68 ODOROGRAPIIIA. 



turpentine would be equally efficacious and much cheaper than the 

 essential oil of myrtle leaves. But in most cases it would be 

 desirable to avoid the irritating action of the turpene upon the 

 respiratory organs. 



Interesting observations concerning the action of myrtol on 

 micro-organisms have since been made by Dr. Braiitigam and 

 Dr. Nowac, copious notes of which appeared in the " Pharmaceu- 

 tische Zeitung," 12th April, 1890. 



As an aromatic astringent and as a remedy in cases of 

 bronchitis, attention has been drawn to the oil of Myrtus Chekan 

 (which see). 



The eftects of oil of myrtle on the human system when taken 

 internally were observed by Linarix,* one remarkable result being, 

 that in the rapid passage of the oil through the system, which 

 commences within a quarter of an hour of the administration of 

 a dose, the urinary excretion acquires a strong inrfume of violet, 

 — a peculiar effect which is also observable in some patients after 

 administration of oil of turpentine. Apropos of oil of myrtle 

 exhibited in this respect, Linarix remarks : — " Donne a des malades 

 qui rendaient des urines infectes, ce medicament a coupe court ce 

 phenomene." 



An essential oil and highly perfumed water, known as " Eau 

 d'Ange " is distilled from the flowers of myrtle. 



The fruits, which have a sweetish, powerfully aromatic taste,, 

 are eaten in a fresh state, or dried and used as a condiment. 



Several varieties of Myrtus communis exist, some of which are 

 constant, such as : — 



Var. Melanocarim (D. C. prodr. iii. p. 239) ; fruit blackish. 

 This variety is frequent in the South of Europe, and 

 in gardens, where there are varieties of it with double 

 flowers and variegated leaves. 

 „ Romana (Mill. Diet. t. 184 f. 1); leaves ovate; pedicels 

 longer. The common " Broad-leaved or Eoman 

 myrtle." It is sometimes called " Flowering myrtle " 

 because it flowers more freely in England than any 

 other variety. 

 „ Tarentina ; the " Box-leaved myrtle " (Mill. Diet) leaves 

 ovate, small ; berries rounder ; flowers small and 

 open late in the Autumn. 

 ♦ These pour le doctorat, Paris, 187S, "Journal de Therapeutique." 



