MELALEUCA CAJUPUTI. 
217 
Qualities. The oil of cajuputi, as it is brought to us, has a 
very powerful odour, resembling a mixture of camphor and oil of 
turpentine, but gradually becomefs more fragrant ; the taste is pun- 
gent, like that of camphor. It is transparent, and of a beautiful 
bluish green colour; when dropped on the surface of water, it 
diffuses itself over it, and very rapidly and completely evaporates : 
this is said to be a test of its purity ; when ignited, it burns rapidly 
without leaving any residue. When pure, it is entirely soluble in 
alcohol, and partly so in water. Its green colour is said by some to 
be derived from the copper flasks in which it is imported, but by 
others this is denied.* 
The oil is obtained by distillation from the dried leaves. In the 
Island of Banda large quantities are thus prepared, and sent to Hol- 
land in copper flasks, from whence it is imported into this country. 
Medical Properties and Uses. Cajuputi oil, like other 
aromatic oils, is highly stimulating. In doses of a few drops it 
produces copious perspiration, hence it is efficaciously given ia 
chronic rheumatism. In hysteria, flatulent colic, palsy, epilepsy, 
and other nervous and spasmodic diseases, it has been given with 
good effect. As a topical remedy, when diluted with olive or 
almond oil, it is employed for restoring vigour after luxations and 
spasms, and for easing violent pain in gouty and rheumatic cases; 
when put into carious teeth it lulls the pain. Dr. A. T. Thomson 
says, *' We have seen much benefit derived from rubbing it on the 
temples, in defective vision from a weakened state of the eyes." 
When given internally, the dose is from one to three or four drops 
on a lump of sugar. 
Off. The Essential Oil. 
* We are told by Mr. Brande, that none of the samples which he examined 
contained copper. 
VOL I. 2 H 
