254 MATER i A MEDIC A AND THERAPEUTICS. 



charge from wounds. Thus remotely it exerts the usual 

 stimulant action of ethereal oils, and is sometimes given as a 

 stimulant and disinfectant expectorant in chronic bronchitis. 



Cralbaimm GALBANUM. A gnm-resin, derived 

 from an unascertained umbelliferous plant (said to be 

 Ferula galbaniflua). Imported from India and the 

 Levant. 



Characters. In irregular tears, about the size of a pea, 

 usually agglutinated into masses ; of a greenish-yellow colour, 

 translucent ; having a strong disagreeable odour, and an acrid 

 bitter taste. 



Substances resembling Galbanum : Ammoniacum, Assaf cetida, 

 Benzoin ; known by odour. 



Composition. Galbanum contains 3 to 6 per cent, of volatile 

 cil, isomeric with turpentine, Ci H l6 , gum, and a mixture of 

 resins, which yield by dry distillation a blue oil, and umbel- 

 liferon, in colourless, tasteless, odourless, satiny crystals. 



Preparations. 

 Emplastntm Galbani. 1 in 11. 



Galbanum is also an ingredient of Pilula Assaf oetidse Composita. 

 1 in 3. See Assafoetida, page 252. 



ACTION AND USES. 



Galbanum acts and is used much like assafoetida and 

 ammoniacum, and is always given with either of these sub- 

 stances. 



Ammoniacum AMMONIACUM. A gum-resinous 

 exudation from Porema Ammoniacum. Collected in 

 Persia and the Punjaub. 



Characters. In tears or masses; the tears from two to 

 eight lines in diameter, pale cinnamon-brown, breaking with a 

 smooth shining opaque white surface ; the masses composed of 

 agglutinated tears ; hard and brittle when cold, but readily 

 softening with heat. Has a faint odour, and a bitter acrid 

 nauseous taste. Rubbed with water it forms a nearly white 

 emulsion. 



Substances resembling Ammoniacum : Assafoetida, Galbanum, 

 Benzoin ; known by odour. 



Composition. Ammoniacum contains about 4 per cent, of a 



