EUCALYPTI'S. I53 



Eucalyptus unquestionably are, it is in the laryngeal and bronchial in- 

 flammatory affections that the drug renders its most signal services. Its 

 action in this respect rivals that of turpentine and tar, and even offers 

 advantages in being better borne by the digestive organs, and being 

 earlier administrable. When in the course of bronchitis the febrile ele- 

 vation has fallen and the so-called catarrhal stage has been reached, Eu- 

 calyptus positively diminishes the expectoration, and renders it less pur- 

 ulent. This peculiar effect of 'Eucalyptus on the bronchial expectoration 

 can be relied upon, especially in the fetid form of bronchitis, in bronchial 

 dilatation, and emphysema. Chipier quotes several cases of pulmonary 

 gangrene and tuberculosis in which this modification of the expectoration 

 wrought by Eucalyptus was very obvious. 



A few more words on the special value of the drug in pulmonary 

 consumption will not be out of place. Though no rational physician 

 will look for any specific or even curative virtues regarding consumption 

 in Eucalyptus more than in any other drug, it must be confessed that the 

 peculiar combination of antiseptic and anticatarrhal properties places 

 Eucalyptus at the head of all remedies from which any amelioration of 

 the local tissue-decomposition can be expected. In Italy the drug enjoys 

 the enviable reputation of positively benefiting tubercular patients. Dr. 

 Gimpert, of Cannes, a well-known specialist of that famous tubercular 

 sanitarium, expresses himself in terms of highest praise of Eucalyptus 

 in the various tubercular processes. He warns, however, against exhib- 

 iting the drug in too large doses, lest haemoptysis should set in. 



Without wishing to contradict the assertion of those physicians who 

 succeeded in obtaining definite advantages from Eucalyptus in tubercular 

 affections, we must express our astonishment that, provided the drug did 

 possess the alleged capacity, such effects should have been wholly un- 

 known in this country. At all events it appears advisable to exhibit the 

 various preparations of Eucalyptus in the manifold affections in which 

 its reputation is either firmly established or merely alleged. It will do 

 no harm in either case, and might be conducive to valuable results 

 in both. 



The value of Eucalyptus in the various catarrhal affections of the 

 nrino-genital apparatus is likewise great. 



THE MEDICINAL PROPERTIES OF EUCALYPTUS.* 



The leaves are of a bluish-green color, and have an aromatic, bal- 

 samic, and somewhat persistent bitter taste, increasing the flow of saliva. 

 The swallowed juice imparts a pleasant feeling of warmth to the stomach, 

 increasing the appetite and facilitating digestion. In health, full doses 

 are said to cause sleeplessness, but in the weak and amemic, drowsiness 

 and sleep are said to follow. 



* Therapeutic Gazette, iSo, p. 446. 



