i PHILIPPINE RESINS, GUMS, AND OILS 
€ 
Chicle, now the principal substance used in the manufacture of chewing- 
gum, and derived from Achras Sapota L. (Sapota Achras Mill., the Sabo- 
dilla, Sapotilla, White sapota, Naseberry, or Ya, of tropical America, where 
this tree supplies one of the most important edible fruits. Although the 
substance is collected in many parts of Mexico and Central America, the 
principal sources of supply are in Yucatan. The milk-juice is obtained 
from incisions made in the bark, performed with great care and by ex- 
perienced persons. Tapping may occur once in 3 years without great 
danger to the life of the tree. The raw milk is boiled and then allowed 
to harden in brick-shaped moulds. If carefully prepared, it usually turns 
out of a white or whitish color, though that of some trees is said to turn 
out red in any case, a result which will also occur if the ordinary milk be 
overcooked. If undercooked, it retains a large percentage of water, pro- 
portionately reducing its value. Various devices for adulterating sub- ¢ 
stances of this class are resorted to. Chicle gum of good quality is whitish, 
of firm, tenacious, somewhat elastic consistency, yet may be crumbled 
between the fingers; somewhat aromatic and nearly tasteless. It becomes 
plastic on chewing. Examined by Prochozka and Endemann, 75 per cent 
was found to be a resin, 9 per cent calcium oxalate (with traces of 
magnesium sulphate). 
Concerning gum chicle, Hyde * states that: 
* * * The best grades are nearly white and clean, but, if overheated, 
a red gum is produced. Consists of an oxidized hydrocarbon, closely related 
to caoutchouc. Softens in the mouth, and is tasteless but aromatic when 
heated. Sp. gr. 1.05. Soluble in chloroform, carbon tetrachloride, benzine, 
and somewhat in alcohol. 
Uses.—Transmission belts, dental surgery, substitute for gutta percha, 
and more especially for chewing-gum. . 
According to Rogers,; the trees yield about six to eight pounds 
of gum. “Most of the chicle imported into the United States is 
used in making chewing gum. For this purpose, washed and 
dried chicle is mixed with flavoring materials and fragrant oils. 
Dannerth ¢ gives detailed methods for analyzing the crude, 
gum. An idea of its composition may be obtained from the 
following figures (Dannerth) showing the analysis of a sample 
from Yucatan: 
Per cent. 
Acceton-solublesmatter:(2eSins)) me eee 40.00 
Gutta (andicarbohydrates) = = es 17.40 
PrOteIn Ss oe ee Se eee 0.60 
Sandeand foreseen tse ree ee ees eee eee 2.30 
Wiatber Secs 1 ete ee a eek ee ee ee 35.00 
Mineralsmattera (ashy) eset eee nee eres eee 4.70 

* Hyde, F. S., Solvents, oils, gums, waxes and allied substances (1913), 
page 41. 
7 Rogers, A., Industrial chemistry (1915), page 722. 
~ Dannerth, F., Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry, Vole 
ume 9 (1917), page 679. 
