Oil of Peppermint as a Local Anaesthetic.

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Dr. A. Wright writes to the editor of the Lancet, (Nov. 19, 1870,) that, "a few years ago, I became acquainted with the fact of the natives, [Chinese,] when suffering with facial neuralgia, using oil of peppermint, which they lightly apply to the seat of pain with a camelhair pencil. Since then, in my own practice, I, in the same way, frequently employ oil of peppermint as a local anaesthetic, not only in neuralgia, but also in gout, with remarkably good results; indeed, the relief from pain I have found to be almost instantaneous."

It is worthy of note that some Chinese pharmaceutists in San Francisco and New York have been selling a remedy for neuralgia which has gained some repute. It is a liquid, put up in very small vials, holding about half a drachm each, which are sold at an exorbitant price. The liquid has a strong smell of peppermint, and is, in all probability, the oil of that plant.—The Medical News and Library, Jan., 1871.


The American Journal of Pharmacy, Vol. XLIII, 1871, was edited by William Procter, Jr. (Issues 1-4) and John M. Maisch (Issues 5-12).