BENZOIN 467 



PALEMBANG BENZOIN. 



This variety, which is not official, is produced in Sumatra, it is 

 said from S. Benzoin. It is commonly imported in tins, four of which 

 are packed in a wooden case. It differs markedly in appearance 

 from both Siam and Sumatra benzoins, consisting principally of a 

 translucent, greyish-brown or reddish resinous mass in which a few 

 scattered, opaque, white tears are embedded. It breaks with an 

 irregular fracture, the fractured surface being uneven and often 

 exhibiting small cavities. The odour, which is not strong, recalls 

 that of Sumatra benzoin. Its constituents have not yet been accu- 

 rately investigated ; it appears to contain benzoic but no cinnamic 

 acid. It is not official, and is used only for the preparation of benzoic 

 acid. 



Uses. --Benzoin taken internally acts as a carminative expec- 

 torant and diuretic ; externally it is stimulant and antiseptic. 



DRAGON'S BLOOD 



(Sanguis Draconis) 



Source, &C. Dragon's blood is a resinous secretion produced on 

 the fruits of Dcemonorops propinquus, Beccari, D. ruber, Martius, 

 and probably other species. The two species named were formerly 

 included in Calamus Draco, Willdenow (N.O. Palmce) ; they are 

 climbing palms with long, flexible stems, and are indigenous to 

 Sumatra and Borneo. 



The plant produces numerous small fruits about the size of a cherry, 

 covered with hard, yellowish, imbricated scales, which overlap one 

 another from apex to base. From between these scales a red resin, 

 probably produced in the pulp of the fruit, exudes and more or less 

 completely covers the fruit. The fruits are shaken together in a basket, 

 and the separated resin mixed with water, pressed into moulds, ami 

 then melted ; or it is made into a cake which is wrapped in a cloth, 

 steeped in hot water and pressed to form a solid block. It is said 

 to be nearly always mixed with the milky juice of Garcinia parvi flora, 

 Miquel (Treub, 1891). 



Description. Dragon's blood occurs in lumps of very varying 

 size and shape. They are often large rounded masses, sometimes 

 weighing several kilograms, bearing the impress of sacking or 

 reed-matting, or they may be rounded, flattened cakes 10 cm. or 

 more in diameter and about 5 cm. in thickness ; sometimes the 

 cakes are smaller and thinner. Occasionally it is imported hi sticks 

 about 20 to 25 cm. long and 2 to 3 cm. thick, or 30 cm. long and 



