44 



VEGETABLE OILS. 



in eastern, and southern climes is almost indispensable to the inhabitants, both as food 

 and for inunction. It is less commonly used in this country than is desirable, since it 

 is highly conducive to health. 



Its chemical composition, per cent., is, carbon, 69*38 ; hydrogen, 13*47 ; nitrogen, 

 058 ; oxygen, 17'092. 



Palm Oil is an article but recently introduced into commerce, and has the great 

 commendation of offering the most effectual means for the suppression of the slave 

 trade. It is obtained from the seeds of various palms, and more particularly from those 

 growing in barbarous states on the western shores of Africa. It is far more con- 

 sistent than other oils, and approaches to the condition of ordinary fat; so that it is well 

 fitted for the manufacture 

 of candles, and when mixed 

 with sulphur is the most 

 valuable grease for railway 

 carriage wheels. In the 

 countries in which it grows, 

 it constitutes an important 

 article of food ; and, from its 

 golden colour and consist- 

 ence, may be said to be a 

 substitute for butter. 



Cocoa-Nut Oil has a re- 

 lationship to palm oil, in- 

 asmuch as it, too, is pro- 

 duced from the palm tree. 



Fig. 93. Globules of con- 

 crete oil, filling the hexa- 

 gonal cells of the cocoa- 

 nut. 



Fig. 92. COCOA-NUT PALM (Cocos Nucifera). 



It is a concrete oil, and is found in the cells of the seed of the cocoa-nut before germi- 

 nation. It is likewise obtained by pressure ; and is of great value in the production of 

 artificial light. Colonel Rowcrofthas shown to us some very excellent candles, prepared 

 in India, from an admixture of wax and cocoa-nut fat. It is also used not unfrequently 

 as an article of food, in the form of butter in India, and of cocoa and chocolate in 

 this country, and has recently been introduced as a medicinal agent in the treatment of 

 consumption. 



Its chemical constitution is carbon, 69'62 ; hydrogen, 12*49 ; nitrogen, '060 ; 

 oxygen, 17*850 per cent. 



Linseed Oil is obtained by pressure, with and without heat, from the seeds of 



