PERIPETALES. 367 : 
Mepictnat Properties.—This family abounds in bal- 
sams. Opobalsam, or Balm of Mecca, is the resinous 
juice of Protium gileadense (Balsamodendron g., or Amy- 
ris gileadensis) the same plant, according to some. Elemi 
is the produce of Amyris elemifera (Canarium commune), 
or Iciea Icicariba. Olibanum, said to be the Frankincense 
of the ancients, is obtained from Boswellia serrata ; Cyprus 
turpentine, from the Pistacia Terebinthus; Mastich, used 
to preserve the teeth, and strengthen the gums, from the 
Pistacia Lentiscus ; and Copal, from the Rhus Copallinum. 
_ The seeds of Pistacia vera contain a large quantity of a 
mild fixed oil, and may be used for emulsions. Myrrh is 
said to be the produce of Protium kataf (Amyris Kataf, now 
referred to Balsamodendron Myrrha.) Resin acouchi is ob- 
tained from Jcica Aracouchini, and Resin chibou from Bur- 
sera gummifera. The leaves of Poison Ivy (Rhus Tozico- 
dendron) have been recommended in paralysis, and operate 
_ asa gentle laxative ; applied to the skin they are extremely 
irritating, and produce erysipelas. They are full of a whit- 
ish resinous juice, and are extremely acrid. 
Offcinal Planis. 
Amyris elemifera. Pistacia Terebinthus. 
Ampyris gileadensis. Pistacia Lentiscus. 
Boswellia serrata. Rhus Toxicodendron. 
Balsamodendron Myrrha. 
Poisonous Properties.— There are several plants of a 
dangerous nature in this family, as Rhus Toxicodendron, 
which is extremely irritating, and may beranked among the ‘ 
_ acrid poisons, and R. venenata (Poison Ash, or Poison — 
_ Sumach.) Some of the varnishes which are obtained in this see 
_ order are dangerous when they come in contact with the 
skin. 
