AMYGDALA AMARA, Bitter Almond,— is the seed of Amygdalus communis, var. amara, a tree of the nat. ord. Rosacea, indigenous to Western Asia, but cultivated in many other parts of the world. The seed is lanceolate in shape, brownish in color, about an inch long, having a white, oily embryo of bitter taste, which, when triturated with water, emits an odor of Hydrocyanic Acid. Cultivated chiefly in Spain and the Balearic Islands.

AMYGDALA DULCIS, Sweet Almond,—is the seed of Amygdalus communis, var. dulcis, a tree of the nat. ord. Rosacea. The bitter and sweet almond trees are identical botanically, and the fruits and seeds of the two varieties resemble each other closely, only differing in taste and the presence of Amygdalin (see above). The sweet almond is largely cultivated about Malaga and in California.

Preparations.

AQUA AMYGDALÆ AMARÆ,-is a weak solution of the Oil of Bitter Almond in Distilled Water (1 in 1000). Is only a flavored water. Dose, indefinite. OLEUM AMYGDALÆ AMARÆ,-is a volatile oil, of peculiar and aromatic odor, bitter, burning taste, and neutral reaction; soluble in 300 of water, but freely in alcohol and ether. Dose, m-j, in mixture.

This essential oil, one of the products of the reaction between Amygdalin and Emulsin (see ante, p. 29), contains a varying quantity of Hydrocyanic Acid (3 to 14 per cent.), which may be removed by distillation with caustic potash. Nitrobenzol, or "Oil of Mirbane," closely resembles the oil of bitter almond, and like it is used for flavoring. It contains no Hydrocyanic Acid, but is a dangerous poison, producing toxic effects when inhaled, even in small doses. SYRUPUS AMYGDALA,-has of Bitter Almond 3 per cent., of Sweet Almond Dose, indefinite.

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MISTURA AMYGDALÆ,-made of Sweet Almond 6 per cent., with Acacia, Sugar and Water. A demulcent drink, used as a vehicle for cough mixtures. Dose, zij-3ss.

OLEUM AMYGDALÆ EXPRESSUM,-is the fixed oil which is expressed from either Bitter or Sweet Almond. Used in Unguentum Aquæ Rose, and as a bland local application in skin affections.

Physiological Action.

The bitter and sweet varieties of the species Amygdalus communis differ in action only through the agency of the principle Amygdalin contained in the former. The Sweet Almond is demulcent and nutritive, while the fixed oil expressed from either variety is a bland application, having the same action as Olive Oil. The action of the Bitter Almond and its oil is due to the Hydrocyanic Acid contained in them (see ante, p. 29).

Therapeutics.

EXPRESSED OIL OF ALMOND is demulcent, and in doses of 3-ij a mild laxative. It is used externally for excoriations,

chapped hands, and inflammatory skin affections, and is applied to the ear in earache. The cake remaining after the expression of the fixed oil from the sweet almond is ground into flour, and used in the form of biscuits for diabetics as a substitute for bread, as it contains no starch.

The OIL OF BITTER ALMOND is used as a flavoring agent, and may be employed locally or internally in lieu of Hydrocyanic Acid. The Syrup is somewhat sedative, but is generally used as a demulcent or for flavoring purposes. The Mixture is used in catarrhal affections and as a vehicle for cough-mixtures. The poisonous character of the Bitter Almond and its essential oil (Oleum Amygdala Amaræ) should be kept in mind.

AMYL NITRIS, Nitrite of Amyl, C,H,,NO,,-is a clear, yellowish liquid, of ethereal and fruity odor, aromatic taste, and neutral or slightly acid reaction, extremely volatile, insoluble in water but freely soluble in alcohol, ether, chloroform and benzin. It is produced by the action of Nitric or Nitrous Acid upon Amylic Alcohol, and when impure may have Nitric or Hydrocyanic Acid in it. Dose internally m4-j dissolved in alcohol,— by inhalation mij-v; but larger doses are probably safe.

Unofficial Analogue.

