LAURUS CASSIA. ORD. XL. Holeracex. 89 
The cassia tree arrives at its greatest perfection in exposed situations, on 
a high altitude and dry soil. The dark of those trees which grow in moist 
and shady situations is said to be of an inferior quality ; the larger branches 
and the trunk, we are told, are the parts of the tree from which the bark is 
taken, and the cuticle only appears to be scraped off; and from the larger — 
branches it is thick, of a spongy texture, and full of slimy mucus. We are 
informed by Mr. Marshall, (Annales de Phil. vol. x. p. 245.) that the cassia- 
buds of commerce are not the produce of the cassia tree, but the fleshy recep- 
tacle of the seed of the Laurus Cinnamomum, and that they are not prepared 
at Ceylon, but come chiefly from China, through Madras, Calcutta, or Bom- 
bay. Cassia is imported into this country in packages, denominated chests, 
half-chests, or quarter-chests. The inferior or third sort of cinnamon pre- 
pared in Ceylon, is said to be imported into England and sold as cassia. 
Qualities, $c. Cassia bark has a pleasant, fragrant odour, very much re- 
sembling that of cinnamon, but less powerful ; its taste is pungent, aroma- 
tic, and somewhat sweet, appearing slimy when much chewed, of a reddish- 
brown colour, in pieces more or less quilled, but much less so than cinna- 
mon ; about one-tenth of an inch in thickness, internally of a fine, smooth 
texture, externally of a paler colour, and somewhat spongy. The watery 
infusion is reddish coloured, has the odour of the bark; taste sweetish. and 
somewhat astringent; sulphate of iron changes it to a deep brown; the 
spirituous solution is of a deep red-brown colour, and yields an aromatic ex- 
tract by distillation. The distilled water is fragrant, aromatic, and slightly 
astringent. Cassia, by distillation with water, yields an essential oil, simi- 
lar tothat of cinnamon, on which its qualities depend; it requires a strong 
heat to carry it over, and separates very slowly from the distilled water. The. 
buds of cassia yield an oil similar to the bark, which is often sold for the oil 
of cinnamon ; one pound of cassia bark, or buds, yields from one to two 
drachms of oil. 
Medical Properties and Uses. The bark and buds of cassia are stomachic, 
tonic, and cordial, and may be used as a substitute for cinnamon bark,* in 
doses of five grains to one scruple, in all cases in which cinnamon may be 
indicated. 
* In pharmacy, the druggists apa! employ cassia bark, or buds, in the preparing 
tinctures, extracts, cinnamon-water, Sc ‘ 
Vou. V. N 
