CLXXXVII. LAURINE^E. 655 



possesses, in different species, stimulating or sedative properties, represented in their maximum intensity, 

 the one by Cinnamon, the other by Camphor, so that the specific virtues of the family may be considered 

 as included in these two types. We shall only here quote the most widely-spread species. 



The Laurel (Laurus nobilis), a tree of South Europe, is cultivated in France, but does not attain a 

 great size. Its leaves have a pleasant scent and an acrid and aromatic taste ; they are used as a flavouring. 

 Their chroinule and their essence, soluble in fatty bodies, are ingredients in several ointments and other 

 external medicaments, as are also the berries, which contain a fixed and a volatile oil. Its leaves are 

 invariably laid in layers over Smyrna figs as imported. 



Sassafras officinalis is a large forest tree, inhabiting the edges of streams from Canada to Florida ; 

 the aroma of its wood and of the bark of its root resembles that of Fennel and Camphor ; both the wood 

 and root-bark are employed as sudorifics. 



Ocotea (Puchury) major, a Brazilian tree, yields the Pichurim bean, a seed containing a volatile acid, 

 and a butyraceous oil whose taste and smell are between those of Nutmeg and Sassafras. The Brazilians 

 use it largely in cases of weakness of the bowels. 



Persea t/ratissima, the Avocado or Alligator Pear, a large South American tree, has no aromatic 

 principle, and is only useful for the thick and butyraceous flesh of its berry, which tastes like pistachio, 

 and is eaten with spices and meat, and animals of all kinds feed upon it. [It further yields an abundant 

 oil for illuminating, soap-making, and its seeds a black dye used for marking linen.] 



Cinnamomum officinale, which yields Cinnamon bark, is cultivated in Ceylon and tropical colonies ; 

 this bark is pale brown and sweet-scented, hot, aromatic and sugary ; it is used as a condiment, tonic, and 

 stimulant. 



The Chinese Cinnamon (C. Cassia) grows in Malabar, China, and the Moluccas ; its bark [as ex- 

 ported] is thicker than that of the Ceylon Cinnamon, and not rolled, and its colour is darker ; its taste is 

 hot and pungent, and its scent recalls that of bugs ; it is therefore less valued. ("This, C. malabathricum, 

 and allied species, are used to adulterate true Cinnamon.] 



Campltora officinarum grows wild in China and Japan, and is cultivated in tropical and sub-tropical 

 colonies ; its wood and leaves contain Camphor, a concrete volatile colourless oil, lighter than water, with 

 a penetrating odour and an acrid but cooling taste ; it is very soluble in fixed and volatile oils, in alcohol 

 and ether, evaporating completely in the air, and is very inflammable. This principle exists in several 

 other Lazirinece, as also in several plants not connected with this family, and notably in Labiata. Camphor 

 is much used as a sedative, antispasmodic, and antiseptic ; it is largely applied externally, dissolved in 

 alcohol, oil, and vinegar; taken in overdoses it may produce complete insensibility, and even death. 



\Biri bin or bebeeru, of Guiana, an alkaloid procured from Nectandra Rodiai of Guiana, is a most 

 powerful medicine, largely used as a febrifuge, and supposed to be the principal ingredient in Warburg's 

 Drops, a medicine in use throughout British India. Various species of Sassafras are used as stimulants, 

 tonics, and vermifuges.] 



The woods of most Laurine(e are of a fine and solid tissue, and are peculiarly useful to cabinet-makers 

 and turners. Those most used in France are the Anise or Sassafras of Orinoco (Ocotea cymbartim) ; the 

 Bebeeru (Nectandra Rodicei), a hard heavy greenish-yellow wood from Guiana and the famous 

 Greenheart of Demerara; and the Licari (Clove Cassia of Brazil, or Rose of Cayenne, Licaria guyanensis 1 ), 

 which the French workmen call Pepper-wood, from the pungency of its dust. [To these must be added 

 x the Vinatico or Madeira Mahogany, the produce of Persea Indica ; the foetid Til of the Canaries 

 (Oreodaphne fattens); the Sweetwood of Jamaica (Oreodaphne exalbata) ; and the Stinkwood of South 

 Africa (O. bullata}.'] 



1 Dicypellium caryophyllatum, Noes, according to Steudel. ED. 



