136 MATERIA MEDICA. 



pure oil, obtained eiher from sweet or bit- 

 ter almonds, by expression. 



It is used in coughs, and as a laxative for 

 children, in medical practice, but is nevei* 

 required for veterinary purposes, olive oil 

 being equally efficacious, and similar in its 

 medical properties. 



Oil of Olive. This also is a very pure 

 and sweet oil ; and in the dose of a pint ge- 

 nerally operates as a laxative. When castor 

 oil cannot be easily procured, this may, with 

 great propriety, be substituted for it. 



Oil OF Linseed. This also has a laxa- 

 tive quality, but is nut so certain in its ef- 

 fect as the castof or olive oil. It is employ- 

 ed as a remed}^ for coughs, and on such oc- 

 casions the cold drazim oil is prefi i red ; /. e. 

 that which is expressed from the seed with- 

 out the assistance of heat. Farriers, ever 

 averse to the use of simple medicines, in- 

 vented the following absurd receipt for an 

 epidemic cough, which prevailed a few 

 years aafo. " Cold drawn linseed oil four 

 ounces, Barbadoes tar fotir ounces, balsam. 

 of sulphur four ounces, honey four ounces, 

 liquorice powder six ounces, elecampane 

 powd-er three ounces." When we reflect 



