258 



ZYGOPHYLLACE.E 



Stimulant, diaphoretic; also a reputed antirheumatic and antisyphilitic. 

 Generally given in the form of compound decoction of sarsaparilla. Dose: 

 15 to 60 gr. (i to 4 Gm.). 



FIG. 140. Guaiacum sanctum Flowering branch. 



269. GUAIACUM GUAIAC 



GUM GUAIAC 

 The resin from the wood of Gua'iacum officina'le Linne" and of G. sanctum. 



SOURCE. Obtained from natural exudation or from incisions into the 

 trunk, occasionally by boring longitudinally through a billet, placing 

 one end in the fire, and catching the melted resin as it exudes from 

 the hole in the other end ; more commonly, however, by extracting 

 the chips or raspings with a boiling solution of common salt. 



DESCRIPTION OF DRUG. Greenish-brown, irregular masses, containing 

 fragments of wood and bark; brittle, breaking with a glossy fracture; 

 in thin pieces, transparent. The powder is gray when fresh, but 

 becomes green on exposure, and blue when in contact with oxidizing 

 agents. Odor slight, balsamic, when heated resembling benzoin; 

 taste slightly irritating. 



