as it
readily gives a quinoline derivative. An isomer of cinnamic acid known
as _allo-cinnamic acid_ is also known.

For the oxy-cinnamic adds see COUMARIN.

CINNAMON, the inner bark of _Cinnamomum zeylanicum_, a small evergreen
tree belonging to the natural order Lauraceae, native to Ceylon. The
leaves are large, ovate-oblong in shape, and the flowers, which are
arranged in panicles, have a greenish colour and a rather disagreeable
odour. Cinnamon has been known from remote antiquity, and it was so
highly prized among ancient nations that it was regarded as a present
fit for monarchs and other great potentates. It is mentioned in Exod.
xxx. 23, where Moses is commanded to use both sweet cinnamon
(_Kinnamon_) and cassia, and it is alluded to by Herodotus under the
name [Greek: Kinnamomon], and by other classical writers. The tree is
grown at Tellicherry, in Java, the West Indies, Brazil and Egypt, but
the produce of none of these places approaches in quality that grown in
Ceylon. Ceylon cinnamon of fine quality is a very thin smooth bark, with
a light-yellowish brown colour, a highly fragrant odour, and a
peculiarly sweet, warm and pleasing aromatic taste. Its flavour is due
to an aromatic oil which it contains to the extent of from 0.5 to 1%.
This essential oil, as an article of commerce, is prepared by roughly
pounding the bark, macerating it in sea-water, and then quickly
distilling the whole. It is of a golden-yellow colour, with the peculiar
odour of cinnamon and a very hot aromatic taste. It consists essentially
of cinnamic aldehyde, and by the absorption of oxygen as it becomes old
it darkens in colour and develops resinous compounds. Cinnamon is
principally employed in cookery as a condiment and flavouring material,
being largely used in the preparation of some kinds of chocolate and
liqueurs. In medicine it acts like other volatile oils and has a
reputation as a cure for colds. Being a much more costly spice than
cassia, that comparatively harsh-flavoured substance is frequently
substituted for or added to it. The two barks when whole are easily
enough distinguished, and their microscopical characters are also quite
distinct. When powdered bark is treated with tincture of iodine, little
effect is visible in the case of pure cinnamon of good quality, but when
cassia is present a deep-blue tint is produced, the intensity of the
coloration depending on the proportion of the cassia.

CINNAMON-STONE