OLEUM EUCALYPTI 



317 



ACTION AND USES. Used as a febrifuge, stimulant, and astringent. Its 

 principal action, however, is that of the volatile oil, or rather its 

 chief constituent, eucalyptol, CioHigO, antiseptic. Dose: % to 2 dr. 

 (2 to 8 Gm.). Dose of eucalyptol cineol: 5 nj (0.3 mil). 



OFFICIAL PREPARATION. 



Fluidextractum Eucalypti, Dose: 5 to 60 ttjj (0.3 to 4 mils). 



368 a. OLEUM EUCALYPTI. A colorless or yellowish volatile oil, dis- 

 tilled from the fresh leaves. It has a spicy, cooling taste, and some- 

 what camphoraceous odor. Consists of two hydrocarbons (cymene, 

 CioHi4, and eucalyptene, Ci Hi 6 ), a terpene, and Eucalyptol, doH 18 O, 

 upon which its value depends; it is obtained as one of the fractions 



FIG. 184. Myrcia acris Branch with fruit. 



in the distillation of the oil, coming over between 170 to i78C. 

 It should contain not less than 70 per cent, of Eucalyptol when assayed 

 by the official process. Should be kept protected from light in cool 

 place. It is a nearly colorless liquid, with a strong, aromatic, cam- 

 phoraceous odor; slightly soluble in water, but very soluble in alcohol, 

 carbon disulphide, and glacial acetic acid. Dose: 5 to 10 V& (0.3 

 to 0.6 mil). Antiseptic. Used frequently as an inhalant in respira- 

 tory diseases either with atomizer or with steam. Dose of the oil: 

 5 to 10 nu (0.3 to i mil). 



