Dr. Stenhouse 07i Laurel Turpentine^ ^c. 273 



inadmissible, as a large quantity of the lime-soap was also dis- 

 solved by it. I also found it advantageous to mix the lime- 

 soap with a considerable quantity of pounded glass, as this 

 prevented its adhering to the sides and bottom of the vessel 

 when heated, and thus enabled the sether to act more equally 

 on every part of the mass. The ethal first obtained was 

 again boiled with milk of lime, again extracted with aether, 

 and repeatedly crystallized. Its melting point was 119° F. 

 (1.) 0-5307 gave 1-519 carbonic acid, and 0-665 water. 

 (2.) 0-2881 gave 0-8295 carbonic acid, and 0-361 water. 

 (3.) 0-302 gave 0-8645 carbonic acid, and 0-383 water. 

 1. 2. 3. 



Carbon . . . 79-14 79-61 79-15 



Hydrogen. , 13-92 13-02 14-08 



Oxygen . . . 6-94 6-47 6-77 



100-00 100-00 100-00 

 These analyses agree very closely with the calculated num- 

 bers, and with the analyses of Chevreul and Dumas. 



Calculated numbers. 

 Atoms. Per cent. 



Carbon 32 = 79-69 



Hydrogen 34 = 13-82 



Oxygen 2 = 6-51 



Laurel Turpentine. 

 For some years past, an essential oil, to which the name of 

 Laurel has been improperly given, has been imported in 

 considerable quantities from Demerara and some other parts 

 of South America. It has been successfully employed as an 

 external application for the cure of rheumatism. It is also an 

 excellent solvent for caoutchouc, as it dissolves that substance 

 very readily, and leaves it in a firmer and less altei-ed state 

 than either naphtha or oil of turpentine. Its comparatively 

 high price, however, Is. peroz., precludes its employment for 

 this purpose. The botanical nature of the tree which pro- 

 duces it is unknown. The Spaniards call the tree "acaita de 

 sassefras." I think it probable that it is a species of pine. 

 These trees are not very abundant, but the quantity of oil they 

 contain is exceedingly great. It runs out abundantly when 

 incisions are made near the root of the tree, and it also not 

 unfrequently exudes spontaneously. The oil as it occurs in 

 commerce is transparent, but of a slightly yellow colour, owing 

 to its containing a little resinous matter, which is easily re- 

 moved by distilling it with water. The smell of this oil reminds 

 one of that of turpentine, but it is much more agreeable, and 

 approaches more nearly that of oil of lemons; its specific 



