4 
THE AUSTRALASIAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACY. 
Therapeutical Action . — In considering tlie medicinal effect of the oils of the 
eucalyptus, it must he remembered that we are dealing with bodies simply in 
elementary formula, and consequently wide apart from those complex compounds 
of the type of the well-known energetic poisons. 
The hydrocarbon character of the eucalyptus oils, together with their low 
specific gravity, varying from 0*880 to 0*911, points to their rapid diffusibility 
when taken internally. Analogous compounds, such as camphor, alcohol, and 
conia, afford the key to their action. The immediate effect of each of the 
bodies just named is well known to be on the cerebro- spinal nervous system ; 
any one of these taken in large doses produces more or less complete flaccidity 
of the muscular system, and ultimately produces a state of inebriation and 
unconsciousness ; a similar result follows extreme doses of eucalyptus oil. 
Medical scientists report that a small dose promotes appetite ; a large one 
destroys it. In stronger doses of 10 to 20 minims it first accelerates the pulse, 
produces pleasant general excitement (shown by irresistible desire for moving 
about) and a feeling of buoyancy and strength. Intoxicating in very large doses, 
but, unlike alcohol or opium, the effects are not followed by torpor, but produce 
a general calmness and soothing sleep. The antidote for an overdose is also 
alike in character — viz., a strong cup of coffee without milk or sugar, which 
speedily removes any alarming symptoms. N"ow, these results, as compared with 
the medicinal action of conium maculatum, are very striking — an overdose of 
this drug leaves the intelligence and sensory system intact, while it paralyses 
the motor system; in like manner overdoses of eucalyptus produce similar 
results. The bitterness left on the palate after taking eucalyptus oil is evidently 
due to a principle isomeric with the oil, not separable. It probably is the active 
agent so often referred to by medical writers when urging the anti-periodic 
properties of the oil. 
Eiccalyptol is the more volatile liquid, obtained from any one of the three 
essential ottos previously mentioned. It is separated by rectification with caustic 
potash and fused calcium chloride, boiling evenly at 347 Fahr. — the product of 
eucalyptol in quantity being about two per centum, represented by C 1 oH. 20 0 ; 
it is a homologue of camphor, and appears to be two steps higher in the series ; 
its vapour mixed with air is fresh, agreeable when inhaled, and is employed as 
a therapeutic agent in diphtheritic and bronchial affections, in the form of 
vapour. About one teaspoonful with half a pint of boiling water is placed in 
the inhaler. 
Oil of Eucalyptus, in general use, is in chief obtained from the amygdalina 
odorata species, and not from the “ globulus/* being more abundant, much 
cheaper, and containing the full remedial properties assigned to the volatile 
product of this vegetation. It is very fluid, almost devoid of colour, and 
having 'an aroma persistent and camphoraceous ; is slightly soluble in water, 
but completely so in alcohol, oils, fats, and paraffin. It is not caustic, like 
carbolic acid, nor does it produce much irritation of the skin, unless applied 
with extra friction ; in that case the application of an emollient will speedily 
relieve. It is very destructive to low organic growth. It is a powerful anti- 
septic, and by some practitioners stated to be more than three times as strong 
as carbolic acid in preventing the development of bacteria. Its uses are 
manifold. The Lancet, Medical Times, and numerous other medical and scientific 
journals frequently record them. In “Martindale and Westcott’s extra Pharma- 
copoeia, 1884” is furnished a full account, together with formulas for its employ- 
meat, and attached to this paper will be found a full statement of the 
eucalyptus preparations, together with doses. Adulterations are frequent. 
Eucalyptus oil pure is colourless, or nearly so ; leaves no stain on the most 
delicate fabric. 
