A balsamic resin obtained from styrax benzoin dryander, and another
unidentified species of styrax. It contains benzoic acid in the
proportions 12 to 20 per cent to which it probably owes its action.
HABITAT.--Southern Asia.
PROPERTIES.--In pebble-like bodies or tears, slightly flattened,
straight or curved, yellowish to rusty-brown externally, milky-white on
fresh fractures internally. Odor agreeable, balsamic; taste slightly
acrid. It is almost wholly soluble in five parts of moderately warm
alcohol, and in solutions of the fixed alkalies. When heated it gives
off fumes of benzoic acid.
CONSTITUENTS.--Benzoic acid, cinnamic acid; resins and a volatile oil.