EUCALYPTUS. * 247 



Dose. Of the leaves, 5 gr. and upwards ; of the oil, 1 to 

 5 miu. 



Preparations. 



Eucalyptus Gauze ; and Eucalyptus Ointment. 1 of the oil 

 in 5. 



ACTION AND USES. 



Externally. Eucalyptus oil is a powerful antiseptic and 

 disinfectant. The gauze has almost supplanted carbolic acid 

 gauze in Lister's process, as it is neither irritant locally, nor 

 poisonous when absorbed. 



Internally. The action of eucalyptus oil is nearly the same 

 as that of oil of turpentine, with which it is otherwise so 

 closely allied. (See Terebinthince Oleum.} It is antipyretic and 

 antiperiodic to a degree, like quinia, and was once believed to 

 be of great value in ague, but this is now doubtful. The blue 

 gum tree is planted in aguish districts to free the soil of 

 malaria. 



The remote local action of eucalyptus is important. It 

 leaves the system by the kidneys and lungs, giving its odour 

 to their excretions, and disinfecting these and the mucous sur- 

 faces. The oil is therefore indicated in pyelitis and cystitis 

 on the one hand ; and in bronchitis, dilated bronchi, and 

 asthma on the other hand. 



Oranati Radicis Cortex POMEGRANATE 

 ROOT BARK. The dried bark of the root of Punica^ 

 Granatum. Obtained from the south of Europe. 



Characters. In quills or fragments of a greyish-yellow 

 colour externally, yellow internally, having a short fracture, 

 little odour, and an astringent slightly bitter taste. 



Incompatibles. Alkalies, lime-water, metallic salts, gela- 

 tine. 



Composition. Pomegranate root bark contains tannin; a 

 crystallisable body punicin; a substance resembling mannite 

 (see Manna), mucilage, etc. 



Preparation. 

 Decoctum Granati Radicis. 1 in 10. Dose, 1 to 2 fl.oz. 



ACTION AND USES. 



Pomegranate root bark has an anthelmintic and slightly 

 irritant action, much like kousso (see Cusso, page 242), 



