Note 272 — ON THE THEORY AND ART OF PRESCRIBING.
Reading edition
A similar custom is common to the Indians of the whole of Asia, and of America; for the practice of the South American Indians, see Humboldt’s Personal Narrative. In India, Betel, variously compounded, is employed for the purpose above stated. The mixture more commonly used in Ceylon consists of quick-lime, Arecanut, and Tobacco, wrapped in Betel leaf. On ordinary occasions it is only masticated; but to repress the painful calls of hunger, the juice is swallowed.