42 
NAT. ORDER. CONIFERiE. 
The United States Dispensatory enumerates several varieties of 
the Abies from which Canada balsam is obtained and considered 
officinal. The Abies excelsa of Europe, and Abies canadensis of the 
United States, have been considered as the sources respectively of 
Burgundy and Canada pitch. The Abies picea of Linnseus, Abies 
pectinala of De Candolle, Abies taxifolia of the French Codex, Fi- 
nns picea or European silver fir tree, growing in the mountainous 
regions of Switzerland, Germany and Siberia, yields the Strasburg 
turpentine, which is much used in some parts of Europe. The 
Abies nigra, (Pinus nigra,) or black spruce of this country, yields 
a product, which though not recognised by the Pharmacopseia, is 
considerably employed. The substance alluded to is the essence 
prepared from the young branches by boiling them in water and 
evaporating the decoction. This is a thick liquid, having the color 
and consistence of molasses, with a bitterish, acidulous, astringent 
taste. It is much used in many parts of Germany and Europe, in 
the preparation for the manufacturing of beer, which is a pleasant 
and wholesome drink in summer. 
As a remedy for pulmonary affections and coughs of long 
standing, the bahn of Gilead buds, in our opinion, stand second to 
no other article in the Materia Medica. A syrup made after the 
following prescription, has been successfully employed in the cure 
of many very obstinate cases of coughs, where other remedies- 
seemed to have failed. 
Cough Syrup. Take of Abies balsamea buds, (balm of Gilead 
buds,) two ounces ; Inula heleniam, (elecampane,) two ounces ; 
Symphytum officinale, (comfrey root,) three ounces ; Lobelia inflata 
herb (common Indian tobacco,) one ounce ; Marrubium vulgare, 
(hoarhound,) one ounce. Put this in one gallon of water, boil 
down to three quarts, strain off, and when cold add one quart best 
honey, or Stewart's syrup molasses, one pint best French brandy, 
and one ounce essence of wintergreen : shake and mix, when it is 
ready for use. Dose, one teaspoon-full three times a day. 