NITROGLYCERINUM, Nitroglycerin, Glonoin, Trinitrate of Glyceryl, C,H5(NO3)3,—is a clear, oily liquid, insoluble in water, but soluble in alcohol, ether, oils, etc., produced by the action of nitric and sulphuric acids upon glycerin. Is a dangerous explosive, and should not be kept in stronger solution than I per cent. Dose moto or more, according to susceptibility.

Unofficial Preparations of Nitroglycerin.

TINCTURA NITROGLYCERINI,-a one per cent, solution in alcohol. Dose, m-x. The strong tincture sold by the homœopathic pharmaceutists and official in their American Pharmacopoeia is a ten per cent. solution, or ten times the strength of the above. It is an extremely dangerous preparation, both as an explosive and as a medicine. (See American Homœopathic Pharmacopaia, 2d ed., Boericke & Tafel, 1883, page 235.)

TABELLE NITROGLYCERINI, B. P.-are tablets of chocolate, each containing gr. of pure Nitroglycerin. Dose, j-ij.

Other Nitrites.

SODI NITRIS, Nitrite of Sodium, and POTASSII NITRIS, Nitrite of Potassium (both unofficial), are used as substitutes for Amyl Nitrite and Nitroglycerin. The former is a white, granular powder, deliquescent, with a cool, saline taste, very soluble in water, is made by heating Sodium Nitrate, and has the formula NaNO,. Dose, gr. 2-v, according to individual susceptibility.

ETHYL NITRITE, C,H,NO,,-constitutes 5 per cent. of Spiritus Ætheris Nitrosi. (See ante, page 43.)

Physiological Action.

NITRITE OF AMYL and the other NITRITES agree closely in their general action, producing great vascular dilatation by paralyzing either the sympathetic system, the vaso-motor centre or the muscular coat of the arterioles,-which, is yet undecided. They cause tumultuous action of the heart by relaxing its inhibition;-lowered respiration, from paralysis of the respiratory muscles and impairment of the ozonizing function of the blood ;diminution of sensation, motility and reflexes;-a sense of heat, but lowered body-temperature; also throbbing pain in the head, beating carotids, quickened pulse, flushed face and vertigo.

The effect of an ordinary inhalation of Amyl Nitrite on man is very transitory, excepting the headache, which may last several hours. Of the nitrites it is the most prompt but least enduring in action, and is best administered by inhalation. It causes sugar to appear in the urine and increases the quantity voided. Mixed with blood it forms methæmoglobin which is not so readily deoxidized as hæmoglobin, and under its influence the blood in the body becomes of a dark chocolate color both in the arteries and in the veins.

NITROGLYCERIN acts similarly, but less promptly, and its action is more enduring. Its headache is of intensely frontal character, and persists for hours after the other effects have passed off. It is more suitable for internal administration.

NITRITE OF SODIUM is also slower in action than Amyl Nitrite, and does not cause so much throbbing headache as Nitroglycerin. It may be given in solution with water.

The action of all these agents is probably due to the Nitrous Acid contained in them.

Antagonists.

Ergot, Belladonna, Strychnine, Brucine, Digitalis, Picrotoxin, and all other agents which increase the functional activity of the spinal cord and sympathetic are antagonistic, though by reason of their slower rate of diffusion the antagonism may not be always available. Stimulants, artificial respiration, the alternate cold and hot douche, with cold to the head, and Ergotin or Atropine subcutaneously, are the best means to be used in cases of poisoning by the Nitrites.

Therapeutics.

The inhalation of AMYL NITRITE is a useful palliative in angina pectoris, epilepsy, tetanus, and many of the respiratory neuroses, as spasmodic asthma, whooping-cough, laryngismus stridulus, etc.

It is also indicated in migraine of the pale-face form, and in the cold stage of intermittents and pernicious remittents to prevent internal congestion,-also in convulsions of various kinds, including the puerperal. It has been sometimes used in threatened death from chloroform anæsthesia, and in poisoning by strychnine. NITROGLYCERIN has been used with benefit in neuralgic dysmenorrhoea, sea-sickness, and in chronic interstitial nephritis by redistributing to the kidneys their blood-supply cut off by degeneration of the renal ganglionic centres. It promptly relieves hiccough, migraine of spasmodic character, and has afforded immediate relief in neuralgia of the fifth. Its administration in angina pectoris, though not producing such prompt results as that of Amyl Nitrite, gives excellent and much more lasting effects. It is useful in the weak heart of the aged, or that from fatty degeneration, or when, as in Bright's disease, the arterial tension is above normal.

