The pastils of the moderns are really but a very slight modification of the incense of the ancients. For many years they were called Osselets of Cyprus. In the old books on pharmacy a certain mixture of the then known gum-resins was called Suffitus, which being thrown upon hot ashes produced a vapor which was considered to be salutary in many diseases.
It is under the same impression that pastils are now used, or at least to cover the mal odeur of the sick-chamber.
There is not much variety in the formula of the pastils that are now in use; we have first the
Indian, or Yellow Pastils.
| Santal-wood, in powder, | 1 lb. | |
| Gum benzoin, | 1-1/2 lb. | |
| " Tolu, | 1/4 lb. | |
| Otto of santal, | } | |
| " cassia, | } each, | 3 drachms. |
| " cloves, | } | |
| Nitrate of potass, | 1-1/2 oz. | |
| Mucilage of tragacantha, | q.s. to make the whole into a stiff paste. |
The benzoin, santal-wood, and Tolu, are to be powdered and mixed by sifting them, adding the ottos. The nitre being dissolved in the mucilage, is then added. After well beating in a mortar, the pastils are formed in shape with a pastil mould, and gradually dried.
The Chinese josticks are of a similar composition, but contain no Tolu. Josticks are burned as incense in the temples of the Buddahs in the Celestial Empire, and to such an extent as to greatly enhance the value of santal-wood.
Dr. Paris's Pastils.
| Benzoin, | } | |
| Cascarilla, | } of each, | 1/4 lb. |
| Myrrh, | 1-1/4 oz. | |
| Charcoal, | 1-1/2 lb. | |
| Otto of nutmegs, | } of each, | 3/4 oz. |
| " cloves, | } | |
| Nitre, | 2 oz. |
Mix as in the preceding.