Page 471 - My FlipBook

MYRTOL. 469 ;

MYRTOL—RECTIFIED MYRTLE OIL.
Derivation.—Myrtol is obtained from the leaves and berries of
the Myrtus Communis (Myrtaceae), an evergreen shrub native of
the Mediterranean countries. It is a volatile oil containing various
terpenes, cineol, and a camphor-like substance.
Medical Properties and Therapeutic Uses.— Myrtol is a disin-
fectant and antiseptic, and causes no irritation to the skin. Upon
a denuded or abraded surface it causes a slight burning sensation,
which soon passes off. It is claimed that a 9 per cent, solution
of myrtol will completely arrest the growth of the micro-organisms
and myrtol will also prevent the decomposition of
of pus ;
organic matters. Internally myrtol promotes digestion, but large
doses cause headache and nausea. It communicates a violet
odor to the breath and urine, and is eliminated from the system
by the lungs and kidneys.
Myrtol has been employed with success as a disinfectant for
wounds and ulcers ; also in cutaneous diseases of a vegetable
parasitic origin, and as a local remedy in psoriasis. Internally,
myrtol has proved useful in the destruction of intestinal worms
also in chronic bronchitis, gangrene of lungs, pulmonary tuber-
culosis, chronic pyelitis and cystitis ; also in passive hemorrhage.
Dose.— Gr. iv.
Dental Uses.—Myrtol is employed in dental practice as a dis-
infectant of pulp canals and as an antiseptic for gangrenous pulps,
also to destroy the growth of micro-organisms in alveolar ab-
scesses, and to disinfect carious cavities in teeth, and as a mouth
wash in inflammation of the mucous membrane, etc., etc.
NAPHTHALENE—NAPHTHALIN.
Formula.— CjoHg.
Derivation.— Naphthalene may be obtained by subjecting coal-tar
to a distillation, when it passes over the coal naphtha. It is puri-
fied by subliming it with charcoal, and is then in the form of a
white crystalline body. It has a slightly aromatic taste and the
odor of coal-tar. While it has no poisonous effect on man and
the higher animals, it is destructive to fungi spores, small insects,
etc. It is soluble in alcohol, ether, naphtha and the oils, but in-