10 PREPARATION OF THE ESSENTIAL OIL OF MUSTARD. 
oil of mustard; but he highly recommends distillation by 
means of steam, as affording far better results than the old 
method, in respect to the quantity and purity of the product. 
On account of its volatility, great care is to be taken in its 
collection. The apparatus for filtering with the exclusion of 
the atmosphere is very suitable for the purpose. The average 
quantity of the essential oil obtained from the pound of 
powdered mustard seed, was forty-two grains, but there existed 
a great difference in amount from different parcels of the seed. 
The author states, that the Dutch seed is preferable to either 
the German or French. 
The oil obtained was of a yellowish color, but the first por- 
tions that came over appeared white; its specific gravity at 
62° F. was 1.020, different from that given by M. Fontanelle, 
1.0387; the oil when exposed to a low temperature appears 
opalescent, from having dissolved in it a small quantity of 
water. It dissolves sulphur and phosphorus, and on long ex- 
posure to the atmosphere it lets fall a sediment consisting of 
sulphur; it prevents fermentation. 
According to analysis it consists of 
Carbon 
Nitrogen 
Hydrogen 
Oxygen 
Sulphur 
99.80 
Properties and method of using the volatile oil of mustard 
seed. 
The volatile oil of mustard seed, after many successful 
trials, is proved to be an effectual irritating remedy, suited to 
fulfil the counter-stimulant plan of treatment, and capable of 
increasing or exalting the vital actions in debilitated or para- 
lyzed organs. It is now kept in all the principal apothecary 
shops in Germany. On account of its volatility, the greatest 
care is necessary to preserve it, as even when dilute and kept 
49.84 
14.41 
5.09 
10.18 
20.28 
