These are the leaves of Cerasus Lauro-cerasus, De Cand. (Prunus Lauro-cerasus, Linn.), or the common European cherry-laurel, a small evergreen tree, indigenous in Asia Minor, but naturalized throughout the temperate parts of Europe, where it is also cultivated for medical and ornamental purposes. The fresh leaves, when entire, have little if any smell, but, when bruised, emit an odour like that of moistened bitter almonds, and have the same bitter taste. By distillation with water they yield also a similar product. These leaves have recently been recommended by M. Julien, as the best application that can be made to open wounds. He places one or more leaves between two layers of very fine linen, and then applies them to the wound, taking care that the whole diseased surface is covered. The next day suppuration is found to have been promoted, and fungous granulation repressed. The leaves are freshly applied everyday; a favourable progress is established; and restoration of the parts takes place as if by enchantment. (Ann. de Thérap., 1864, p. 89.)

* Some interesting results, in relation to this subject, have been obtained by Kol-liker and Muller, of Wurtzburg. Amygdalin and emulsin, introduced separately into the blood, produce hydrocyanic acid; and, if the quantity be sufficiently large, death soon ensues. Poisoning does not result when amygdalin is introduced directly into the blood, and emulsin into the alimentary canal; but does result when the case is reversed, that is, when emulsin is injected into the blood and amygdalin into the alimentary canal. it appears then that while amygdalin may be absorbed from the stomach and bowels, emulsin is not; probably because it undergoes digestion, as it is not found in the primae viae afterwards. in rabbits, death is produced by the introduction of amygdalin into the stomach without emulsin; from which it is to be inferred that there is something in their stomachs which is capable of acting the part of the latter principle, (B. and F. Medico-chir. Rev., April, 1857, p. 378, from the Allgemein. Medizin. Central. Zeitung.) it is affirmed that when emulsin and amygdalin are introduced successively into the healthy stomach, poisoning does not take place; and the question has been asked, why it is that the usual reaction between these substances should not occur, with the generation of hydrocyanic acid. The question has been answered by advancing the conjecture that emulsin may be digested by the gastric liquor; but M. Lusana is said to have ascertained that emulsin is really not dissolved by the gastric juice; and the question is now thought to be solved by the fact, that the reaction will not take place, or will take place but feebly in the presence of an acid; and it is inferred that it is the acid of the gastric juice which is the preservative agent. {ibid., July, 1864, p. 236.) - Note to the second and third editions.

Cherry-Laurel Water (Aqua Lauro-cerasi, Br.) is made by distilling the fresh leaves of the cherry-laurel with water in order to aid in its preservation, a little alcohol is often added; but the British Pharmacopoeia simply directs that it should be kept in well-stopped bottles. Though considerably employed on the Continent of Europe, for the same purposes as diluted hydrocyanic acid, it is at best an uncertain preparation, liable to change on keeping, and therefore not to be relied on. Dr. S. R. Rittenhouse, however, of Lehigh Co., Penn., has employed it, with very favourable results, in the after-pains of puerperal women. (Am. Journ. of Med. Sci, April, 1861, p. 604.) The dose is from thirty minims to a fluidrachm.