316 MATERIA MEDIC A AND THERAPEUTICS. 



B. Of Spearmint : 



Aqua MenthSB Viridis. 1 in 853, bv distillation. Dose, 

 1 to 2 fl.oz. 



ACTION AND USES. 



Peppermint has the action of other aromatic volatile oils 

 (see Caryophyllum, page 242), and is used accordingly. It is a 

 favourite flavouring agent, with powerful carminative effects. 



Menthol, the stearoptene of Mentha arvensis, and " Chinese 

 oil of peppermint," have lately heen used locally to relieve the 

 pain of rheumatism, neuralgia, and toothache, as possessing in 

 a marked degree the local anaesthetic, vascular stimulant, and 

 disinfectant action of these oils, described under Terebinthince 

 Oleum. It is of no real value as an antiseptic dressing. 



Oleum Thymi OIL OF THYME. (Not Officinal) 

 A volatile oil distilled from Thymus vulgaris. 



Thymol. C 10 H 1S HO (Not Officinal). A stear- 

 optene contained in Oil of Thyme. 



Characters. Large colourless, transparent crystals with an 

 aromatic thyme-like odour, and an aromatic peppery taste. 

 Solubility, 1 in 800 of water ; freely in spirit and caustic 

 alkaline solutions ; also in fats and oils. 



Dose. ^ to 2 gr. 



Non-officinal Preparations. 



Thymol Solution. For antiseptic spray, 1 in 1000. 

 Thymol Gauze. Contains 1 per cent, of thymol. 

 Thymol Ointments. Contain 5 to 30 gr. in 1 oz. 



ACTION AND USES. 



Thymol is an antiseptic and disinfectant, extensively used 

 in the Listerian system. 



HAMAMELACE.E. 



Hamamelis. (Not Officinal.) The leaves of 

 Hamamelis virginica, the Witch Hazel, collected in 

 autumn. From the United States. 



Characters. Short petiolate, 4 inches long, obovate or 

 oval, oblique at base, sinuate-toothed, nearly smooth ; inodor- 

 ous ; astringent and bitter. 



