_Oil of Almonds._
This fixed oil, whether procured from the _sweet_ or _bitter_ almond,
has the same properties, for the bitter principle resides exclusively in
combination with a peculiar volatile oil attached to the mucilage;[579]
that from the latter keeps longer without rancidity. It is sometimes
made from old Jordan almonds, _by heat_, in which case it very soon
grows fetid. Nut oil, _Oleum nucum Coryli_, has been proposed as a
substitute for that of almonds; in China it is drunk with tea, instead
of cream. MEDICAL USES. For forming emulsions, in coughs, and other
pulmonary complaints. FORMS OF EXHIBITION. It may be formed into an
_emulsion_ by the intermedium of _mucilage_, the _yelk of an egg_, or by
that of an _alkali_.
1. BY MUCILAGE. This is in general a more convenient medium than the
yelk of an egg; one part of gum, made into mucilage, will be sufficient
for the diffusion of four parts of oil, (see _Mucilago Acaciæ_) the oil
and mucilage must be carefully triturated together, and the water then
gradually added; the emulsion thus formed is permanent, and the addition
of a moderate quantity of acid, spirit, or tincture, will not produce
decomposition. _See Form. 73._
2. BY ALKALIES. This oil, by uniting with alkalies and water, forms an
elegant and grateful mixture, for which purpose the following
proportions are to be observed, every fʒj of oil requires ♏︎viij of
liquor potassæ, and f℥iss of distilled water. INCOMPATIBLE SUBSTANCES.
_Acids_; _oxymel_; _syrups of poppies and squills_; _tartrate and
super-tartrate of potass_; _super-sulphate of potass_; _oxy-muriate of
mercury_; _resins_; _hard water_. _See Form. 166, 167._