BOTANIC MATERIA MEDICA, 325 
of tincture, syrup, and also as an ingredient in 
Comp. Tincture of Benzoin; all of which are 
officinal. : 
Calamus Draco, Sanguis Draconis, Dragon’s 
Blood, Draconis Resina.—Natural order Pal- 
macez This resin is obtained from the fruit 
of many species of Calamus, most frequently 
from the Calamus Draco and Calamus Rotang, 
They are small palms found growing in Su- 
matra, Borneo and the adjacent islands. The 
dragon’s. blood issues Spontaneously from the 
fruit of the small palms, and is separated from 
the debris by heat and then moulded. It oc- 
curs in sticks or globular pieces of a dark 
brown color externally, and of a bright red in- 
ternally; when heated gives off an odor te- 
sembling benzoin; soluble in alcohol, chloro- 
form, and benzol; contains resin, benzotc acid, 
ctnnamic acid and a waxy matter. Dragon’s 
Blood is a mild astringent and stimulant, but is 
rarely used internally, mostly employed for 
varnishes and as an ingredient in plasters and 
tooth powders. The name is derived from its 
supposed resemblance to the blood of the fabu- 
lous animal called the dragon, 
Styrax Benzoin, Benzoin or Benjamin Tree. 
—WNatural order Styraceze. Native of Sumatra, 
Borneo, Java and Siam. This tree, a large 
one and of quick growth, sends from its trunk 
many branches, covered by a whitish, hoary 
bark ; the twigs are adorned with alternate, ob- 
long and acuminate leaves, the upper surfaces 
of which are smooth, whilst the under side is 
hatry (tomentose); the flowers are as long as 
the leaves, and occur in compound, axillary 
