516 MATERIA MEDICA 



noticed under the name of tlie substance from wliich they are 

 obtained. 



The numerous officinal oils, directed in the old dispensatories, 

 are still highly esteemed by farriers ; among Avhich are. Oil of 

 Swallows, Earthworms, John's-wort, Spike, Petre, &c. ; and we 

 frequently meet with receipts for " strain or bruise oils," in 

 which more than a dozen different oils are ordered ! Perhaps 

 it may be an acceptable piece of information to those who place 

 any confidence in these oils, that only three kinds are kept in 

 the shops, from which this great variety is furnished ; which are, 

 oil of elder, oil of tui'pentine, and Barbadoes tar. Oil of spike 

 is made by colouring oil of turpentine with alkanet root ; oil of 

 petre, by dissolving Barbadoes tar in the same oil : for all the 

 other kinds, oil of elder is sold ; and this is often made by co- 

 lourins: common oil with verdigris. 



Oil of Almonds. — Oleum AmygdalcB. A very sweet and 

 pure oil, obtained either from sweet or bitter almonds, by ex- 

 pression. 



Oil of Bay. — Oleum Lauri Nohilis. This is more like an 

 ointment than an oil, is of a light green colour, and smells like 

 bay berries, from which it is procured. It is used chiefly as an 

 external application in cutaneous complaints, such as the mange. 

 Oil of bay is sometimes substituted for hog's lard in making 

 mercurial ointment, and is supposed to render it more active. 

 When to this mixture are added cantharides and oil of origanum 

 a strong blister is formed, which is recommended for the re- 

 moval of splents and spavins. 



[This oil derives its stimulating effects from the prussic acid 

 which it contains. It assists the effect of blisters, and may be 

 used to dress rowels or setons. — Ed.] 



Oil of Cajeput. — Oleum Cajeputce. See Cajeput Oil. 



Oil of Caraways. — Oleum Carui. See Caraway. 



Oil of Castor. — Oleum Ricini. An useful laxative. 



The dose is about a pint. (See Castor Oil.) 



Oil of Elder. — Oleum SambucL See Elder. 



Oil of Juniper. — Oleum Juniperi. See Juniper. 



Oil of Linseed. — Oleum Lini. This also has a laxative 

 quality ; the cold-drawn oil is preferred ; i. e. that which is ex- 

 pressed from the seed without the assistance of heat. 



Oil of Olives. — Oleum Olivce. This also is a very pure 

 and sweet oil ; and in the dose of a pint generally operates as a 

 laxative. When castor oil cannot be easily procured, this may 

 Avith great propriety be substituted for it. It is used also in 

 making emulsions, liniments, and ointments. 



Oil of Palm, or Palm Oil. — Oleit77i Pahnce ; Oleum Coci 

 Butyracece. This, though termed an oil, is of the consistence of 

 hog's lard, and very similar to it in its medical qualities. It is 



