This remarkable nut is now well known as being extensively carved into ornaments, having the high polish and general appearance of the finest ivory.

It is a seed or nut of a palm called Phytelephas macrocarpa, which is found on the banks of the Magdalena river, in the republic of Columbia.

For analysis the fine turnings of the vegetable ivory were employed. These were well rubbed in a mortar successively with cold and hot water, and were then heated with hot alcohol.