Volatile Oils. 59 



is very sweet, and smells much like new ale. A decoction 

 from this part of the tree is a good substitute for yeast in 

 raising bread. I have not yet been able to examine the 

 roots. 



In bronchial affections a decoction of the bark has been 

 employed with beneficial effects ; it is also a diuretic, a 

 diaphoretic, and a sedative. I believe that Dr. Greeves was 

 the first medical man in Victoria who employed it in medi- 

 cine. The bark is very bitter, and the alkaloid obtained 

 from it has been called " Athevos]?evmine" I am inclined 

 to hazard the opinion that Atherospermine will prove ser- 

 viceable in low colonial fevers. 



The oil from the bark is heavier than water, of a pale 

 straw colour when first distilled, deepening by age to a dark 

 amber. It has an oppressive and disagreeable smell, resem- 

 bling very much that of the Oil of Sassafras of commerce. 

 Its taste is aromatic and bitter, producing a local pricking 

 sensation on the tongue which lasts for some time. From 

 100 lbs. of the green bark I obtained 9 ozs. of oil. I obtained 

 this oil about two years ago. On tasting it I found the 

 action of the. heart suddenly reduced so low that I was com- 

 pelled to have recourse to powerful stimulants. I forwarded 

 a supply to the Melbourne Hospital, stating its action, and 

 it has since been employed in diseases of the heart, the dose 

 being one or two drops every four or six hours. 



The oil from the leaves is of a greenish colour, in smell 

 much resembling oil of mace. Its other properties I have 

 not yet been able to ascertain. 



Prostanthera La sianthos. 



One of the " Labiates," and forms in many parts of the 

 colony part of the under-scrub vegetation. Yields by dis- 

 tillation an oil of a greenish yellow colour, in taste biting 

 and mintish. Sp. gr. 9 12. Yield from 100 lbs. was 2 ozs. 

 4Jdrs. 



Prpsta/n thera Rotundifolia. 



This plant yields an oil but slightly different from the 

 last mentioned. The yield from 100 lbs. was 12 ozs. Sp. 

 grav. 0*941. These two are carminative. 



Zieria Lanceolata. 



The supply of oil from the leaves of this plant is tolerably 

 copious, 100 lbs. of the green material producing 6J ozs. 

 The oil is of a pale yellow colour, and has an odour scarcely 

 distinguishable from that of Oil of Rue. Its medicinal action 

 may be considered similar to that of Rue. 



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