Cinnamon (Hastings' Dictionary)

The identity of name makes it impossible to mistake the substance intended. It was early kno\vn to the Hebrews, as it entered into the composition of the holy anointing oil (Ex 30'^). It is represented as being used to perfume a bed (Pr 7"). The Oriental women use musk for a similar purpose. Like other tropical plants, it seems to nave been cultivated in the botanical gardens of Solomon (Ca 4").

It is the product of Cinnamomum Zeylanicum, Nees, a plant of the Laurel family, indigenous in Ceylon and other E. India islands, and in China. The tree attains a height of 30 ft., and has panicled clusters of white blossoms, and ovate, acute leaves. The cinnamon is the inner bark, separated from the outer, and dried in the sun, in the shape of cylindrical rolls. The best oil is obtained by boil- ing the ripe fruit. In Rev 18" it is enumerated among the merchandise of the Great Babylon. G. E.

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