MYROXYLON PERUIFERUM. ORD. XXV. Lomentacee. 51 
different tree from that which yields the Peruvian Balsam, but as we have 
before observed, it has been satisfactorily ascertained that both balsams are 
the produce of the species of Myroxylon above described. The Tolu balsam 
is, as we noticed, the white balsam of Peru hardened by exposure to the at- 
mosphere. It comes to this country in gourd-shells, or calabashes ; its 
odour is extremely fragrant, somewhat resembling that of lemons; its taste 
aromatic and somewhat sweetish ; of a reddish-brown colour, and of a thick 
tenacious consistence, becoming brittle by age. In distillation with water, 
it yields a small portion of volatile oil, arid impregnates the water with its 
odour; if the process be continued, a quantity of benzoie acid sublimes. It 
is soluble in alcohol and ether, and also in the alkalies.. We are told by | 
Mr. Hatchett, that when dissolved in a very small quantity of the solution 
of potass, its odour is lost, and it acquires the smell of the clove pink. When 
digested in the sulphuric and nitric acids, a considerable quantity of pure 
benzoic acid sublimes, and with the latter some trace of prussic acid is also 
evolved. 
Medical Properties and Uses. Peruvian balsam is simulating and tonic, 
and has also been regarded as expectorant: hence, it has been recommended 
as an efficacious remedy in obstinate coughs, chronic asthma, and other 
pulmonary diseases, when attended with an increased secretion of mucus ; 
but from its heating and stimulating qualities, it is improper in those cases 
which are attended with inflammation. In chronic rheumatism, gleets, 
seminal weaknesses and leucorrhea, as well as in some other cases of de- 
bility, its tonic powers appear to have proved efficacious. It has been re- 
commended to be dropped into the ear, combined with ox-gall, in the pro- 
portion of one part of the former to three of the latter, in foetid discharges 
of that organ. Formerly it was much used as a local application to foul 
ulcers, especially those of an indolent kind; and in the hands of the late 
Mr. Whateley, it appears to have been a very successful application. Peru- 
vian balsam may be taken in doses of from 30 to 60 drops, in any proper 
vehicle, and repeated at intervals, according to circumstances. Tolu balsam 
possesses similar qualities to the former, and is applicable to the same 
diseases ; but these have been already treated of under the article Toluifera 
balsamum, (see p. 607, vol iii of this work.) 
Off. pp. Syrupus Tolutanus, L.E. 
Tinctura Toluifere Balsami, E. D. 
