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458 DENTAL MEDICINE.
Dental Uses.—It has been recommended as useful in putres-
cent pulp-canals, alveolar pyorrhoea and stomatitis, as a mouth
wash, and in all offensive conditions of the oral cavity.

MENTHOL—JAPANESE CAMPHOR.
(peppermint camphor.)
Formula.— CiqHjqO.
Derivation.— Menthol is the stearoptene of peppermint oil, and
is obtained from this oil either by long keeping or by being cooled
at a low temperature. Chemically, menthol occupies the posi-
tion of an alcohol, having in its composition four atoms more of
hydrogen than the ordinary camphor, and containing the radical
menthyl. It is in the form of a crystalline solid, composed of
small white crystals of a peppermint odor and resembling sul-
phate of magnesia. It is imported as Japanese camphor, its chief
source being the Japanese and Chinese peppermint oils. In a
liquid state it has a specific gravity less than that of water. It is
rendered liquid and volatile at a temperature one or two degrees
below that of the body. It is sparingly soluble in cold water,
liquefying slowly in water at 82° F., quickly at 120° F., but
remains mostly as a separate body. It is freely soluble in alco-
hol, ether, glycerine and in the fixed and volatile oils.
Medical Properties and Action.—Menthol is anodyne, anti-
spasmodic, and antiseptic. In doses of gr. ^^ to it steadies the
I
contractions of an excited heart, and causes tranquillity, and at
the same time slight cerebral drowsiness.
Half a grain may cause vomiting from gastric irritation, hence
care should be observed in its administration, either internally or
externally about the mouth. Its internal use is not advocated,
unless well diluted, but its principal use is as an external applica-
tion.
Therapeutic Uses.—Menthol is said to prove as effectual as
aconite, veratria and atropine for such diseases as neuralgia, bra-
chalgia and gout ; more so it is claimed by some. It is also used
in chronic rheumatism and in headache. It is also applied in
putrefactive wounds, as an antiseptic.