This section is from the book "Materia Medica Pharmacy, Pharmacology And Therapeutics", by W. Hale White. Also available from Amazon: Materia Medica Pharmacy, Pharmacology And Therapeutics..
The seed of Myristica Fragrans Houttuyn (nat. ord. Myrislicacea), deprived of its testa.
Molucca Islands; cultivated in tropical countries.
Oval or roundish-ovate, about 25 mm. long, light brown, reticulately furrowed, with a circular scar on the broad end; internally pale brownish, with dark orange-brown veins, and of a fatty lustre; odor strongly aromatic ; taste aromatic, warm, and somewhat bitter.
The chief constituents are - (1) The fixed oil, 25 to 30 per cent, {see below). (2) The volatile oil (see below), 2 to 8 per cent.
Nutmeg is contained in Pulvis Aromaticus, and Tinctura Lavandulae Composita.
Dose, 5 to 15 gr.; .30 to 1.00 gm.
Oleum Myristicae Expressum. (Not official). - Expressed Oil of Nutmeg. A concrete oil obtained by expression and heat from Nutmeg. .
Orange-brown or orange-yellow, mottled, of a firm consistence; odor like Nutmeg.
The chief constituents are - (1) Glyceryl Oleate, C3H5 (C18H33O2)3. (2) Glyceryl Butyrate, C3H5(C11H702)3. (3) Glyceryl Myris-tate, C3H5(C14H2702)3. (4) A little volatile oil. (5) A little resin.
A volatile oil distilled from Nutmeg.
A thin, colorless or pale yellowish liquid, having the characteristic odor of Nutmeg and a warm, spicy taste. It becomes darker and thicker by age and exposure to the air. Sp. gr., 0.870 to 0.900.
In an equal volume of Alcohol.
The chief constituents are - (1) Myristicene C10H16,, a terpene. (2) Myristicol, C10H14O, a stearopten, isomeric with Carvol.
Oil of Nutmeg is contained in Spiritus Ammonias Aromaticus.
Dose, 1 to 3 m.; .06 to .20 c.c
Synonym. - Essence of Nutmeg. Oil of Nutmeg, 50 ; Alcohol, 950. Dose, 1/2 to 1 fl. dr.; 2. to 4. c.c
 
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