132 
NAT. ORDER. OLEACE^. 
of Fahrenheit, it congeals, and does not become rancid if kept in 
a degree of cold equal to the freezing point of water. All the 
mild expressed oils of vegetables are nearly of the same nature ; 
a preference, however, in the opinion of Dr. Cullen, should be 
given to the most fluid ; and hence the oil of Olives, and that of 
Almonds, are most commonly directed for internal use. Oil, in 
soma shape, forms a considerable part of our food, both anirnal and 
vegetable, and affords much nourishment : with some, however, 
oily substances do not unite with the contents of the stomach, and 
are frequently brought up by eructation. This happens more es- 
pecially to those whose stomachs abound with acid to an uncom- 
mon degree. 
Medical Properties and Uses. Oil, considered as a medicine, 
is supposed to correct acrimony, and to lubricate and relax the 
fibres, and has been recommended internally, therefore, to obviate 
the effects of various stimuli, which produce irritation, and con- 
sequent inflammation. On this ground it has generally been pre- 
scribed in coughs, catarrhal affections, and erosions. This oil has 
likewise been successfully used in worm cases, and in nephritic 
pains, spasms, colics, constipations of the bowels, &c. Externally, 
it has been found a useful application to bites and stings of various 
poisonous animals, burns, tumors, and other affections, both by it- 
self, or as mixed in liniments or poultices. Oil rubbed over the 
body has been found by many of great service in dropsies, partic- 
ularly in ascites. In regard to the general effects of oil, taken in- 
ternally, we may remark, that though its effects as a medicine 
extend over the primes viae, yet it may be very rationally doubted 
if it produces any medicinal effect after passing into the sanguife- 
rous system. This oil also enters several officinal compositions; 
and when united with water, by the intervention of alkali, is 
usually given in coughs and hoarseness, &c. 
