THE AUSTRALASIAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACY. 
3 
abounding in astringency, and the latter in a lesser degree ; none approach in 
value for medicinal uses the inspissated juice of the rostrata of Victoria. This 
is a delicate mucilaginous astringent in combination with tonic properties, 
employed with benefit in all affections of the mucous membrane of the stomach 
and bowels, and is a reliable remedy in the treatment of chronic dysentery and 
diarrhoea. As a topical astringent for the uvula and tonsils, either in the form of 
a gargle, syrup, or lozenge, it forms a useful remedy. Soluble in alcohol, cold 
or boiling water. 
Incompatibles. — The alkalies and metallic salts. 
Pharmaceutical Preparations. — Apart from the essential ottos are the follow- 
ing : — Succus rostratae, the inspissated juice of the tree, is a safer and more 
effective remedy than either kino or catechu. Squire speaks of it as a gum 
adhering with great pertinacity to the mucous surfaces, and mild in astringency. 
Dose — One to two fluid drachms. 
Syrupus Eucalypti Bostrati. — An agreeable form for administering, and mild in 
character. 
Succus Eucalypti Globuli Lamina. — Freshly expressed from the lamina of the 
leaf, is a tonic, antiperiodic and antiseptic, containing the active principle in 
combination, employed in intermittent and remittent fevers, and in all affections 
of the respiratory organs ; in purulent catarrhal affections of the urethra and 
vagina when in dilution. 
Eucalyptene. — The tonic or bitter principle, employed in pill form, in doses of 
two to three grains. 
Liquor Eucalypti Globuli. — The eucalyptene in a liquid condition ; generally 
used in this condition on account of its liability to attract moisture ; employed 
in cases of ague and dengue fever, in doses of one drachm in mucilage or other 
convenient vehicle. 
Essential Oils. — We now come to the essential ottos of the eucalyptus. I 
have already mentioned the leading sj)ecies producing oils in general use ; 
although others are equally important, none are superior. Distance from popula- 
tion, and the difficulties of transit, at present prevent the employment of many 
kinds. In a paper read before the Royal Society of Victoria, in 1876, I fully 
entered into the question of the sanative effect of the eucalyptus forests of 
Australia upon climate. The paper is published in the Society’s transactions of 
that year. The evidences and arguments I need not repeat here, but confine 
myself — first, to the chemical composition of the oils ; second, to their thera- 
peutical effect and mode of administration. 
Chemical Composition. — Athough there exists a great diversity of odour in the 
several eucalyptus oils, yet in chemical composition they have but two headings 
or divisions, viz., hydrocarbons of the terpene group, and compounds containing 
oxygen approximating to camphor, such as the cymol, thymol, terpinol. It is 
highly probable that many of the differently-named constituents are identical 
with each other ; however, a near chemical relationship exists. 
The formula C 5 H 4 — that is, five atoms of carbon and four of hydrogen — is the 
most simple form of union. In oleum terebinthse we have its multiple thus — 
C 10 II s or C 20 H 16 ; an equally similar formula applies to many of our 
eucalyptus oils ; others again containing oxygen include those having a strong 
camphoraceous odour, hence the formula C 20 II 16 O, are oxyhydrocarbons. 
Although this expresses the relative proportions of the elements, yet it is in 
their molecular arrangement, or binding sphere, or method of union, wherein 
lies the difference in aroma and character. A striking example of this fact is 
noticeable in ess. limonis and oleum terebinthse, both being similar in 
formula. 
