28 DR. R. ANGUS SMITH ON THE 



readily the whole was flooded. Although there are now 

 some trees growing, they are only at one side of the 

 residence, and they are small. It is true they give out a 

 very distinct odour, very striking when one goes near, and 

 it may be said that the fragrant oil must pervade all the 

 surroundings even if it be not perceptible. This will cer- 

 tainly take place in very still weather ; and the low situation 

 protects it greatly from winds. Still, with every desire to 

 give to the emanations of the Eucalyptus every virtue de- 

 manded, it is not easy to look on this as an instance of its 

 success. 



One of the monks, by name Orsise, had prepared a tinc- 

 ture from the leaves ; and a glass of this was given to every 

 one daily when fever showed itself. This seems to have 

 been the really efficient agent that, in conjunction with the 

 drainage, protected the brethren last summer. 



It is not my intention to speak of this substance with 

 details to any extent. It is, however, known that in the 

 leaves and the bark and even in the wood of the blue gum- 

 tree is an oil with a very strong odour. There may rather 

 be said to be several oils ; but one, which has been called 

 eucalyptol, boils between 170° and 1 78° C. This is the oil 

 which is said to resemble cajeput oil, and is said to have 

 an effect similar to that of quinine. But the substance 

 which has the medical effect is probably a much more vo- 

 latile oil continually rising from the plant. J. Bosisto adds 

 a volatile acid'^. 



The experiment mentioned shows that men may live in 

 health in one of the w^orst parts of the Campagna with 

 proper precautions, and how different things would be if 

 this plan were general ; instead of a neglected country with 

 scarcely a house, it might be a pleasant habitation, as it 



* See " Is the -K'Mra^^^if!^ a fever-destroying tree ?" by J. Bosisto, Trans. 

 k Proc. Roy. Sor. of Victoria. 1874.. 



