132 NAT. ORDER. OLEACEiE. 



of Fahrenheit, it congeals, and does not become rancid if kejit in 

 a degree of cold equal to the freezing point of water. All the 

 mild exjiressed oils of vegetables are nearly of the same nature ; 

 a preference, however, in the opinion of Dr. CuUen, should be 

 given to the most fluid ; and hence the oil of Olives, and that of 

 Almonds, are most commonly directed for internal use. Oil, in 

 some shape, forms a considerable part of our food, both animal and 

 vegetable, and affords much nourishment : with some, however, 

 oily substances do not unite with the contents of the stomach, and 

 are frequently brought up by eructation. This happens more es- 

 pecially to those whose stomachs abound with acid to an uncom- 

 mon degree. 



Medical Properties and Uses. Oil, considered as a medicine, 

 is supposed to correct acrimony, and to lubricate and relax the 

 fibres, and has been recommended internally, therefore, to obviate 

 tbe effects of various stimuli, which produce irritation, and con- 

 sequent inflammation. On this ground it has generally been pre- 

 scribed in coughs, catarrhal affections, and erosions. This oil has 

 likewise been successfully used in worm cases, and in nejihritic 

 pains, spasms, colics, constipations of the bowels, &c. Externally, 

 it has been found a useful application to bites and stings of various 

 poisonous animals, burns, tumors, and other affections, both by it- 

 self, or as mixed in liniments or poultices. Oil rubbed over the 

 body has been found by many of great service in dropsies, partic- 

 ularly in ascites. In regard to the general effects of oil, taken in- 

 ternally, we may remark, that though its effects as a medicine 

 extend over the primae vias, yet it may be very rationally doubted 

 if it produces any medicinal effect after jiassing into the sanguife- 

 rous system. This oil also enters several officinal compositions; 

 and wlien united with water, by the intervention of alkali, is 

 usually given in coughs and hoarseness, &c. 



