MINOR VEGETABLE PRODUCTS AND THEIR sourcES. 181 
opium-producing regions, both as an article of diet and for illuminating 
purposes. The oil is destitute of narcotic properties. 
Thistle-seed oil.—This is a common name to an oil expressed from the 
seeds of Argemone Mexicana, (Papaveracee,) a native of Mexico, but now 
widely distributed over the globe. This oil is of a pale yellow color, 
clear, and mild. In South America it is much used by painters, and is 
said to givea fine shining appearance to painted wood. It isused medicin- 
ally as a substitute for castor oil, and the yellow juice of the stem is 
recommended in ophthalmia. 
Oil of rhodium.—This strong-scented oil is obtained from the stems of 
Rhodorrhiza scoparia, (Convolwulacec,) a native of the Canary Islands. It 
is used to adulterate ottar of roses; also medicinally as an ointment. 
Mace oil is obtained by pressure from the aril of the nutmeg, Myristica 
moschata, also a volatile oil by distillation of the fruit. The former is 
Sometimes known as butter mace. 
Oil of cubebs.—This medicinal oil is obtained from the fruit of Oubeba 
officinalis, (Piperacee,) a tropical plant having a shrubby, climbing habit 
of growth. The fruit has a general resemblance to black pepper, and 
' when fresh contains about 10 per cent. of essential oil. 
Mustard oil.—This is obtained from various species of Sinapis, and is 
pressed from the residuum consequent upon the preparation of powdered. 
mustard. The siftings are mixed with water, which combines with 
other ingredients in the seeds, and a volatile oil is obtained. A fixed 
oil is obtained from the simple pressure of the residuum, which has no 
acridity, and has been used as a purgative and vermifuge. The volatile 
oil is very acrid, and has been employed as a rubefacient. 
Rapeseed oil, Colza oil.—This is expressed from the seeds of Brassica 
napus, (Crucifere) and other species of Brassica, natives of Europe, where 
they are extensively cultivated for their oil products. The plants are 
cultivated in the manner usually adopted in the production of turnips 
or cabbages. The seeds are perfected the second year of growth. 
The oil is extensively used for machinery and for burning in light-house 
lamps. The refuse cake is a well known cattle food. 
Gold of Pleasure oil.—This oil is obtained from the Camelina sativa, 
(Orucifere,) an annual, native of Europe, and cultivated to some extent 
for the clear yellow-colored oil obtained from its seeds. It much resem- 
bles linseed oil. The stems of the plant contain a considerable propor- 
tion of fiber, which is sometimes used in the manufacture of brooms. 
Bergamot oil.—This volatile oil is obtained from the fruit of Citrus 
bergamia, (Aurantiacee.) Citron oil is also a product of this family, being 
an essential oil obtained from the Citrus medica, employed in perfumery 
and. confectionery. 
; GUMS AND RESINS. 
Benzoin or Gum Benjamin.—This is collected from the stem of Siyrax 
benzoin (Styracacece), a native of Borneo and other Indian islands. In- 
cisions are made in the bark, from which the juice exudes. When dried 
it is removed by a chisel or blunt knife. The gum which exudes from 
the natural fissures is considered the most valuable, having a stronger 
perfume than that produced from wounds in the tree. It is used medi- 
cinally by perfume manufacturers, and as a compound in the mixtures 
used as incense. . 
Storax is obtained from Styrax officinale, a native of the Levant. This 
balsamic resinous substance is obtained by pressure from strips of green 
bark. The result is liquid storax. Solid storax is supposed to be the 
