(Oil of Sandalwood.)

Origin. - A volatile oil distilled from the wood of Santalum album L., yielding not less than 90 per cent. of alcohols calculated as santalol. Santalum alburn is a small tree indigenous in Southern India and portions of the East Indies.

Description and Properties. - A pale-yellowish or yellow, somewhat thick-ish liquid, having a peculiar, strongly aromatic odor and a pungent, spicy taste; readily soluble in alcohol. It is frequently adulterated with oil of cedar.

Dose. - 5-20 minims (0.3-1.2 Cc.) [8 minims (0.5 Cc), U. S. P.].

Physiological Action and Therapeutics. - The action of oil of sandalwood resembles closely that of copaiba, and it may be given for the same purposes as the latter drug, although oil of sandalwood is more popular, and ordinarily a more efficient, remedy for gonorrhea, particularly in the early stages. Sandalwood oil is one of the mildest of the genito-urinary stimulants. It is very frequently adulterated with a worthless oil of cedar.

Administration. - The same as in the case of copaiba.