Antidote.—In poisoning, tannic acid should be used.
BENZOINUM—BENZOIN
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.
PREPARATIONS
ADEPS BENZOINATUS—BENZOINATED LARD
Made by melting lard 1,000, with benzoin 20, and straining; used as an ointment itself, and as a base for other ointments.