486 VEGETABLE DRUGS 



Inhalations of tar are sometimes serviceable in pharyngitis 

 and laryngitis, as well as in bronchitis. Oil of tar may be 

 applied, dissolved in alcohol (1-8), as a lotion, and is an 

 agreeable substitute for tar in chronic eczema or psoriasis of 

 dogs. It is used in the pure state as a parasiticide for mange, 

 scab, ringworm or favus. Oil of cade represents oil of tar 

 and tar in their actions and uses, but its odor is pleasanter. 

 It is prescribed externally in chronic eczema and pruri- 

 tis, as follows : Oil of cade, 1 ; soft soap and alcohol, 4 parts 

 each; or in equal parts with wax. Oil of cade can also be 

 used in any proportion or manner in which tar is applic- 

 able. Pitch likewise possesses the same action as tar, and 

 is sometimes employed for making hoof ointments and 

 plasters. 



Balsamum Peruvianum. Balsam of Peru. 

 (U. S. & B. P.) 



A balsam obtained from Toluifera Pereirae (Royal) 

 Baillon (nat. ord. Leguminosae). 



Synonym. — Balsamum peruvianum nigrum, balsam indi- 

 cum, baume de Peron, baume des Indes, Fr. ; Peru bal- 

 sam, G. 



Habitat — Central America. 



Properties. — A liquid having a syrupy consistence, free 

 from stringiness or stickiness ; of a brownish-black color in 

 bulk, reddish-brown or transparent in thin layers ; of an 

 agreeable, vanilla-like, somewhat smoky odor, and a bitter 

 taste, leaving a persistent aftertaste. On exposure to air it 

 does not become hard. Spec. gr. 1.135 to 1.150. Miscible 

 in all proportions, with absolute alcohol, chloroform, or 

 glacial acetic acid. Completely soluble in 5 parts of alcohol. 



Constituents. — 1, a volatile oil, cinnamein, C9H7 (07817)02, 

 about 60 per cent. ; 2, cinnamic acid, C^gllfi^ ; 3, a resin (32 

 per cent.), yielding benzoic acid, HC.H5O2, on dry distillation; 

 4, styrol, CgHg ; 5, stilbene, C14H12 ; 6, a volatile oil, benzylic 

 benzoate, C7H5 (C7H7) O, ; 7, benzylic alcohol, C.HgO. 



