Formerly
Amber entered into the composition of " Eau de Luce," (now an obsolete
preparation), being then in combination with alcohol, and ammonia.
In
ordinary modern medicinal practice the oil of Amber (oleum succini) is
given in small doses for hysterical affections ; externally it is
employed as a rubefacient (to stimulate redness and warmth of the
skin-surface), as for the relief of bronchial troubles, and likewise of
rheumatism; and further as an ingredient of "Roche's Embrocation," to
be rubbed into the chest (back and front), specifically against
whooping cough.
The
Greeks had of old a tradition concerning the origin of Amber, that it
arose from the tears which the Electrides shed on learning the death of
their brother Phaeton; these sisters being then turned into Poplar
trees, and continuing to pour forth perpetual tears into the River
Eridamus, or Padus, which tears became congealed into the succinum (or
Amber). Thus Ovid relates :—
" Inde fluunt lacryma ; stillataque sole rigeseunt
De ramis Electra novis, quae lividus amnis
Exeipit, et muribus inittit gestanda Latinis."
In
former Grecian times Amber, being ground up with honey, and rose-oil,
was counted a specific for curing deafness; also, if mixed with Attic
honey, it obviated dimness of sight.
At
ordinary temperatures Amber has neither taste, nor odour. When burnt it
emits a pleasant aromatic smell. More than probably this is the actual,
(though unsuspected,) reason why the Eastern smokers regard their Amber
mouthpieces as exercising disinfecting powers. Combustion takes place
readily, producing a bright yellow flame, and leaving a black,
carbonaceous
