EUCALYPTUS EUDIS. 



Zuntz, Dietsch and Dietrich. Furthermore Prof. Hosier saw advantages in using inhalations of 

 Eucalyptus-oil in diphtheria, and Dr. C. N. Palmer resorts to the tincture for topical application 

 in that disease most successfully. Dr. A. B. Woodward was among the first to adopt Eucalyptus 

 remedies with favorable results in scarlatina. One of the principal domains of Eucalyptus-oil in 

 the field of therapeutics seems in diseases of the respiratory organs, explained by the antiseptic 

 power of the oil and according to Drs. Mees and Binz' researches also to some extent by the action 

 of this oil on the white blood corpuscles ; thus the oil is very powerful in catarrhal affections from 

 coryza to bronchitis. Prof. Gimbert already in his early experiments overcame whooping-cough 

 by Eucalyptus-oil inhaled. Vapour-spray, containing a few per cent, of Eucalyptus-oil, alleviates 

 coughs and restores inflamed mucous membranes of the respiratory organs generally to healthi- 

 ness, if the application be persevered in and other surrounding circumstances are not altogether 

 unfavorable. As an innocuous oil it is preferable to carbolic acid and perhaps some other 

 antiseptics employed in inhalers or respirators used by phthisic patients. It is soothing also, 

 as it diminishes the reflex-action. Eucalyptus-oil and in some measure also Euc. cigarettes 

 (first mentioned by Mons. Prosper Rarnel) are efficient in asthma. Indeed Prof. Ruehle prefers 

 Euc.-oil to carbolic acid, when treating incipient gangrene of the lungs, he administering daily 

 40-60 drops of the oil internally, augmented still by inhalations, severe cases having yielded to 

 this treatment. Prof. Mulheron praises the tincture in cystitis ; so Dr. H. A. Foster, Dr. A. Skene, 

 Dr. Wooster and other physicians. Where the leaves are used therapeutically also solid 

 principles come into action irrespective of the oil, namely two peculiar acids, a resinous substance 

 and Eucalyptine, defined by Dr. H. Weber, on which latter the febrifugal virtue of Eucalyptus- 

 foliage may largely depend. These data refer however solely to the chemical principles of the 

 leaves of Euc. globulus ; because the foliage of different species of Eucalyptus shows considerable 

 diversity not only in the quality and quantity of its oil, but also in its solid constituents. 

 Prof. Schulz sums up : Eucalyptus-oil unites with its antiseptic influence also a power to 

 promote granulation, the latter effect to be ascribed much to the mild stimulating action of the 

 oil on wounds ; the formation of pus is greatly decreased or sometimes ceases altogether ; purified 

 Eucalyptus-oil is not poisonous ; it can therefore be employed with impunity, when any risk is 

 foreseen in the surgical use of carbolic acid, thus in the treatment of tender youthful individuals 

 and exceedingly debilitated patients, also in cases when large spaces of wounds lead to great 

 absorption from without. Indeed Sir Joseph Lister himself substitutes the Eucalyptus-oil for 

 carbolic acid in his famous antiseptic treatments, whether for bandage or spray, when danger 

 from carbolic acid is to be apprehended ; and many leading surgeons in Europe and North- America 

 have already used the Eucalyptus-oil in the manner above indicated. Dr. Samuel Sloan has 

 directed attention to the antiseptic value of Euc.-oil in obstetric practice, as it is not poisonous, 

 is in proper dilution not irritating, causes no coagulation, and acts stimulating ; he also utilises 

 the oil hypodermically injected against pytemia. Dr. von Schleinitz shows, that neither dyspepsia 

 nor albuminuria arise from the administration of Euc.-oil. For gauze-bandage he uses a 5 per 

 cent, lotion. For further details on the medical value of this drug see the Sydney Medical Gazette 

 for Oct., Nov. and Dec. 1883. 



EXPLANATION OF ANALYTIC DETAILS.!, an unexpanded flower, the lid lifted; 2, longitudinal section of an un- 

 expanded flower; 3, some of the outer stamens, detached; 4 and 5, front- and back -view of an anther, with part of its 

 filament; 6, style and stigma; 7 and 8, transverse and longitudinal section of a fruit; 9 and 10, fertile and sterile seeds; 

 11, portion of a leaf; all figures magnified, but to various extent. 



