This section is from the book "The Home Cyclopedia Of General Information", by Charles Morris. Also available from Amazon: Home Cyclopedia of Necessary Knowledge.
A mild cathartic oil got from the castor-oil plant(Ricinus communis), and usedas a medicine. It is colorless, but possesses a nauseous taste. In India it is obtained in such abundance as to be used for illuminating as well as for medicinal purposes. It is greatly made in France, Italy, and the Western States of America.
 
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