Page:Essays on the Chinese Language (1889).djvu/455

Rh with it. The latter is usually given as Mei-li-chih (昧履支), but it is comparatively little known, the common name being Hu-chiao (胡椒), that is, Western Barbarians (Tartar) Pepper. On the other hand Long Pepper, which also is an importation from India, is always called by its original name Pippali. This in Chinese becomes Pi-poh-li (蓽茇 or 撥 or 勃梨), usually shortened to Pi-poh. In China, as in India, the root of this plant is much used medicinally, and it is known as Pi-poh-mu (蓽茇沒). Here mu is for the Sanskrit word mūla, which means a root, the Sanskrit name being Pippali-mūla.

We have already taken note of one foreign name for the Jasmine in Chinese, and we have now to notice a name of Indian origin. This, in Chinese, is Mo-li (written 茉莉 and in several other ways), the Sanskrit Malli or perhaps short for Mallikā, the Jasminum Sambac. But this word Mo-li is given also and used as the Indian name for the nai (奈), a native plum or bullace. Some tell us also that the Jasmine was first brought to China from Persia, and that its Indian name is Man (鬘 and otherwise). But this is a Chinese word and means a wreath or garland of flowers. It is used to translate the Sanskrit Mālā, which in Chinese is Mo-lo (麻羅). The Indians, high and low, man and woman, young and old all wear, we are told, garlands of flowers. And in the formation of these the jasmine is a special favourite. But this is rather the Jasmine Grandiflorum, which is Mālati in Sanskrit, and in Chinese is also Mo-li. This is also known as Sumanā, the charming, which is transcribed in Chinese Su-mo-na (蘇摩那).

An important article of import into China is the fragrant substance known as Putchuk, used for making incense. The literary and professional name for this is Chü (Kü)-sê-t'o (矩瑟佗). This is the Sanskrit word Kushtḥa, the Koot or Koost of Anglo-Indians, and the Costus of the ancient Romans.

Among the drugs to be found in a Chinese druggist's shop is one which is of frequent occurrence in the prescriptions of native practitioners. This is a dark coloured aromatic seed generally labelled Pu-ku-chih (補骨脂). Other ways of writing the name