Thymol and Menthol
Related entry: Mints and their Preparations
Thymol, C10H14O,—is a phenol contained in Oil of Thyme and in the volatile oils of several other plants. It occurs in large, hexagonal crystals of aromatic odor; soluble in 1200 of water and in 1 of alcohol, freely in fats and oils. It liquefies when triturated with about equal quantities of camphor, menthol or chloral. Dose of Thymol, internally gr. ss-gr. ij;—as a spray 1 part in 800 of hot water;—as an ointment, gr. v-xxx to the ℥of petrolatum;—as inhalation, gr, vj to ℥j of warm water.
Menthol, Peppermint Camphor, C10H19OH,—is a stearopten obtained from Oil of Peppermint by deposit on exposure to cold. It occurs in colorless crystals or masses, having the taste and smell of peppermint oil, soluble in alcohol, ether, etc., but sparingly in water. It forms an oily liquid when rubbed up with an equal quantity of thymol, pure carbolic acid, or chloral hydrate, or ½ of croton-chloral, or ⅔rds of camphor. Dose, gr. ss-iij in pill or alcoholic solution, several times a day.
A Compend of Materia Medica, Therapeutics, and Prescription Writing, 1902, by Sam'l O. L. Potter, M.D., M.R.C.P.L.
