170 YETERIIs^ARY MATERIA MEDICA. 



volatile oil obtained by distillation from tbe fresh 

 herb, and contains menthol and a liquid terpene. 

 Dose: H., fl. 3 ss.-i. ; D., fUiij.-v. 



Aqua Mentkce Piperitoe^ peppermint water, con- 

 taining one drop of the oil to the fluidounce of water. 

 Used as a vehicle, chiefly in canine practice. 



Spiritus MentliCB PiperUxE^ essence of peppermint 

 (containing ten per cent, of the oil and one per cent, 

 of the powdered herb). Dose: H., fl. 3 ss.-i. ; D., 



Taxv.-3i. 



Menthol is a local vascular stimulant when applied 

 to the skin, a local ansesthetic and parasticide, and is 

 non-corrosive. Internally — carminative, antispas- 

 modic, and somewhat antifermentative. It stimu- 

 lates the secretory nerves and cardiac muscle, and 

 like camphor causes a periodic increase in arterial 

 tension, but does not affect the pulse rate. It in- 

 creases the number of the respirations but lessens 

 their depth. It lessens sensation and reflex sensibil- 

 ity, in large doses destroying both, and paralyzing 

 the cerebro-spinal system. Menthol and peppermint 

 preparations are used internall}" as carminatives, 

 antispasmodics, and stimulants, to relieve colic and 

 flatulence; as corrigents to purgatives to prevent 

 griping. Menthol combined with ether and chloro- 

 form is much used as a local ansesthetic. 



Chlorum — Chlorine. 



Chlorine — CI — is a greenish-yellow gas, belonging 

 to the halogen group of elements. Some of the chlo- 

 rine compounds have been already described under 



