(Pistachia Lentiscus. _Resina._)
_Mastich._
The use of this resinous substance is to fill the cavities of carious
teeth; a solution of it in oil of turpentine is sold as an odontalgic.
The Turkish and Armenian women use it as a masticatory for cleaning the
teeth, emulging the salivary glands, and imparting an agreeable odour to
the breath. It forms a constituent of the _Dinner Pills_. See _Aloes_.
Sonnini tells us that, in Egypt, the smoke of Mastich is supposed to
kill any sick person that inhales it.
MEL. L.E.D. Honey.
This well known substance appears to be merely collected from the
flowers, and not elaborated by the internal economy of the insect; when
properly diluted it undergoes vinous fermentation, the product of which
is the beverage well known by the name of _Mead_. The English honey is
more waxy than that from the south of Europe. _Virgin honey_ is that
wrought by young bees which have never swarmed, and permitted to run
from the comb without heat or pressure. CHEMICAL COMPOSITION. Sugar,
mucilage, wax, an acid, and occasionally some essential oil. _Clarified
Honey_, (_Mel Despumatum._ L.D.) has not the agreeable smell of crude
honey; it does not however ferment so readily, nor is it so apt to
gripe. USES. It is principally employed for forming several officinal
preparations, i. e. _Mellita_, viz. _Mel Boracis_. L. _Mel Ros._ L.D.
_Oxymel._ L.D. _Oxymel Colchici_. E. _Oxymel Scillæ_. L.D.[562] Sir John
Pringle considered it as useful in nephritic disorders; it possesses
also a laxative property, which renders it on many occasions preferable
to Syrup. ADULTERATIONS. _Flour_ may be detected by diffusing the honey
in tepid water, by which it will be separated, and, by subsequent
boiling, converted into a thick paste.