Borneol
Historical document, translated for reference. It reflects medical knowledge of the 1920s–30s and is not medical advice.
Summary
This 1930s encyclopedia article describes borneol (borneol camphor), a chemical compound found in the camphor tree of Borneo and Sumatra as well as various essential oils, and produced synthetically from camphor. It details its physical properties, use in perfumery and pharmaceuticals, and notes its pharmacological similarity to camphor and menthol.
Encyclopedia entry (1928–1936)
BORNEOL, Borneol, borneol camphor, C10H18O, occurs in a ready-made state in the hollows of the camphor tree (Dryobalanops Camphora) in Borneo and Sumatra, and is also part of many essential oils (valerian oil, pine needle oil, etc.); it is obtained synthetically from camphor. Borneol forms shiny tabular crystals with the odor of camphor, a melting point of 203–204°, and levorotatory and dextrorotatory optical activity. It is used as a starting material for perfumery and pharmaceutical preparations. In its action, borneol is similar to camphor and menthol; it is little used in therapeutics.
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“Borneol.” Soviet Medical Encyclopedia. English translation of Bolshaya Meditsinskaya Entsiklopediya, 1st ed. (Moscow, 1928–1936), ed. N. A. Semashko. https://sovietmedicalencyclopedia.pages.dev/article/borneol/