CLOVES. 181 
consists principally of “ eugenin,’ and “ caryophyllin.” The 
eugenic acid gives the strong odour of Cloves, being powerfully 
anti-putrescent, and antiseptic; it will reduce the sensibility 
of the skin when applied externally, being mixed with lanolin, 
or sheep’s wool oil, for such a purpose, to relieve eczema, and 
other eruptive disorders. Cloves also contain tannin, some 
gum-resin, and woody fibre. Among other reputed antidotes 
to cancer are Cloves, by reason of their germicidal essence ; 
whilst a simiilar virtue has attached itself in the popular 
mind to Cinnamon, Clover, Celandine, Comfrey, and other 
plant-remedies, because of supposed cures, even in desperate 
cases, by one or another of these medicaments. But the most 
recent authoritative pronouncement by experts engaged in 
persevering research as to the nature and arrest of cancerous 
disease, denies the existence of special microbes underlying 
cancer, and concludes that it is a perversion of cell-growth; 
beginning at first in some single organ, and presently multiplying 
throughout the system. How to alter the morbid tendency 
is the crux of the whole matter. Sir William Broadbent, in his 
address on Medicine at Manchester (1902), put the problem thus : 
“ Nature will sometimes cure cancer spontaneously. How does 
she do it? This is for us doctors to determine, and to discover 
by patient research, and watchful observation. May not some 
particular endowment in common lie at the bottom of all the 
reputed remedies which have merited respect in their use ? 
Heredity as to the dire disease seems now to be disproved ; 
but hopelessness as to its cure still occupies the rustic mind; so 
it would appear, at all events in Devon: ‘“ Havee a yerd ’bout 
poor Liza Turner?” ‘‘ No; what es et?” “ Why, tha poor 
dear sowl hath abin féced tu ’ave ’er buzzum a tiiked off, cuz 
"er got a cancer in un.” ‘ Aw, poor blid! ’er won’t live very 
long now then.” ‘‘ No, I rekkon.” 
Dr. Burnett has taught (1895) that a too free dietetic use of 
Cloves will induce albuminuria, like that of Bright’s disease. 
When this disease comes on from other causes, Clove tea, 
rather strong, infused on the bruised Cloves, will sometimes act 
curatively, taking half a teacupful two or three times in the day. 
But if made use of too largely, Cloves will deaden the healthy 
tone of the stomach, lessen the appetite, and cause inactive 
constipation of the bowels. Half a tumblerful of quite hot 
water poured over eight or ten bruised Cloves, in a small muslin 
