Peach

(peck). The rosaceous tree or shrub, Atnygdahis persica, and its valuable fruit. The kernels of the seed are a good substitute for bitter almonds; the decoction of the leaves is laxative and anthelmintic, as well as sedative. Peach-brandy is distilled from the fruit. Unof. P. -black. See Pigments, Conspectus of. P. -brandy, a liquor distilled from peaches. P. -cold. See Hay-fever, and Rhinitis, Hyperesthetic. P. -fever, a morbid condition of the respiratory and cutaneous surfaces, with some consequent systemic disturbances, clue to irritation from the pubescence of the skin of the common peach, the Amygdal us persica. It is tolerably frequent among persons employed in the fruit-packing and canning establishments of Maryland and Delaware. The Schneiderian membrane becomes turgid; then follows a copious discharge of serum and mucus; the frontal sinuses, the conjunctivae, and the larger bronchi also become the seat of catarrh, and asthmatic attacks may be induced. A macular or papular eruption comes out on the wrists, forearms, neck, and forehead; the cutaneous affection may go on to true dermatitis, and the lesions may become pustules. Anderson believes the source of irritation to be some germ whose habitat is the ' ' fuzz ' ' of the peach.