The dried preputial follicles and their secretion, obtained from the Beaver, Castor Fiber, and separated from the somewhat shorter and smaller oil-sacs which are frequently attached to them. From the Hudson's Bay Territory.

Characters.-Follicles in pairs, about three inches long, fig-shaped, firm, and heavy, brown or greyish-black; containing a dry resinous reddish-brown or brown highly odorous secretion, in great part soluble in rectified spirit, and in ether.

Impurities.-Spurious sacs, filled with dried blood, etc.

Composition.-Castor contains, in addition to the ordinary constituents of animal secretions, such as salts, a volatile oil, \ uric, carbolic and benzoic acids, salicin, and fixed oils.

Dose.-5 to 10 gr.

Preparation.

Tinctura Castorei.-1 in 20. Dose, 1/2 to 1 fl.dr.

Action And Uses

The action of castor is stimulant like that of musk. The drug is very seldom used.