2 8 8

OLIV

Ojlibanum. L. E. D. P. Frankincense. A gum resin, derived from theJuniperus Lyc'ia, J. Phoenicia, J- TAurifera, or rather the Boswelliaserrata. (Roxb.) It is supposed by some to be the Frankincense ofthe ancients.

Genuine Olibanum is in form of tears of a whitish yellow, partlytranslucent, and partly opaque, covered usually with a white powder,smelling slightly of turpentine. The spec. grav. ought to be 1-1732.The best is imported from the Levant.

Composed of eight parts of a fragrant volatile oil, 56 parts of resin,30 parts of gum, and 5-2 of a substance somewhat like gum, butinsoluble in water or alcohol. (Bracconot )

Soluble in part in alcohol and ether, and sparingly in water, withwhich, when triturated, it forms a milky mixture.

Medicinally it is stimulant and diaphoretic, and is occasionally pre-scribed in doses of 3j to 5j thrice a day in gleets and leucorrhcea inthe form of electuary. It was once considered to be an expectorant,but is now chiefly employed to perfume sick rooms by burning it.It is also used as a stimulant in plasters.Oliv.e Oleum. L. E. D. P. Olive Oil, Salad oil, or Sweet oil. Isprocured by expression from olives, the fruit of the Olea Europcea.It is composed of 72 parts oil and 28 parts of a whitish suet.(Bracconot.)

Adulterated with inferior olive oil, prepared by boiling and fermentingthe pulp, after the good oil has been expressed. This inferior sortis brought to the market in jars; while the prime oil is put up inglass flasks. The inferior oil is generally thinner than the prime,and very commonly rancid. The rancidity !s sometimes removed orconcealed by lead. When this has been done, shake it together withthree parts of water, impregnated with sulphuretted hydrogen,which will change it to a dark brown colour. Poppy oil, which isvery usually added to olive oil, may be detected by freezing aportion, as the olive oil congeals at 38°, while the poppy oil remainsfluid. Pernitrate of mercury, also, will in a few hours congealgenuine olive oil at a cool temperature, but will not act on otherfixed oils.

Insoluble in alcohol and in water; but may be suspended and mixed bymeans of a few drops of solution of potass or ammonia, of mucilage,or yolk of eggs. With alkalies and lime it forms soap. It readilyattracts oxygen from the atmosphere, and becomes rancid.

Medicinally it is a gentle laxative, much milder than castor oil: but isseldom prescribed. The dose is 5SS to Jjss or more, triturated withmucilage, &c. It is a good demulcent, when acrid or corrosivepoisons have been swallowed. It was erroneously supposed to be an