332 UMBELLIFER^E 



does not crystallize again until a much lower temperature is reached. 

 Sparingly soluble in water (1:1200), but dissolves in less than its 

 own weight of alcohol, ether, or chloroform. The crystals have a. 

 specific gravity of 1.069, but the melted liquid is lighter than water. 

 Chemically, thymol is considered as isopropyl-meta-cresol (CeHs.- 

 CH 3 .OH.C 3 H 7 ), and is closely related to carvacrol, which is regarded 

 as isopropyl-ortho-cresol; the two differing in the relative position of 

 the hydroxyl group. When 2 Gm. are volatilized on waterbath not 

 more than 0.05 per cent, of residue should remain. It should melt 

 from 48 to siC. 



As a solid it is heavier than water but when liquefied by fusion is 

 lighter than water. 



ACTION AND USES. Stimulant and powerful antiseptic, generally applied 

 externally in ointment or lotion, or in a spray, considered almost 

 as a specific in Hookworm disease. Aristol. A name applied to- 

 thymol iodide (q.v.)- Internal dose: i to 2 gr. (0.065 to 0.13 Gm.). 



391. PETROSELINI RADIX, N.P. PARSLEY. The root of Petroseli'num sati'- 

 vum Hoffman, native to Southern Europe, but cultivated extensively as a 

 common garden plant. A tapering root from roo to 200 mm. (4 to 8 in.) 

 long, and about 12 mm. (^ in.) thick; externally yellowish or light brown, 

 marked with close annular rings above and longitudinal wrinkles at the 

 lower end; fracture short, showing a thick bark dotted with resin cells, and 

 a porous, pale yellow wood, with very irregular, white medullary rays. When 

 fresh, it has a strong, aromatic odor, but is only faintly so when dry; taste 

 sweetish, slightly aromatic. It is the chief source of apiol (also found in 

 celery), a yellowish liquid somewhat analogous to the fixed oils, given as an 

 emmenagogue in doses of 10 to 15 15} (0.6 to I mil). The root is given in 

 infusion as a carminative, and as a laxative and diuretic in nephritic and 

 dropsical affections. Dose: 30 to 60 gr. (2 to 4 Gm.). 



391 a. PETROSELINUM, U.S.P. IX, applies this term to the fruit which is ovate,, 

 about 2 mm. (% 2 m -) long, with a greenish or brownish -gray surface, the 

 mericarps usually separated. It contains the same principal ingredients,, 

 and is used for about the same purposes as the root. Dose: 8 to 30 gr. 

 (0.5 to 2 Gm.). See Apiol 391 b. 



Powder. Microscopical elements of: See Part iv, Chap. I, B. 

 Official Preparation. Oleoresina Petroselini. 



391 b. APIOL (L. apinum, parsley, + ol), an oleoresinous liquid, heavier than- 

 water, of a persistent odor, distinct from the plant, and an acrid, pungent 

 taste; from certain umbelliferous fruits, chiefly parsley "seed" (fruit). A 

 crystalline compound, CizHuOt, a purified apiol (parsley camphor) is ob- 

 tainable. Dill oil yields a liquid apiol which has the same composition as the 

 crystallizable apiol from the parsley. (See also 388.) 



392. PHELLANDRIUM. WATER DROPWORT. FIVE-LEAVED WATER HEM- 

 LOCK. The fruit of a European aquatic plant, (Enan'the phellan'drium 

 Lamarck. From 2 to 3 mm. ({ 2 to % i n -) m length, terete, oblong, narrowed 

 at one end, and crowned with the stylopodium; yellowish-brown or blackish- 

 brown in color ; taste aromatic, slightly acrid ; odor strong, somewhat caraway- 

 like, but disagreeable. Its aromatic properties depend upon a volatile oil, 

 but there are indications of a narcotic alkaloid, possibly coniine, as the char- 

 acteristic mouse-like odor is developed when the powdered seeds are rubbed 

 with a solution of potassa. Slightly narcotic, stimulant, but more particu- 

 larly used in chronic affections of the air-passages, as bronchitis, etc. Dose of 

 powder about 5 gr. (0.3 Gm.), cautiously increased. 



