Royal Institution of Cornixall. 57 



sential Oil of Laurel, which is not only an unsatisfactory name, 

 but it is also incorrect, as such might convey an idea that it is 

 obtained from some of the Laurels which are of the genus 

 Prunus, while the plant from which this oil is extracted is of 

 the genus Lanrus; but still it does not appear from what spe- 

 cies of this genus. It is extracted from the inner bark or 

 liber of the plant, which is effected through a particular pro- 

 cess, and must be performed by persons accustomed to the 

 practice. 



Neither its chemical components nor its medicinal proper- 

 ties have been yet ascertained. It is certainly of a very vola- 

 tile nature, as well as aromatic. The Indians hold it in high 

 estimation for its medicinal properties, using it in various cases ; 

 applying it sometimes internally, and at others externally. The 

 high encomiums they pass upon its medicinal properties w'ill 

 scarcely obtain credit, though it is probable it will in some in- 

 stances prove serviceable. The Professor will at the next 

 meeting resume his Lecture upon this oil, when he intends to 

 make some chemical experiments upon it. 



The anniversary meeting of the Society was held on Mon- 

 day the 17th instant, when the following officers were elected 

 for the ensuing year: President, Robert Bree, M.D. F.R.S. — 

 Vice-Presidentsl John Ayrton Paris, M.D. F.R.S. ; Edward 

 Thomas Monro, M.D. ; Joshua Brookes, Esq. F.R.S. ; Wil- 

 liam Thomas Brande, Esq. Sfc.R.S.; Sir James M'Gregor, 

 M.D. F.R.S.; Sir Alexander Crichton, M.D. Y.B..S.— Direc- 

 tor, John Frost, Y.s<i.— Treasurer, William Newman, Esq. 

 —Secretary, Richard Morris, Esq. — //oworary Librarian, 

 Dr. Edward Thomas Monro, {V.V.)— Professor of Botany, 

 John Frost, Esq. (Director).— O/ra/or of the Collection, Rich- 

 ard Morris, Esq. (Secretary).— Co?/Ha7, The President, Vice- 

 Presidents, and other Officers; together with Dr. John Elliot- 

 son ; Thomas Jones, Esq, ; William Yarrell, Esq. ; Thomas 

 Gibbs, Esq. ; Henry Tatham, jun. Esq. 



KOYAL INSTITUTION OF CORNWALL. 



At the sixth annual meeting of this Association, held 

 at Truro, August 27, 1824., Sir C. Hawkins, Bart. M.P., in 

 the chair, the subjoined Report of the Council was ordered to 

 be printed, and the following Resolutions were passed, with 

 others of mcrelv local importance. 



" That the Right Hon. Edward Viscount Exmouth be re- 

 elected President of this Society. , 



" That J. H. Vivian, H. WiUyams, J. Williams, jun., 1 . 

 Daniell,and W. Paul, Esqrs.,be elected Vice-Presidents for the 

 ensuing year, and with the following members form the Coun- 



Vol.6.5. No. 321. Jan. 1825. H til;— 



