510 ORD. XXVIII. Pomacee. amyepaLus COMMUNIS. 
Almond in its entire state. “Great part of the bitter matter 
dissolves by the assistance of heat both in water and in rectified 
spirit: and a part arises also with both menstrua in distillation.’”* 
Bitter Almonds have been long known to be poisonous to various 
brute animals,‘ and some authors have alledged that they are also 
deleterious to the human species, but the facts recorded upon this 
point appear to want further proof! However, as the noxious 
quality seems to reside in that matter which gives it the bitterness 
and flavour, it is very probable that when this is separated by 
distillation, and taken in a sufficiently concentrated state, it may 
prove a poison to man,* as is the case with the common laurel, to 
which it appears extremely analagous. These Almonds are highly 
commended for the cure of hydrophobia by Thebesius, who ex- 
perienced their good effects in twelve cases, in which a few (no 
particular quantity is mentioned) were eaten every morning.’ 
And Bergius tells us, that bitter Almonds, in the form of emulsion, 
cured obstinate intermittents, after the bark had failed.* 
* Lewis Mat. Med. p. 53. 
* Particularly wolves, foxes, dogs, cats, and various kinds of birds... For which 
sec Wepfer de Cicut. aquat. And many other instances are related in the Ep. 
Nat. Cur. See also Dartes Epist. de Amygdalis et oleo amararum ethereo. 
And Lorry de Venenis, p. 17, From the sudden effects which this poison pro- 
duces, and the coavulsions and spasms which follow its exhibition, there can be 
no doubt of its acting directly upon the nervous energy. 
® Formerly they. were eaten to prevent the intoxicating effects of wine, as is 
noticed by Divscorides, ** et Plutarchus medicum filii Imperatoris Tiberii pro- 
ducit, qui hocce presidio munitus inter quotidianas comessationes in bibendo 
eeliquos omnes antecellere valuit.’ Murr. Ap. Med, vol. iti. p. 260. But from 
twelve of these Almonds Lorry experienced a sense of inebriation. De Venenis, p. 17. 
* One drop of this essential oil killed a small bird in two minutes. See Daries, 1. ¢. 
* Vide Nov. Act. Nat. Cur. tom. i. p.18). — * Mat. Med, p. 413. 
= 
