326 A COMPENDIUM OF 
racemes; corolla, 5-parted and of a gray color, 
having ro stamens, the filaments of which co- 
here at the base; ovary pubescent and adhering 
at the base, with three incomplete cells. The 
Benzoin of commerce is obtained by making 
incisions in the tree when about 7 years old; 
this gum is known as the head, belly and foot 
Benzoin or gum Benjamin, the above names 
signifying the quality; the first flow of the gum 
being considered the best (head); by continued 
tapping, the tree is soon dead, then the inferior 
qualities are obtained. Benzoin occurs in ag- 
gregated and agglutinated masses, consisting 
of yellowish brown tears, having here and 
there milk white masses imbedded within ; odor 
agreeable and balsamic; taste aromatic and 
somewhat acrid. When heated Benzoic acid is 
given off in fumes, which in turn are deposited 
in feathery, colorless, acicular crystals. Resin 
Benzoin is soluble in some of the alkalies and 
alcohol. Gum Benzoin contains about 20 per 
cent of denzotc acid, vanillin, cinnamic acid, par- 
aoxy-benzotc acid, and 2 or more resins. Ben- 
zoin and its preparations are stimulant, expec- 
torant and protective in their action, rarely 
used internally, except as an inhalant in throat 
affections. The officinal preparations are the 
simple compound tinctures and the benzoated 
lard. The resin is frequently an ingredient in 
the sachet powders and incense of the per- 
fumer. The resin from the plant Xanthorrhcea 
Hastilis (acaroid resin) natural order Liliacez 
native of Australia, gives a spontaneous exu- 
dation from its leaves which resembles dragon’s 
