42 NAT. ORDER. CONIFERiE. 



The United States Dispensatory enumerates several varieties of 

 the Abies from which Canada balsam is obtained and considered 

 officinal. The Abies excelsa of Europe, and Abies canadensis of the 

 United States, have been considered as the sources respectively of 

 Burgundy and Canada pitch. The Abies j^icea of Linnaeus, Abies 

 pectinata of De Candolle, Abies taxifolia of the French Codex, Fi- 

 nns picea or European silver fir tree, growing in the mountainous 

 regions of Switzerland, Germany and Siberia, yields the Strasburg 

 turpentine, which is much used in some parts of Europe. The 

 Abies nigra, (Pinus nigra,) or black spruce of this country, yields 

 a product, which though not recognised by the Pharmacopaeia, is 

 considerably employed. The substance alluded to is the essence 

 prepared from the young liranches by boiling them in water and 

 evaj^orating the decoction. This is a thick liquid, having the color 

 and consistence of molasses, with a bitterish, acidulous, astringent 

 taste. It is much used in many parts of Germany and Europe, in 

 the preparation for the manufacturing of beer, which is a pleasant 

 and wholesome drink in summer. 



As a remedy for pulmonary affections and coughs of long 

 standing, the balm of Gilead buds, in our opinion, stand second to 

 no other article in the Materia Medica. A syrup made after the 

 following prescription, has been successfully employed in the cure 

 of many very obstinate cases of coughs, where other remedies 

 seemed to have failed. 



Cough Syrup. Take of Abies balsamea buds, (balm of Gilead 

 buds,) two ounces; Inula heleniam, (elecampane,) two ounces; 

 Symphytum officinale, (comfrey root,) three ounces ; Lobelia inftata 

 herb (common Indian tobacco,) one ounce ; Marruhium vulgare, 

 (hoarhound,') one ounce. Put this in one gallon of water, boil 

 down to three quarts, strain off, and when cold add one quart best 

 honey, or Stewart's syrup molasses, one pint best French brandy, 

 and one ounce essence of wintergreen : shake and mix, when it is 

 ready for use. Dose, one teaspoon-full three times a day. 



