Notes on scientific research. 129 



and P. Q. Row 1 ), in a higher degree by veratryl and piperonyl alcohols, piperonal, 

 vanillin, veratryl aldehyde, and o- and p-hydroxybenzaldehyde. 



Since nothing is known as to the therapeutic action of the benzyl esters of the 

 higher fatty acids and the aliphatic and aromatic amino-acids, and other sulpho and 

 amino-acids, the authors prepared a number of these esters, and determined the 

 physical and therapeutical properties. The esters of the higher fatty acids were tasteless, 

 colourless liquids — those of the unsaturated acids showed an unpleasant taste — or 

 low-melting solids, which had neither an anesthetic effect nor an irritating action on 

 the mucous membrane. Owing to the insolubility in water of these esters the usual 

 physiological tests on animals were not entirely satisfactory. Clinical tests were there- 

 fore resorted to, which demonstrated the antispasmodic action of these esters in 

 asthma, dysmenorrhoea, high blood pressure, pylorospasm, and spastic constipation. 



The benzyl esters of p- and m-amidobenzoic acid showed an irritating effect on 

 the mucous membrane and possessed local anesthetic properties. 



Benzyl lactate was also prepared but because of its irritating effect it was not tested 

 clinically. 



The benzyl esters of mixtures of fatty acids derived from natural fats had the equal 

 therapeutic properties as the benzyl esters of the individual fatty acids. They are 

 more readily hydrolysed by lipase than are the benzyl esters of aromatic acids. 



As C.Nielsen and ). A. Higgins 2 ) have observed, the peristaltic movements (observed 

 in situ with dogs) are lessened by intravenous infection of a 5 per cent, emulsion of 

 benzyl benzoate or cinnamate. The latter ester is at least quite as effective as the 

 benzoate, but is not quite so effective in lowering the blood-pressUre. Benzyl cinna- 

 mate shows a moderately toxic action; a small dog stood about 15 gms. after oral 

 application without any harm. 



Frohlich and Grossmann 3 ) continued their experiments on the medicinal action of 

 camphor 4 ). A frog's heart, when under camphor treatment, reacted no more, on appli- 

 cation of alternating current, by raging ("iviihlen"). The authors conclude herefrom 

 that camphor is capable of improving the metabolism of the heart ventricle. 



G. joachimoglu 5 ) was able, by application of camphor to a leech preparation, to effect 

 increase of the tonus, and contractions of hours' duration. D-, 1-, and d^-camphor 

 showed the same action. Since thymol, of anthelminthic fame, causes a similar effect, 

 the author believes camphor to be efficacious as vermifuge when applied as enema. 



Terpichin (a solution of 15 percent, turpentine oil with each 0.5 percent, of quinine 

 and anesthesine in olive oil) is used for dermatological purposes and with various in- 

 flammations. W. Karo 6 ) prefers the intravenous injection of this remedy in lieu of the 

 usual intragluteal application, since it proved to be superior to the latter. 



Trabut 7 ) recommends in the treatment of diabetes a decoction of eucalyptus leaves 

 (10 to 15 gr. to a litre of water and boiled down to one-half of its volume). The 

 leaves of Eucalyptus diversicolor and E. rostrata &ct as well as those of E. Globulus. 



As to the medicinal use of turpentine oil. see p. 77 of this Report. 



On injections with solutions of benzyl benzoate, vide p. 92 of this Report. 



'■) Journ. Amur. ehem. Hoc. 43 (1921), 361. — 2 ) Jonrn. of labor at. and din. med. (> (1921), 388. As per 



Zentralbl. 1921, III. 1173. — *) Cf. BeruM (Germ, ed.) 1921, 63. — *) Arch. f. exp. Pharm. u: Path. 



9 -(1921), 1. As per Therap. Hafamonatsh. 35 (192. i>,^376. — B ) Arch. f. exp. Pharm. u. Path. 88 (1920), 364. As 



far Therap. Halbtnonat8h.3& (1921), 37t>. — e ) Klin. Wochenschr. 1 (1922), 89. — 7 ) Pcrfum. Record 12 (1921), 265. 



9 



