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PRUNUS LAUROCERASUS, ORD, XXVIII. Pomacee. BIT 
laurel-water; and unless this is strongly imbued with the oil, or 
given in a large dose, it proves innocent. 
Dr. Cullen observes, that the sedative power of the Laurocerasus 
acts upon the nervous system in a different manner from opium 
and other narcotic substances, whose primary action 1s upon the 
animal functions: for the Laurocerasus does not occasion sleep, 
nor does it produce local inflammation, but seems to act directly 
upon the vital powers. Abbé Fontana supposes that this poison 
destroys animal life, by exerting its effects upon the blood; but 
the experiments and observations from which he draws this opinion 
are evidently inconclusive. . It may also be remarked, that many 
of the Abbé’s experiments contradict each other, 
Thus it appears, from the citation given above, that the poison 
of this vegetable, when applied to wounds, does not produce a 
fatal effect; but future experiments led the Abbé to assert, that 
.the oil of the Laurocerasus, “ whether given internally, or applied 
to the wounds of animals, is one of the most terrible and deadly 
poisons known.” ° 
Though this vegetable seems to have escaped the notice of 
Stoerck, yet it is not without advocates for its medicinal use. 
Linnzus informs us, that in Switzerland it is commonly and suc- 
cessfully used in pulmonary complaints. Langrish mentions its 
efficacy in agues; and as Bergius found bitter almonds to have 
this effect, we may from analogy conclude, that this power of the 
Laurocerasus is well established. Baylies found that it possessed 
a remarkable power of diluting the blood, and from experience 
recommended it in all cases of disease supposed to proceed from 
too dense a state of that fluid; adducing particular instances of its 
efficacy in rheumatism, asthma, and in schirrous affections. Nor 
‘does this author seem to have been much afraid of the deleterious 
quality of the Laurocerasus, as he directs a pound of its leaves to 
be macerated in a pint of water, of which he gives from thirty to 
sixty drops three or four times a day.. 
No. 44.—vo1. 4. 6 P 
