Origin. - A fixed oil expressed from bitter or sweet almond (Prunus Amygdalus, var. amara and dulcis, De Candolle), a tree 15 to 20 feet (5 to 6 M.) high, indigenous in Western Asia and cultivated in subtropical countries.

Description and Properties. - A clear, pale, straw-colored or colorless, oily liquid, almost inodorous, and having a mild, nutty taste. Only slightly soluble in alcohol; soluble in ether and in chloroform in all proportions. It should be kept in well-stoppered bottles, in a cool place.

Dose. - 1-4 fluidrams (4.0-8.0 Cc.) [1 fluidounce (30 Cc), U. S. P.].

Expressed oil of almond is contained in unguentum aquae rosae.

Physiological Action and Therapeutics, - The expressed oil of almond is a peculiarly bland and agreeably efficient demulcent and emollient, being used both externally and internally for the same purposes as olive oil.