64 VEGETABLE DRUGS WITHOUT ORGANIC STRUCTURE. 



Copaifera conferti flora, Copaifera oblongtfolta, and Copai- 

 fera multijuga, also give balsam. 



The balsam is found in large, lysigenous passages in the 

 wood of the plant, resulting from a degeneration of some 

 of the xylem elements, at first the woody parenchyma, 

 later the vessels. These passages may become long 

 channels over an inch in diameter, traversing almost the 

 entire length of the trunk of the tree. The resin is found 

 in passages in the leaves also. 



For commercial purposes the resin is obtained by boring 

 holes or making half round or triangular incisions (boxes) 

 deep into the heart wood of the tree. These holes or 

 ''boxes" soon fill with resin, and as it flows out it is 

 collected in appropriate vessels. As much , as ten to 

 fifteen pounds may flow in twenty-four hours. After 

 tapping or if unsuccessfully tapped, the wound is closed 

 and revisited, the tapped trees usually yielding after an 

 interval. The trees are tapped as much as three times 

 a year. 



The chief export towns are in Brazil and Venezuela, 

 which give the names to the chief varieties exported, 

 thus: Rio, Para, Maranham, and Maracaibo balsams. 

 Slight differences exist in each. 



Description. — The resin varies within narrow limits, 

 according to the age and amount of evaporation of the 

 oil. In general it is a somewhat viscid liquid, yellowish 

 to brownish in color. It is generally clear, at times 

 turbid. The product from Para is lighter in color and 

 thinner in consistency, whereas that from Maracaibo is 

 the thickest and brownest. The specific gravity varies 

 from 0.93 to 1.2. 



The odor is aromatic and characteristic; the taste 

 sharp and bitter. It is soluble in absolute alcohol, ether, 

 chloroform, benzol, carbon disulphide, also in fixed and 

 volatile oils. 



Chemistry. — Balsam of Copaiba consists of solutions 



