BOTANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 321 
yellow coloring matter, both capable of crystal- 
lizing; also two other acids, termed guararetic 
and gwataconic, one of which is amorphous; 
also some gum, ash, guatacene (which has a 
bitter almond odor), an aromatic oil termed 
creosol, and guatacol, a colorless aromatic oil. 
The resin guaiac is ‘an alterative, diaphoretic 
and stimulant, and given in doses from 8 to 30 
grains, in form of troches, pills, tinctures, and 
glycerites. The three former preparations are 
officinal. 
Palaquium Oblongifolium, Isonandra Gutta, 
Gutta Percha Tree.—Natural order Sapotacez. 
This is an evergreen tree, arising to a height 
of 50 or 60 feet; found growing in Sumatra and 
other parts of the Hast India Islands. The 
branches of the tree are adorned with alternate 
ovate-oblong, leathery, shining green leaves, 
the under surface of which is covered with a 
russet-brown pubescence. Flowers resemble 
the holly in character and color; they are ar- 
ranged in axillary clusters. The tube of the 
corolla has within its throat 12 stamens, with 
extrorse anthers. Fruit, fleshy, hard, and 6- 
celled, containing an oily seed in each cell. 
The trunk of the Gutta Percha Tree abounds 
in a milk-like juice, which is collected and al- 
lowed to harden in the air, which it does very 
rapidly. Gutta Percha is imported in blocks, 
weighing about five pounds, more or less. In 
appearance it is of a pale brown color. The 
mass or blocks are purified by softening in hot 
water, and then separated into sheets or shreds 
by machinery. These shreds are tough, elas- 
tic and flexible; of a chocolate-brown color; 
