people it has a more agreeable taste than peppermint, and in infantile cases it is usually preferred.

Official Preparations.

Aqua Měnthæ Viridis—Aquæ Měnthæ Viridis-Spearmint Water. Spiritus Menthæ Viridis-Spiritus Měnthæ Viridis-Spirit, or Essence, of Spearmint.

The dose of the oil of spearmint and of the above preparations is the same as for the corresponding oil and preparations of peppermint.

Thymol-Thymol-Thymol. U. S. P.

Origin. A phenol or stearopten occurring in, and obtained by, freezing or distilling the volatile oils of Thymus vulgaris, Thymus monarda, and Carum ajowan.

Description and Properties.-Large, colorless, translucent crystals of the hexagonal system, having an aromatic, thyme-like odor, and a pungent aromatic taste, with a very slight caustic effect upon the lips. Its specific gravity as a solid is 1.069, but when liquefied by fusion it is lighter than water. It is soluble in about 1200 parts of water and in less than its own weight of alcohol, ether, or chloroform; also readily soluble in carbon disulphide, glacial acetic acid, and in fixed or volatile oils. When triturated with about equal quantities of camphor, menthol, or chloral, it liquefies.

Dose.-1-5 grains (0.06–0.3 Gm.).

Allied and Derivative Compound.

Thymǎcetin, a derivative of thymol, prepared after the manner of phenacetin, and holding the same relation to thymol as phenacetin does to phenol (carbolic acid). It is a white, crystalline powder, sparingly soluble in water. Dose, 3-10 grains (0.2-0.6 Gm.).

Physiological Action and Therapeutics are similar to those of phenacetin, thymacetin possessing marked analgesic and hypnotic properties.

Physiological Action.-Thymol is a powerful antiseptic, being ten times less poisonous than carbolic acid, yet as an antiseptic far superior to it. While stimulant, it is not irritant or corrosive. is also a deodorant, disinfectant, parasiticide, and local anesthetic, as well as an antipruritic, antipyretic, and antifermentative.

Absorption and Elimination.-It is eliminated chiefly by the lungs and kidneys, producing some irritation at the points of elimination. The urine is increased in quantity, often assuming a dark greenish hue.

Untoward Action.-The following symptoms have been produced by the administration of large doses: burning sensation in the mouth and stomach, persisting in some instances for days, accompanied by pain and tenderness under pressure. According to Balz, "perspiration is sometimes observed, and occasionally a transient buzzing in the ears and deafness."

Poisoning. In addition to untoward manifestations, there may be nausea and vomiting, profuse sweating, great reduction of temperature, dizziness, violent delirium, and collapse.

Therapeutics.-Externally and Locally.-The applications of thymol in surgery are identical with those of carbolic acid. Among surgeons who recommend and use it is Mr. Spencer Wells, who employs it in a solution of 1:1000 for spray, irrigation, sponges, instruments, and all other antiseptic purposes.

Crocker in 1878 introduced it as an efficient remedy in certain skin diseases. It probably owes its value in these cases to its antipruritic and antiparasitic properties.

It is also extensively used in diseases of the nose, throat, and ear, and in certain disorders of the genito-urinary tract. Thymol is also administered by inhalation in certain broncho-pulmonary disorders.

Internally.-Thymol is used for the same purposes as other antiseptics, such as carbolic acid, resorcin, beta-naphtol, etc. Martini highly recommends it as an intestinal antiseptic in the treatment of diarrhea, dysentery, and typhoid fever.

Bulfalini has employed it with some success in limiting fermentation during a proteid diet in the treatment of diabetes. It has also been favorably recommended in phthisis, vesical catarrh, stomatitis, and diphtheria.

Administration.-It may be applied externally in solution (1 : 1000), as an ointment (1-10 per cent.), or in the form of thymol gauze as a surgical dressing (1 per cent. of thymol).

For internal use it should be given in pills or capsules.

Cārum-Cāri-Caraway. U. S. P.

Origin. The fruit of Carum Carvi L., a biennial plant native to Central and Western Asia. It is cultivated in Europe and in the United States.

Description and Properties.-Oblong, laterally compressed, about to inch (4-5 Mm.) in length, tapering somewhat at the

ends, brown, with five yellowish, filiform ribs, and six oil-tubes. Caraway has an agreeable odor and a sweetish, spicy taste. Constituents. It contains from 5 to 7 per cent. of a volatile

oil.

Dose.-15-30 grains (1.0-2.0 Gm.).

Official Preparation.

Tinctura Cardamōmi Compŏosita (10 per cent.)—Tincturæ Cardamōmi Compositæ Compound Tincture of Cardamom.-Dose, 1-2 fluidrachms (4.08.0 Cc.). (Formula given under Cariamomum.)

Ōleum Cari-Ōlei Cari-Oil of Caraway. U. S. P.

Origin. A volatile oil distilled from Caraway.

Description and Properties.-A colorless or pale-yellow, thin liquid, having the characteristic aromatic odor of caraway and a mild, spicy taste. Soluble in an equal volume of alcohol, this solution being neutral to litmus-paper.

