218 MYRISTICA FRAGRANS 



recently in the London market, were the Penang, Dutch, and 

 Singapore, but in consequence of the destruction of the nutmeg 

 trees in Penang and Singapore some years since, nutmeg cultiva- 

 tion in these islands has considerably decreased of late years, in 

 fact, at one time, had entirely ceased. Penang nutmegs are 

 always uiilimed and hence most esteemed in this country, Dutch or 

 Batavian are limed, and Singapore are commonly unlimed, and of 

 inferior quality. By far the largest supplies of nutmegs are derived 

 from the Banda Islands ; these are all at first shipped to Batavia. 

 The quantity of nutmegs imported annually into the United 

 Kingdom is probably about 560,000 Ibs., and into the United 

 States not less than 500,000 Ibs. 



Besides the true or official nutmeg as just described, another 

 but very inferior nutmeg, which is the produce of Myristica fatua, 

 Houtt., is also sometimes met with in commerce. It is commonly 

 distinguished as the long nutmeg, from its greater length as com- 

 pared with the true nutmeg, which is frequently called the round 

 nutmeg. 



The principal constituents of nutmegs are fat, forming about 

 28 per cent., and which is described below under the name 

 of Oleum Myristicse Expressum, and from 2 to 3 per cent, of 

 volatile oil, which is also described below under the official name 

 of Oleum Myristicao. Nutmegs also contain starch, albuminoid 

 matter, and other unimportant constituents. 



Medical Properties and Uses. Nutmeg possesses like the other 

 spices, aromatic, stimulant, and carminative properties ; but in 

 large doses it is narcotic, producing effects, it is said, similar to 

 those of camphor. It has been used with advantage in mild 

 cases of diarrhoea, flatulent colic, and certain forms of dyspepsia ; 

 but in medicine it is principally employed as an adjunct to other 

 remedies, in order to cover their taste or to correct their un- 

 pleasant operation. 



The principal consumption of nutmegs is, however, as a condi- 

 ment. Used in this way they serve to flavour food substances, 

 and by their stimulant properties to assist their digestion. But on 

 account of their narcotic qualities they should be employed with 



