84-2 
in its action. Asa stomachic tonic and carminative, it has been found useful in 
atonic dyspepsia, gastro-intestinal irritation, intermittent and typhoid fevers, and 
colic, and is claimed to be an effectual preventive of incubus. A warm infusion 
acts as a prompt emetic, emptying the stomach without enervating the system, 
Fomentations of the steamed leaves make a kindly application in local pains, 
neuralgic, podagric, uterine, or abdominal. Hot infusions are sudorific and 
emmenagogue, but are very apt to cause profuse diarrhoea. The oil of the plant 
is considered anti-spasmodic, useful in hysteric complaints; stimulant, and anti- 
flatulent; and is often combined with purgative pills, to prevent griping. 
The flower-heads are official in the U.S. Ph.; in the Eclectic Dispensatory 
the preparations are: Extractum Anthemidis, E-xtractum Anthemidis Fluidum, 
Infusum Anthemidis, and Oleum Anthemidis ; it is also a component of Vinum 
Symphytit Compositum.* 
PART USED AND PREPARATION.—The fresh-flowering plant is treated 
as directed for the root of Inula.+ The tincture resulting has a light, brownish- 
orange color by transmitted light; the pleasant, aromatic odor of the bruised 
plant ; a taste at first sourish and pine-apple-like, then bitter; and acid reaction. 
CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS.—From various analyses, this herb has been 
found to contain a volatile and fixed oil, a resin, tannin, and a bitter principle 
judged by Fliickiger to be a glucoside. 
Oil of Anthemis.—This volatile body has a bluish or greenish tint, becom- 
ing brownish or yellowish by age. It has a specific gravity of about 0.91, is com- 
posed principally of the angelates and valerates of butyl and amyl, and yields 
the following bodies : 
Angelicaldehyde, C,H,O, and a hydrocarbon, C,,H 
having a lemonaceous 
odor, and boiling at 175° (347° F.). 
16’ 
Angelic Acid, C,H,O,.—According to the analysis of Fittig, this body, first 
discovered in Angelica Archangelica, exists in the oil of Anthemis, of which it 
constitutes nearly 30 per cent. It crystalizes in large, colorless prisms, having a 
peculiar aromatic odor, and an acid and burning taste. The crystals melt at 45° 
(113° F.), boil at 191° (375.8° F.), and are soluble in both water and alcohol. By 
heating this body, with hydriodic acid and phosphorus, to 200° (392° F.), it is con- 
verted into valerianic acid. 
Tighe Acid, C,H,O,—This isomer of the above, and of Methylcrotonic Acid, 
was discovered in Croton Oil. ‘It exists, according to E. Schmidt, in company 
with the above; and it is more than possible that it is identical with it, its boiling 
point and that of its ethyl-ether being the same. (Fliick. and Han., Schorlemmer 
and Wittstein.) 
* Comfrey Root, Solomon’s Seal, Helonias Root, Chamomile Flowers, Colombo Root, Gentian Root, Cardamom 
Seeds, Sassafras Bark, and Sherry Wine. 
f Page 81-2. 
