Vanilla
Historical document, translated for reference. It reflects medical knowledge of the 1920s–30s and is not medical advice.
Summary
This 1930s encyclopedia article discusses vanilla, the cured unripe fruit of the tropical orchid Vanilla planifolia. It notes its geographic origin, vanillin content, potential to cause occupational dermatitis in sorters and packers, and its historical use as an aphrodisiac alongside its modern culinary and perfumery applications.
Encyclopedia entry (1928–1936)
VANILLA (from the Spanish word vainilla, small pod), the unripe, processed fruit of the tropical orchid Vanilla planifolia Andrews. Its native home is Central America (Mexico); it is also cultivated on the islands of Bourbon, Java, Ceylon, and elsewhere. It contains 1–3% vanillin. In persons constantly engaged in sorting and packing, it sometimes causes dermatitis on the hands and face. In medicine, it was formerly used as an aphrodisiac; now it is used only as a flavoring and aromatic substance in cooking, the liqueur industry, perfumery, and the like.
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“Vanilla.” Soviet Medical Encyclopedia. English translation of Bolshaya Meditsinskaya Entsiklopediya, 1st ed. (Moscow, 1928–1936), ed. N. A. Semashko. https://sovietmedicalencyclopedia.pages.dev/article/vanilla/