Almond, bitter (unrectified)

HIGHLY TOXIC. Contains HCN (hydrocyanic acid / cyanide) 2-4 percent.

Contraindicated all routes — must NOT be used internally or externally.

Estimated human lethal dose 50 mg HCN, equivalent to about 0.7 mg/kg.

Many fatal poisoning cases recorded in the 19th century. One adult who accidentally ingested 2 drachms (3.5g) died within 25 minutes.

Poisoning hallmarks: weak slow pulse, cold clammy skin, loss of consciousness, convulsions, respiratory failure.

Unrectified variant is NOT commercially sold due to safety regulations.

Prunus dulcis var. amara is the bitter almond. Kernels contain amygdalin — a naturally occurring glycoside.

During distillation, amygdalin breaks down forming HCN. The unrectified variant is the direct distillation product, NOT processed to remove HCN.

The FFPA (Free From Prussic Acid) variant has HCN removed — it is the only safe version for use.

HCN has a scent similar to benzaldehyde — impossible to distinguish unrectified from FFPA by smell.

In the 1850s, bitter almond FFPA was introduced as a safer alternative. However, the unrectified version remained available until 1890.

Maximum HCN permitted in cosmetic products is 0.01% (EEC directive 88/388).

This profile exists in the library as EDUCATIONAL DOCUMENTATION — warning users to avoid confusion between the two variants. Always use FFPA.