EUCALYPTUS. / 5 r 



which Eucalyptene boils at 165 C. (320 F.),and Eucalyptolene at about 

 300 C. (572 F.) Faust and Homeyer, however, obtained from the oil 

 about 60 per cent, of a terpene, C IO Hi6, boiling between 172 and 175 C, 

 (342.6 and 447 F.), 30 per cent, of cymol, C IO Hi4, the remainder being 

 a terpene boiling at 150- C. I 302 F.), and an oxygenated compound, 

 probably C'Hi9O, which they named eucalyptol, Cloez's compound of 

 the same name, being a mixture of the first two hydrocarbons, which 

 rapidly combine with oxygen. The oil of Eucalyptus ainygdtilina does 

 not appear to contain eucalyptol. 



OX THE PHYSIOLOGICAL AND THERAPEUTIC ACTION OF 

 EUCALYPTUS GLOBULUS. 



If extensive applicability and promptness of action are the criterion 

 of a standard remedy, the preparations of Eucalyptus globulus, have an 

 unquestionable claim to be included in this category. Still, looking over 

 an apothecary's prescription file, we would be surprised to find how 

 rarely this drug is exhibited. To those, however, familiar with the clini- 

 cal employment of the remedies in question, it must be clear that the 

 practitioner's lack of practical acquaintance with, and confidence in, the 

 drug, rather than any want of therapeutic energy on the part of the 

 plant, have caused the condition. There can be no doubt as to the medi- 

 cinal virtues of the various preparations of Eucalyptus, when we con- 

 sider that the tree itself, in its natural state, medicates by its powerful 

 antiseptic properties a wide zone encircling its habitation. 



We have noticed* a series of interesting articles on the medicinal 

 virtues of this justly prized tree, from which we extract some practically 

 important matters. 



According to Chipier, the author of the papers quoted, the well- 

 known disinfectant properties of the tree depend upon an essential oil 

 contained in the leaves. The aromatic oil found in the other portions of 

 the tree is credited with the other therapeutic effects of Eucalyptus. The 

 action of eucalyptol and eucalyptene. two other components of the Euca- 

 lyptus tree, have hitherto been but little studied. 



In France five different preparations of Eucalyptus are in use, viz.: 

 i, a tincture made by an alcoholic maceration of the fresh leaves ; 2, a 

 tincture obtained from the dry leaves by the same process ; 3, an alco- 

 holic extract ; 4. a wine ; 5, a liniment prepared from the essence. It is 

 interesting to note that the preparations used in Italy against the marsh 

 fevers in Rome and its vicinity all come from a place called Trois Fon- 

 taines, and have the form of a highly concentrated ethereal extract and 

 an alcoholic elixir. The physiological action of Eucalyptus is suffi- 

 ciently interesting to repay us for briefly reviewing it. 



* La France Medicale (Xos. 4.;, 44, 45, 1885.) 



