PREPARATIONS OP VALERIAN. 
311 
hysteria, nervousness resulting from masturbation, delirium 
tremens, &c, (were it necessary I could give numerous 
cases,) I am prepared to express my firm belief in its superi- 
ority to any form of valerian which has been before pre- 
sented to the community. In this opinion I am supported 
by the profession generally in New England, where this 
preparation is in daily use, and by some of the most emi- 
nent physicians of this city. 
The following is from A. A. Hayes, the State Assayer, 
which gives the analysis of its ingredients. Some recom- 
mendations follow, from various distinguished professors 
in New England. 
" Oil of Valerian, as furnished by Elder Parker, May 
6th, 1849. Lowell. — This oil, of a light yellow color, con- 
tains valerianic acid, and a neutral body, besides the volatile 
oil of valerian. After exposure to air and moisture, an inter- 
change of the elements takes place, a crystalline body ap- 
pears, while the quantity of valerianic acid is increased. 
" The crystalline body appears, by the analysis of Adolph 
Schliesser, Esq., to be new. In its general character it re- 
sembles camphor, but differs from Borneol and Valerol, in 
chemical properties. Purified by solution in alcohol, and 
precipitated by water, it presents delicate prismatic crystals 
of a snowy whiteness. While cold they are nearly odor- 
less, with a slight aromatic, very bitter taste. This sub- 
stance is volatile, and when heated has the odor of valerian 
oil. It melts into a perfect fluid, which becomes a crystal- 
lized mass on cooling. 
" The specific gravity of well-formed prismatic crystals is 
at 60 F. 1033 to 1055, while the solid crystalline masses are 
suspended in a fluid of sp. gr. of 1076. Slowly heated, fu- 
sion takes place at 198 4-10° F., to 197 7-10° F. ; the trans- 
parent fluid remains, when cooled, to 195° F., but as it 
passes to the solid form, the thermometer marks 196 to 
197 F. Below 180° the vapor rises rapidly, and condenses 
in frost-like, delicate, needly prisms of extreme purity. It 
is probable that the neutral body referred to above, is con- 
