10 



this tree is of very rapid p;rowth ; the leaves and roots have a. 

 very great absorbent power for moisture, thus having a tendency 

 to dry the earth under it, which makes the tree peculiarly suit- 

 able for marshy and in consequence unhealthy districts. 



M. Papillon, who has written a memoir upon the Eucali/ptus 

 globulus, considered from an hygcnic, economic, medicinal, and. 

 pharmaceutical point of view, gives the following particulars as 

 to pharmaceutical preparations obtained from it. Bes'des the 

 essence eucalyptol (vide 5, Eucalyptus globulus, under heading 

 Essential Oils), to which the Eucalyptus largely owes i*s medi- 

 ein-al properties, it contains a tolid, resinous bitter principle, 

 little known as yet, from which the leaves derive their febrifuge 

 <jualitics. 



The following preparations, etc., are at present manufactured 

 from Eucalyptus : 



1. The essence, which is administered in doses of a few 

 grms,* in the form of globules, 



2. Leaf powder, which contains all the active principles of the 

 plant (essential oil, tannin, bitter principle), and which is pre- 

 t^cribed in doses of 4, 8, 12, and even IG grms daily. 



3. The infusion and decoction of the leaves. With half a 

 leaf (about 1 grm.) it is possible to aromatise three or four cups, 

 affording a good substitute for tea, employed as a stimulating 

 drink. For topic applications, 8 grms. in decoction, in a litre )• 

 of water, forms a liquor well charged with the principles indi- 

 cated. 



4. Water distilled from the leaves, which may be advantage- 

 ously used with stimulating drinks. 



5. Aqueous extract, alcoholic extract, employed as febrifuges. 

 G. Tincture, or alcoholate. 



7. A liquor, which is similar to the liquor of mastic, and a 

 wine which is a tonic and febrifuge. 



8. Cigars and cigarettes. 



Dr. Gimbert has studied, on himself, the eiFects of essence 

 (essential oil) of Eucalyptus when taken into the system. H 

 took various doses of from 10 to 20 drops. He found it had i. 

 soothing effect. It diminishes the vascular tension, and the 

 sense of comfort arising from it induces to sleep. A very strong 



•'/ 



* 1 Gramme =: 15.432 Troy grains, 

 t 1 Litre = 1.76 Imperial pints. 



