205 THYMUS VULGAEJS 



two hydrocarbons, termed Cymene and Thymene ; and of a solid 

 crystalline oxidized substance with a strong aromatic odour some- 

 what resembling that of the crude oil, and a very burning taste, 

 called Thymol. Thymol is isomeric with the carvol of oil of 

 caraway, as is noticed in our description of that oil. 



Medical Properties and Uses. Oil of thyme is a useful and 

 powerful local stimulant, and may be applied to a carious tooth 

 by means of lint or cotton to relieve toothache ; or when mixed 

 with olive oil or spirit, especially if combined with camphor, as a 

 stimulating liniment in chronic rheumatism, sprains, bruises, 

 &c. The chief consumption of oil of thyme is, however, in 

 veterinary practice. Oil of Thyme is also used for scenting soaps. 



Thymol, or Thymic acid as it has been also termed, has been 

 recommended as a disinfectant in the place of carbolic acid, 

 the properties of which it is said to possess, but without its 

 disagreeable smell. It has been highly recommended by Dr. 

 Paquet, Professor of Clinical Surgery at Lisle, who states that it 

 is adapted for all those purposes to which carbolic acid has been 

 applied as a disinfectant. 



The herb generally has similar aromatic properties to mar- 

 joram, sage, and many other labiate plants, but it is not 

 employed medicinally in this country, although it is often so 

 used on the Continent. In the United States, it is occasionally 

 employed with other aromatic herbs in baths, cataplasms, and 

 fomentations. 



The herb is largely used by the cook as a flavouring agent. 



Per. Mat. Med., vol. ii, pt. 1, p. 517 ; Pharmacographia, p. 437 ; 

 U. S. Disp., by W. & B., p. 621 ; Gmelin's Chemistry, vol. xiv 

 (1860), pp. 183, 311, and 409; Watts, Diet. Chem., vol. v, 

 p. 793 ; Hanbury, in Pharm. Journ., vol. x, 1st ser., pp. 6 and 

 324 ; Joura. de Pharm. (1868), p. 147. 



DESCRIPTION OF PLATE. 



Drawn from a plant in the Royal Gardens, Kew, in flower in July. 1. A 

 branch with numerous twigs and flower-heads. 2. A leaf. 3. A female flower. 

 4. Corolla laid open. 5. Calyx seen from below. 6. Section of calyx. (2-6 

 enlarged.) 



