J 30 BENZOIN. 
of the inhabitants ; to expel troublesome insects, and 
obviate the pernicious effects of unwholesome air or 
noxious exhalations. 
Benzoin is brought for sale to the mercantile parts of 
Sumatra, in large cakes, covered with mats. In order 
to pack it in chests, it is necessary to break these cakes, 
and to expose it to the heat of the sun. The greater 
part of the benzoin which is brought to England is re- 
exported to countries where the Roman Catholic and 
Mahometan religions prevail ; to be there burned as in* 
cense in the churches and temples. The annual expor- 
tation of benzoin from London to Mogadore only has ' 
been estimated at 30,000 pounds' weight per annum. 
That which is consumed in England is chiefly em- 
ployed in medicine, in perfumes, and as cosmetics. It 
constitutes the basis of what are called Turlington's or 
Friar's balsam, and Jesuit's drops ; the salutary effects 
of which, particularly in healing recent wounds, is well 
known. This balsam is composed of benzoin, balsam of 
Tolu (139), Socotrine aloes (107), and rectified spirit of 
wine. Benzoin is also used in the preparation of what 
is called ladies' court plaster ; but in this it is supposed 
to be unnecessary if not prejudicial ; not only as it ren- 
ders the plaster more difficult to be moistened, previ- 
ously to its application, but as the irritating quality of 
the benzoin may in some instances dispose a fresh 
wound to fester. The mode of making court plaster is 
very simple. Five ounces of isinglass are dissolved in 
a pint of water. A quantity of thin black sarsnet being 
then stretched on a frame, a warm solution of the 
isinglass is applied with a brush equally over the surface; 
and, when dry, this is repeated a second or third time. 
It is finally brushed over with a weak solution of ben- 
zoin in spirits of wine, which communicates to it a plea- 
sant aromatic smell. 
If powdered benzoin be put into an earthen vessel 
over a slow fire, and the fumes of it be made to sub- 
lime into a paper cone fixed to the top of the pot, the 
