552 MATERIA MEDICA 



Cyprus turpentine, from the Pistachea Terebinthlnus. 3dlj, 

 Common, or horse turpentine, from the Pinus Sylvestris, or 

 Scotch fir. 4thly, Venice turpentine, from the Pinus Larix; 

 from the twigs of which species of fir the essence of spruce is 

 made. True Kio-a balsam is made from the shoots of the Pinus 

 Cembra, previously bruised and macerated for a month in water. 



The same fir aflbrds also Brian^on turpentine. 



By distillation we obtain the oil, or, as it is sometimes termed, 

 the spirit, of turpentine, a medicine of great utility. In doses 

 of two, three, or four ounces, it frequently cures the flatulent 

 colic, or gripes ; and, when combined with camphor and other 

 stimulants, makes a good embrocation for indurated swellings, 

 strains, and bruises.* When properly mixed with nmstard, it 

 forms an embrocation that has been found serviceable in coun- 

 teracting internal inflammation. I have seen it applied to ob- 

 stinate ulcers with oood effect. It is an useful ino-redient in 



... ^ 



blistering-ointment and liniments. 



It is also, if properly managed, the most efficacious medicine 

 that can be employed for expelling worms from the bowels. In 

 Inrge doses it generally acts as a purgative, especially when the 

 bowels are previously relaxed by bran mashes, or a small dose of 

 aloes. In small doses it is a powerful dinretic. Mr. Coleman 

 considered it almost a specific in flatulent colic in a dose of four 

 ounces, mixed with gruel. It has been given to the extent of 

 eight ounces at a dose, without injury; but in one case a dose of 

 four ounces produced a fatal inflammation of the stomach and 

 bowels : in this case, however, a dose of physic had been given 

 the day before, and the horse had a considerable purging at the 

 time the turpentine Avas exhibited. In the human body two 

 drachms of oil of turpentine may so excite the kidneys as to 

 produce bloody urine, whereas six or eight drachms will sti- 

 mulate the bowels, and purge without affecting the urinary 

 organs, or only in a moderate degree. It is said to be almost a 

 specific remedy for tape worm, in the human body, always dis- 

 charging it dead ; and also in obstinate constipation, depending 

 on affections of the brain. Dr. Paris says he has several times 

 witnessed its beneficial effects. 



Dr. Latham considers it a valuable medicine in epilepsy. As 

 a veterinary medicine it is certainly of great value ; and though 

 in a few cases, when given internally, it has produced violent 

 effects, merely, I believe, from bad management, yet, when judi- 

 ciously administered, it may be employed in a dose of four 

 ounces, with advantage and safety. 



I have long discontinued the use of oil of turpentine in my 



* Oil of turpentine, when applied to the skin of the horse undiluted, pro- 

 duces an excessive degree of irritation : it should, therefore, always be mixed 

 with oil T/hen so applied. — Ed. 



