252 
PH A RMA CO GNOSY. 
slightly soluble in it, the solution being of a pale yel- 
lowish-brown color, has an acid reaction, yields with 
a dilute solution of ferric chloride, a reddish color, 
and with the test-solution, an olive-green color, due to 
the presence of pyrocatechin, this distinguishing it 
from Juniper Tar, and is colored brownish red by an 
equal volume of calcium hydrate test-solution. 
Constituents. — Creosote about 25 per cent. ; various 
phenols, organic acids, pyrocatechin and other aro- 
matic compounds. 
STYRAX (Storax). 
A balsam obtained from the trunk of Liquidambar 
orientalis (Fam. Hamamelidacece), a tree indigenous to 
Asia Minor and the Levant. The balsam is a patho- 
logical product and is produced by wounding the bark 
of the tree; the bark is then removed, and from the 
inner part the balsam is obtained by expression with 
boiling water. 
Description. — A viscid, grayish, more or less opaque 
semi-liquid, depositing on standing a heavier, dark- 
brown oleo-resinous stratum ; translucent in thin 
layers ; odor agreeable ; taste balsamic. 
Storax is insoluble in water ; between 60 and 70 per 
cent, is soluble in warm alcohol, and the residue left 
on evaporation of the alcoholic solution is almost com- 
pletely soluble in ether, carbon disulphide, or benzol, 
but insoluble in benzin; the portion undissolved in 
warm alcohol after thorough extraction with boiling 
alcohol should not leave more than 4 per cent, undis- 
solved. When boiled with a solution of potassium 
bichromate and sulphuric acid it evolves an odor 
resembling that of bitter almonds (due to presence of 
cinnamic acid) ; it forms little or no foam when mixed 
with an equal volume of alcohol and shaken with 
