674 ORD. XL. Oleraceee. _LAURUS CINNAMOMUN. 
- Cinnamon by its taste being remarkably slimy. This bark is one 
of the most grateful of the aromatics; of a very fragrant smell, 
and a moderately pungent, glowing, but not fiery taste, accom- 
panied with considerable sweetness, and some degree of astrin- 
gency. Its aromatic qualities are extracted by water in infusion, 
but more powerfully by it in distillation, and in both ways also by 
a proof spirit applied. Cinnamon is a very elegant and useful 
aromatic, more grateful both to the palate and stomach than most 
other substances of this class: by its astringent quality, it likewise 
corroborates the viscera, and proves of great service in several 
kinds of alvine fluxes, and immoderate discharges from the uterus. 
The aromatic principle is an essential oil, which is obtained by 
distilling at once large quantities of this spice, or rather cassia, 
which is usually employed in these operations; and the oil thus 
separated. is so extremely pungent, that on being applied to the 
skin it produces an eschar: in doses of a drop or two diluted, by 
means of sugar, mucilages; &c. it is one of the most immediate 
_ cordials and restoratives in languors, singultuses, and all debilities. 
This oil is imported from the East-Indies, and a tincture, a simple, 
and a spirituous water, ‘are directed by the Pharmacopceias to be 
prepared from this spice. 
—— a —— 
LAURUS SASSAFRAS, SASSAFRAS TREE, 
Se SN a 
- SYNONYMA. Sassafras. Pharm. Lond. & Edinb. Cornus mas - 
odorata, folio trifido, margine plano, Sassafras dicta. Pluk. Alm. 
120. Catesb. Carolin. 1 p. 55. Sassafras sive lignum pavanum, 
J. Bauh. 1.483. Sassafras, arbor ex Florida, ficulneo folio. Bauh. 
Pin. 431. Sassafras. Gerard. Emac. 1525, Park. Theat. 1606. 
Rait Hist. ii. 1568, Laurus foliis integris trilobisque. Trew. 
Ehret. t. 69. Duham. Arb. 1, p. 350, Kalin. Canad. 2. p. 270. 
