NAT. ORDER. LOMENTACE^E. 
29 
of a peculiar kind of volatile oil, 64 of benzoic acid, and 6 of ex- 
tractive matter. 
Tolu Balsam. This balsam is, as we noticed, the white balsam 
of Peru, hardened by exposure to the atmosphere. It comes to 
the States in gourd -shells or calabashes ; its odor is extremely fra- 
grant, somewhat resembling that of lemons ; its taste is aromatic, 
and somewhat sweetish ; it is of a reddish brown color, and of a 
thick, tenacious consistence, becoming brittle by age. In distilla- 
tion with water, it yields a small portion of volatile oil, and impreg- 
nates the water with its odor : if the process be continued, a quan- 
tity of benzoic acid sublimes. It is soluble in alcohol and ether, 
and also in the alkalies. From experiment we have ascertained, 
that when dissolved in a very small quantity of the solution of po- 
tass, its odor is lost, and it acquires the smell of the clove pink. 
When digested in the sulphuric and nitric acids, a considerable 
quantity of pure benzoic acid sublimes, and with the latter some 
trace of prussic acid is also evolved. 
Medical Properties and Uses. Peruvian balsam is stimulating 
and tonic, and has also been regarded as expectorant : hence, it 
has been recommended as an efficacious remedy in obstinate 
coughs, chronic asthma, and other pulmonary diseases, when at- 
tended with an increased secretion of the mucus ; but, from its 
heating and stimulating qualities, it is improper in those cases 
which are attended with inflammation. In chronic rheumatism, 
gleets, seminal weaknesses, and leucorrhcea, as well as in some 
cases of debility, its tonic powers appear to have proved efficacious. 
It has been recommended to be dropped into the ear, combined 
with ox-gall, in the proportion of one part of the former to three 
of the latter, in foetid discharges of that organ. Formerly, it was 
much used as a local application to foul ulcers, especially those of 
an indolent kind ; and, in the hands of the celebrated Mr. Whately, 
it appears to have been a very successful application. 
Peruvian balsam may be taken in doses of from thirty to sixty 