Nitrite of Sodium has been successfully employed in angina pectoris, hemicrania, and in asthma of purely bronchial and neurotic origin. It has also proved decidedly beneficial in the abnormally high arterial tension of chronic desquamative nephritis, especially when complicated with a weakened and dilated heart.

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AMYLUM, Starch, C,H,,O,,-is the fecula of the seed of Triticum vulgare, common wheat, a plant of the nat. ord. Graminaceæ. Though wheat-starch is the official kind, any other might be properly used, as the starch occurring in barley, oats, arrowroot, sago and tapioca, all of which foods were official in the U. S. P. of 1870. The last three are entirely composed of starch; wheat contains about 70 per cent., and rice 90 per cent.

Starch is a carbo-hydrate, and occurs in distinct grains, forming irregular, angular masses, white, inodorous and tasteless, easily pulverized, of neutral reaction, and insoluble in alcohol, ether or cold water. Under the microscope the granules are seen to be lenticular in form and concentrically striated. When boiled with water it yields a whitish jelly of bluish tinge, which when cool gives a deep blue color with test-solution of iodine, the color disappearing on warming and returning on cooling.

By boiling with dilute mineral acids starch is converted into glucose, dextrin being formed as an intermediate product. Hot concentrated nitric acid converts it into oxalic acid, but cold fuming nitric acid dissolves it, forming an explosive compound. Diastase, ptyalin and pancreatin convert it into glucose. [For Glycogen, Dextrin, Cellulose and other allied substances see the article SACCHARUM in the following pages.]

Preparations.

AMYLUM IODATUM, Iodized Starch,-has of Starch 95 parts, Iodine 5, triturated with distilled water and dried. Used as a method of giving Iodine (see Iodum). Dose, 3j-3ss.

GLYCERITUM AMYLI, Glycerite of Starch,-has of Starch 10 parts, Glycerin 90, triturated and heated to a transparent jelly. Used as a vehicle for external applications.

Physiological Action and Therapeutics.

Starch, though a nutritive of the first order, may be regarded as inert medicinally. It serves as a protective and absorbent if dusted over the skin, as a vehicle for enemata, and as an antidote in iodine-poisoning. Mixed with glue it makes an excellent stiff bandage for surgical purposes.

ANISUM, Anise,-is the fruit of Pimpinella Anisum, a European plant of the nat. ord. Umbelliferæ. It occurs in ovate bodies, inch long, hairy, of grayish color, aromatic odor, and sweet, spicy taste, resembling conium fruit in appearance. Dose, gr. x-xx.

Preparations.

OLEUM ANISI,-is a volatile oil distilled from Anise or from Illicium anisatum (the star-anise), and represents the medicinal qualities of the plant. That from Anise congeals at 50° to 59° F., and is soluble in an equal part of alcohol. That from Illicium congeals at about 351⁄2° F. The oil is an ingredient of Tinctura Opii Camphorata, Trochisci Glycyrrhizæ et Opii, and of the two following preparations. Dose, mj-v.

AQUA ANISI,-has in 500 parts 1 of Oil of Anise mixed with distilled water by the aid of cotton. Dose, indefinite.

SPIRITUS ANISI,-is a 10 per cent. solution of the oil in alcohol. Dose, zj-ij.

Physiological Action and Therapeutics.

The Volatile Oil is the active constituent of Anise. It has a slightly stimulant action on the heart and the digestive organs, and liquefies the bronchial secretion, being probably in part excreted by the bronchial mucous membrane. It is a favorite flavoring ingredient of cough-mixtures, and relieves slight intestinal colic and flatulence in children. In full doses it has a weak narcotic power.

ANTHEMIS, Chamomile,-the flower-heads of Anthemis nobilis, a European perennial of the nat. ord. Compositæ, collected from cultivated plants. Chamomile-flowers are subglobular, about 3/4 inch broad, having numerous white, three-toothed