(Toluifera Balsamum.) _Balsam of Tolu._
QUALITIES. _Form_, a thick tenacious liquid becoming concrete by age, in
which state it is usually found in the shops. _Taste_, warm and
sweetish. _Odour_, extremely fragrant, resembling that of lemons.
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION. Volatile oil, resin, and benzoic acid. SOLUBILITY.
It is soluble in alcohol, forming a tincture which is rendered milky by
water, but no precipitate falls. When dissolved in the smallest quantity
of a solution of potass, its odour is changed into one that resembles
clove pink. MEDICINAL USES. It has been regarded as expectorant. In
turning to the classification of expectorants, p. 102, it will be found
to occupy a place in the second division of our first class, for it may
be considered as capable of stimulating the pulmonary exhalants; whence
its use in chronic coughs. FORMS OF EXHIBITION. It may be suspended in
water by means of mucilage, or yolk of egg, but it is rarely employed
except on account of its agreeable flavour;[424] its virtues are similar
to those of the balsam of Peru. OFFICINAL PREP. _Tinct: Benzoin. comp:_
L.E.D. _Tinct: Toluiferi Balsam:_ E.D. _Syrup: Tolut:_ L.