158 RESINS. 
4, wax. 
599. This substance resembles much the fixed oils, but is 
distinguished from them by its solidity and solubility in 
alcohol. It may be obtained in considerable quantity from 
the Myrica ceriferaof America, by boiling the bruised berries 
in water. The wax collects on the top of the liquid, and be- — 
comes solid as it cools. This is the substance called Myrtle — 
wat. The upper surface of many leaves is covered with @— 
kind of wax; and, according to Proust, it covers the rinds 
of Raisins, Plums, Oranges, and such fruits. A species 
of Palm (Ceroxylon andicola) furnishes a considerable 
quantity of wax. According to MM. Gay-Lussac and — 
Thenard, wax consists of 
Carbon, ‘ : = : 81.784 
Oxygen, . F : ° 5.544 
Hydrogen, : : 5 r 12.672 
100 parts. 
According to Dr. Ure, there is a little more oxygen abd — 
a little less carbon and hydrogen. 
5. RESINS. 
600. Resins exude spontaneously from many trees: they 
are in combination with a volatile oil, which is driven off by _ 
: a gentle heat, and a solid substance, which is resin, remains- 
ve Resin i is insoluble i in water, but soluble in alcohol. It is very 
