(Oil of Flaxseed.)

Origin. - A fixed oil expressed without heat from the seed of Linum Usitatissi-tnum L.

Description and Properties. - A yellowish or yellow oily liquid, having a slight, peculiar odor, and a bland taste. When exposed to the air it gradually thickens and acquires a strong odor and taste; when spread in a thin layer on a glass plate, and allowed to stand in a warm place, it is gradually converted into a hard, transparent, resin-like mass. Soluble in about 10 parts of absolute alcohol, and, in all proportions, in ether, chloroform, benzin, carbon disulphide, or oil of turpentine. Linseed oil should be kept in well-stoppered bottles.

Dose. - 1/2-2 fluidounces (15.0-60.0 Cc.) [1 fluidounce (30 Cc), U. S. P.].

Physiological Action and Therapeutics. - The action and uses of flaxseed oil are similar to those of olive oil. One of its most important uses, when mixed with an equal quantity of lime water, is in the treatment of burns.

The linseed itself is used extensively as a domestic demulcent in the form of a tea, for cough, etc., while the ground linseed makes an excellent poultice for all deep-seated inflammations.