic acid in very dilute solution. A similar substance has been found in jungle grass. In Ajmir it is used as an aphrodisiac, and in general debility. One mama is the dose, and it is sold at two-tOlaa for one rupee.L-Jameson, Ed. Jour., 1820,. ii. p. 97 ; Smith, .111.C.C. ; Faulkner ; O'Sh. ; Mason, Gen. 3Ied. Top. ; Thomson's Rte. of Gen. Sc. Iziii. p. 132.