By fractional distillation the oil may be separated into two portions: a light hydrocarbon with but little odor and taste, carvene, and a heavy oil having an agreeable caraway odor, carvol, and isomeric with menthol, myristicol, and thymol.

Dose.-I-10 minims (0.6-0.66 Cc.).

Official Preparation.

Spiritus Juniperi Compŏsitus (0.05 per cent.)—Spíritus JunĬperi Compositi— Compound Spirit of Juniper.-Oil of Juniper, 4; Oil of Caraway, ; Oil of Fennel, 2; Alcohol, 0.7; Water, q. s. ad 1000 parts. Dose, 2-4 fluidrachms (8.0-15.0 Cc.).

Physiological Action and Therapeutics.-The same as those of the other aromatic oils.

CLASS II-SYMPTOM MEDICINES.

GROUP I.-ANTISPASMODICS.

Antispasmodics are remedies used to allay spasm and quiet nervous excitement or improve unfavorable conditions of the mind, as in cases of convulsions, hysteria, melancholia, hypochondriasis, etc. They act as stimulants to the brain and higher nervous centers, and as depressants of the lower centers, diminishing muscular activity and, partly through their action upon the higher nervous centers, increasing the co-ordinating power. They are to a considerable degree cardiac stimulants, diaphoretics, expectorants, and antiseptics.

Asafoetida-Asafoetida-Asafetida. U. S. P.

Origin. A gum resin obtained from the root of Ferula fætida (Bunge) Regel, a large perennial herb found in Turkestan, Western Thibet, and Western Afghanistan.

Description and Properties.-Irregular masses composed of whitish tears imbedded in a yellowish- or brownish-gray, sticky mass. The tears when hard break with a conchoidal fracture, showing a milk-white color, which changes, on exposure, to pink, and finally to brown. The drug has a persistent alliaceous odor and a bitter, alliaceous, acrid taste. When triturated with water it yields a milk-white emulsion, which becomes yellow upon the addition of ammonia water. It is partly soluble in ether, and at least 60 per cent. of it should dissolve in alcohol.

Dose.-5-8 grains (0.3-0.5 Gm.).

Official Preparations.

Emulsum Asafoetida-Emulsi Asafoetida-Emulsion of Asafetida. -Dose, 2-4 fluidrachms (7.39-15 Cc.).

Pilulæ Aloes et Asafœtidæ - Pilulas (acc.) Aloes et Asafoetida.-Pills of Aloes and Asafetida.-Dose, 2 to 5 pills.

Pilulæ Asafoetida-Pilulas (acc.) Asafœtidæ-Pills of Asafetida.-Dose, 2 to 5 pills.

Tinctura Asafoetida-Tincturæ Asafoetida-Tincture of Asafetida (20 per cent.).-Dose, 10-40 minims (0.6-2.5 Cc.).

Ammoniacum-Ammoniaci-Ammoniac. U. S. P. Origin. A gum resin obtained from Dorema Ammoniacum Don, a plant 6 or 7 feet (2 M.) high, found in the deserts and barren regions of Persia and Tartary.

Description and Properties.-Roundish tears, 1-inch (1.512 Mm.) in diameter; externally pale yellowish-brown, internally milk-white; brittle when cold, and breaking with a flat, conchoidal, and waxy fracture; or the tears are superficially united into irregular masses without any intervening dark-colored substance. It has a peculiar odor and a bitter, acrid, and nauseous taste. When triturated with water it readily yields a milk-white emulsion. It contains from 1.8 to 4 per cent. of volatile oil, 70 to 72 per cent. of resin, and 18 to 22 per cent. of gum.

Dose.-2-10 grains (0.12-0.6 Gm.).

Official Preparations.

Emplǎstrum Ammoniaci cum Hydrargyro-Emplăstra Ammoniaci cum Hydrargyro-Ammoniac Plaster with Mercury. For external use.

Emulsum Ammoniaci-Emulsi Ammoniaci-Emulsion of Ammoniac (4 per cent.).-Dose, 1⁄2-1 fluid ounce (15 to 30 Cc.).

Camphōra-Camphōræ-Camphor.

U. S. P.

Origin. A stearopten (of the nature of a ketone) obtained from Cinnamomum camphora L., and purified by sublimation. The camphor laurel is a handsome tree 25 to 30 feet (7.5–9 M.) high, indigenous in Eastern and Southeastern Asia, and cultivated in Italy as an ornamental tree.

Description and Properties.-White, translucent masses, of a tough consistence and crystalline structure, readily pulverizable in the presence of a little alcohol, ether, or chloroform; having a penetrating, characteristic odor and a pungently aromatic taste. Very sparingly soluble in water, but readily soluble in alcohol, ether, chloroform, carbon disulphide, benzin, and in fixed and volatile oils.

When camphor is triturated in about molecular proportions with menthol, thymol, phenol, or chloral hydrate, liquefaction ensues. It melts at 175° C. (347° F.), boils at 204° C. (399.2° F.), and is inflammable, burning with a luminous, smoky flame. On exposure to the air it evaporates more or less rapidly at ordinary temperatures, and when moderately heated it sublimes without leaving a residue.