Obs. Balsam of Peru was formerly very generally adulterated, and often entirely factitious; but, owing to its present reduced price, this is now only confined to a few of the most unprincipled venders. The following formulæ for this purpose are still extant in the trade:—
Balsam of Peru, Facti′′tious:—From gum-benzoin (in coarse powder), 3 lbs.; dissolved in the least possible quantity of rectified spirit, and then mixed with balsam of tolu, 1 lb.; and liquid styrax, 2 oz.; subsequently adding of rectified spirit, q. s.
Balsam, Reduced Peruvian:—1. Balsam of Peru, 3 lbs.; balsam of tolu, 2 lbs.; rectified spirit, q. s. to reduce it to a proper consistence:—2. Balsam of Peru, 3 lbs.; gum-benzoin (dissolved in a little rectified spirit), 1 lb.; as before. It is occasionally met with largely adulterated with liquid styrax.
Balsam of Rackasi′ri. Syn. Balsam of Rakasi′ra; Bal′samum Rackasiri, B. Racazzi′ræ, B. Rhadasi′ri. A species of balsamic turpentine, said to be obtained from the bursera balsamifera (Pers.), an Indian tree of the natural order Terebinthaceæ. It has a slightly bitter taste, adheres to the teeth when chewed, and, when heated, smells like balsam of tolu. It has been extolled as possessing the virtues of copaiba in an exalted degree. The nostrum vended under the name of BALM OF RACKASIRI by certain quacks, simply consists of English gin, coloured, sweetened, and aromatised.
Balsam, Saturnine. (Bate.) Acetate of lead 40 oz.; oil of turpentine 12 oz. Digest for some days.
Balsam of Soap. Soap-liniment.
Balsam of Soap (Ethe′′real). Syn. Bal′samum sapo′nis æthe′′reum, L. Prep. (Cottereau.) Castile soap (powdered) and camphor, of each 1 dr.; oil of thyme, 10 drops; acetic ether, 1 oz.; dissolve in a close vessel with the aid of a gentle heat, and decant the clear portion. Used as an embrocation or liniment in gout, rheumatism, &c.
Balsam of St. John’s Wort. See Oils.
Balsam of Sto′′rax. Liquid-ambar or styrax.
Balsam of Sul′phur. See Oils.