REMARKS ON THE ALOE. 213 



and as light as touchwood; the third, -which lies near the heart, 

 diffuses a powerful fragrance. The first is known by the name of 

 eagle- wood, and is a scarce commodity; the second, calembouc-wood, 

 which is transported into Europe, where it f is highly esteemed as an 

 excellent drug ; it burns like wax, and, when thrown into the fire, 

 has an aromatic odour. The third, which is the heart, and called 

 calambac, or tambac-wood, is a more valuable commodity in the 

 Indies than gold itself. It is used for perfuming the clothes and the 

 apartments of persons of distinction ; and is a specific medicine for 

 persons affected with fainting-fits, or with the palsy.* The Indians, 

 likewise, set their most costly jewels in this wood. The leaves of 

 this tree are sometimes used instead of slates for roofing houses ; are 

 manufactured into dishes and plates, and, when well dried, are fit to 

 be brought to table. If stripped betimes of their nerves and fibres, 

 they are used as hemp, and manufactured into a thread. Of the 

 points, with which the branches abound, are made nails, darts, and 

 awls. The Indians pierce holes in their ears with the last, when they 

 propose to honour the devil with some peculiar testimonies of their 

 devotion. If any orifice or aperture be made in this tree by cutting 

 off any of its buds, a sweet vinous liquor effuses in abundance from 

 the wound, which proves an agreeable liquor to drink when fresh, 

 and in process of time becomes an excellent vinegar. The wood of 

 the branches is very agreeable to the taste, and has something of the 

 flavour of a candied citron. The roots themselves are of service, and 

 are frequently converted into ropes. To conclude, a whole family 

 may subsist on, reside in, and be decently clothed by, one of these 

 Aloes." 



The common writing-paper in Cochin-China is made from the 

 bark of this tree; of which the botanical name is aquilaria, from 

 aquila, an eagle, so named because it grows in lofty places ; and 

 from its bitter taste, also termed Wood-aloes. 



The great antiquity of the use of Wood-aloe as a perfume is 

 shown by the Bible : " All thy garments," says a passage in the 

 Psalms, "smell of myrrh, and aloes, and cassia:" and Solomon, 



* The pieces of this wooil are carefully preserved in pewter boxes, to prevent 

 their drying; when used, they are ground upon a marble with soch liquids as 

 are bent suited for the purpose intended. — Harris's Nulurul History of (he 

 UMe, p. 9. 



