14 POWDERED VEGETABLE DRUGS 



factory, owing to differences of judgment and of experience. If we 

 go back to some of the lower organisms, we will find that certain odors 

 are agreeable because they emanate from desirable substances. 

 The carrion beetle undoubtedly finds the odor of decaying animal 

 matter highly attractive. Certain insects are attracted to flowers hav- 

 ing the odor of carrion. In fact all substances, though they may give 

 rise to the most disagreeable odors, according to man's judgment, are 

 eagerly sought after by a host of lower organisms. Even such highly 

 organized animals as buzzards, vultures and hyenas are attracted to 

 decaying animal matter. Many insects are, however, attracted by 

 pleasant odors, as is indicated by their preference for the flowers of 

 certain plants and for which reason they are designated as entomo- 

 philous flowers. 



There are some remarkable instances of differences of judgment to 

 be noted. Many physicians find the odor of phenol pleasant, while 

 most other persons find it decidedly disagreeable. Some pharmacists 

 maintain that dried taraxacum roots are odorless, while others note a 

 very decided disagreeable odor. The farmer, on entering the crowded 

 habitations of a large city, will note disagreeable odors which escape 

 the notice of the inhabitants entirely. On the other hand, the city 

 dweller, on visiting the farm, will note the disagreeable odors about 

 stables and cattle-pens which the farmer ignores or speaks of as being 

 rather agreeable. Every farmer enjoys the " fresh smell of the soil/' 

 which is a faint musty odor of decaying organic particles, associated 

 with the cool vapors arising from the damp, upturned earth. 



In man the utility of odors is no longer of prime importance. In 

 some instances, however, they no doubt still serve such a purpose. For 

 instance, we are attracted by the odors of most ripening fruits, as 

 apples, oranges and berries; while we find the odor of poisonous plants, 

 as stramonium, belladonna, tobacco, indian hemp, etc., decidedly 

 disagreeable. There are, however, some fruits and other substances 

 which have pleasant odors which are nevertheless inedible to man. 



There are certain suggestions which the student will find useful in 

 testing the odors of vegetable drugs. It is always advisable to leave the 

 examination of drugs with strong odors until the last, in order to avoid 

 confusion when testing drugs having weaker odors. Furthermore, if 

 the fingers and hands are brought in contact with a very odoriferous 

 substance, it is no easy matter to remove it preparatory to examin- 

 ing another drug. For instance, if garlic is rubbed on the hands, 

 repeated washings will not remove the odor; in fact, it will often be 

 appreciable for several days. The odor of star anise (Illicium) is also 

 very persistent. All medical students know how difficult it is to 



