— I04 — 
The valerianic acid esters of borneol and menthol, whose action has 
been described in several communications, possess therapeutical interest. 
Bornyl valerianate, known as a constituent of valerian oil, has 
been examined for its therapeutic action by L. Hirschlaff^). He 
employed it with patients who suffered from functional nervous symp- 
toms of the systems of circulation and digestion, and of the central 
nervous system. The remedy was well tolerated, and was found to 
be reliable and harmless in nervous complaints of all kinds, and spe- 
cially in nervous affections of the heart. 
According to Kerner^), menthyl valerianate is an analeptic 
with a certain action, which is taken not unwillingly, and which when 
employed as an enema acts instantly. It deserves special attention 
as an antinervous remedy, as it also acts as a stomachic. Against 
sea-sickness it has proved a prophylactic. 
E.Varenne, J. Roussel, and L. Godefroy ^), have, like S.Laloue, 
lately arrived at the conclusion, after physiological examinations made 
during the last three years, that anethol and also anise oil, even in 
doses of 3 gm. per kilogram weight of the animal, i. e. quite important 
doses, do not produce the slightest toxic symptoms. The authors 
believe to be justified in accepting already on the strength of the 
chemical constitution of anethol, that it possesses an antiseptic analgetic 
action. It has been proved in practice that in certain disturbances 
of the stomach and intestinal canal, an infusion, tincture, etc. of anise 
has an excellent effect. The experiments were made with rabbits 
and dogs, and after continued administration of anethol, these animals 
were in a perfectly normal condition and showed no symptoms of 
disease. The above-named scientists have also studied the action of 
anethol on themselves, and were unable to detect any injurious con- 
sequences whatever. It is stated that the removal of anethol from 
the organism, by the lungs and urine, already commences in lo to 
15 minutes after administration. The authors believe to have dis- 
covered during their experiments a reaction for anethol, which consists 
of this, that the oil to be examined (3 cc) is heated with 2 to 3 cc 
glacial acetic acid and 5 cc fuming hydrochloric acid. The occur- 
rence of a green colour points to the presence of anethol. The 
isomeric methyl chavicol is said to produce under the same conditions 
an amethyst-red colour. 
^) Allgem. med. Central-Ztg. 47 (1903). According to Therap. Monatshefte 
18 (1904), 43. 
^) Klin, therap. "Wochenschrift 1903, 29. According to Pharm. Centralhalle 
44 (1903), 917. 
^) Compt. rend. 137 (1903), 1294. 
