Chapter C: W. HEATON, F.I.C., F.C.S., Lecturer on Chemistry at the (23)

Among more active and less common remedies for baldness may be mentioned--mild streaming electricity, stimulant fomentations, cantharidised, ioduretted, phosphoretted, &c., oils and lotions, a night-cap that, without pressing injuriously on the head, lifts, as it were, the scalp into its natural position, &c., all of which are noticed elsewhere.

The celebrated John Wesley recommended rubbing the part morning and evening with a raw onion until it became red, and then applying a little honey. The vendors of Rowland's 'Macassar Oil' recommend the head to be rubbed with a towel (or hair-brush), until somewhat red, each time before applying their nostrum; and the advice is certainly good, as independent of the stimulus thus given to the skin, and the increased flow of blood through the minute vessels of the scalp, it is rendered more absorbent and sensitive to the action of medicaments. At the same time the reader must be cautioned against placing any reliance on external applications, unless he assists their action by due attention to diet, exercise, ventilation, and such other matters as tend to promote the general health and vigour of the body.

The substances usually employed to medicate hair-cosmetics, the general management of the hair, and the formulæ for various applications to promote its growth, preservation, and beauty, are noticed in the articles HAIR, HAIR-COSMETICS, POMADES, OILS, WASHES, &c., to which the reader is referred.

=BALEEN'= (-l[=e]ne'). [Fr. _baleine._] The fisher's name for whalebone.

=BALL= (bawl). [Eng., Ger., Swed.] _Syn._ BALLE, BOULE, Fr.; BAL, BOL, Dau.; GLOB-U-LUS, PI'LA, L. In _commerce_, _veterinary medicine_, _perfumery_, &c., applied to various substances made up into a globular, spheroidal, or even a cylindrical form, as ash-balls, horse-balls, soap-balls, &c.

=BALLOON'= (-l[=o][=o]n'). _Syn._ BALLON, Fr., Ger. Any hollow spherical body of which the sides are extremely thin or attenuated in comparison with its diameter or bulk. In _aërostatics_, a machine or apparatus for elevating and sustaining bodies in the air. In _chemistry_, a globular glass-receiver, with either one or two necks (= GROS RÉCIEIENT, FR.; GROSSE R., Ger.). In _pyrotechny_, a hollow case or ball of pasteboard filled with fire-works or combustibles, which explodes in the air on being fired from a mortar.

=Balloon.= In _aërostation_, a bag or hollow pear-shaped vessel, made of varnished silk or other light material, and inflated with some gas or vapour lighter than the air, as hydrogen, carburetted hydrogen, heated air, &c., so as to rise and float in the atmosphere. When filled with gas it is called by way of distinction an AIR-BALLOON (_aérostat_, &c., Fr., _lufball_, _luft-schiff_, &c., Ger.); when with heated air, a FIRE-BALLOON or MONTGOLFIER B. (_ballon à feu_, &c., Fr.).

In the early days of aërostation, and indeed for some years afterwards, balloons were inflated with hydrogen gas, obtained by the action of sulphuric acid and water on iron filings or small fragments of iron; but this method of filing them ultimately gave place to the cheaper and more convenient supply afforded by the gas-light companies. Of late years, the coal-gas furnished by the gas-works has been generally, if not solely, used for the inflation of balloons.

The principles of ballooning may be referred to the well-known difference in the specific gravity of bodies, and to the physical properties of the atmosphere. Pure hydrogen, weighed at the level of the sea, is about 16 times lighter than common air; but when prepared on the large scale, and containing water, and other impurities, it is only from 7 to 11 times lighter than the atmosphere. A globe of atmospheric air of 1 foot in diameter, under like circumstances, weighs 1/25 _lb._; a similar globe of hydrogen (reckoning it only as 6 times lighter than common air, will, therefore, have an ascensional force of 1/30 _lb._). Now, the weight of the body of air which a balloon displaces must exceed the gross weight of the balloon and all its appendages, in order for the latter to ascend in the atmosphere. The difference of the two weights expresses the ascensional force. The aërostatic power of balloons is proportional to their dimensions, in the ratio of the cubes of their diameters. Thus, it appears that a balloon of 60 feet diameter filled with common hydrogen will ascend with a weight of nearly 7000 _lbs._, besides the gas case; whilst one of only 1-1/2 foot in diameter will barely float, owing to the less proportionate volume of gas to the weight of the case containing it. In round numbers the buoyancy of a balloon may be reckoned as equal to 1 _oz._ for every cubic foot of hydrogen it contains, _less_ the weight of the case and appendages. The carburetted hydrogen supplied by the gas-works is much heavier than hydrogen gas, and consequently much less buoyant, for which due allowance must be made. That which possesses the least illuminating power is the lightest, and consequently the best adapted for aërostation.

The fabric of which the cases of air-balloons are made is strong thin silk, covered with an elastic varnish of drying oil or india rubber, or, what is better, a solution of india rubber in either chloroform or bisulphide of carbon; the netting is of strong light silk or flaxen cord; and the car of basket-work. Fire-balloons, on the small scale, are generally made of silver-paper, and are inflated with the fumes of burning spirit of wine, by means of a sponge dipped in that liquid, and suspended just within the mouth of the apparatus.

Owing to the increasing rarity of the atmosphere as we ascend from the earth's surface, balloon cases are made very much larger than is required to contain the necessary quantity of gas, to allow for its expansion as it rises into a rarer medium. A cubical foot of gas measured at the level of the sea occupies a space of two feet at an elevation of 3-1/2 miles.

The following _Table_ will prove useful to the amateur aëronaut or balloonist:--

TABLE _showing the relations between the diameters,
surfaces, and capacities of spheres_.

---------------------------------------------
| Diameters. | Surfaces. | Cubical contents.|
---------------------------------------------
| 1 | 3·141 | ·523 |
| 2 | 12·567 | 4·188 |
| 3 | 28·274 | 14·137 |
| 4 | 50·265 | 33·51 |
| 5 | 78·54 | 65·45 |
| 10 | 314·159 | 523·6 |
| 15 | 706·9 | 1767·1 |
| 20 | 1256·6 | 4189· |
| 25 | 1963·5 | 8181· |
| 30 | 2827· | 14137· |
| 40 | 5026· | 33510· |
---------------------------------------------

See ATMOSPHERE, GAS, HYDROGEN, PARACHUTE, VARNISH, &c.

=BALLOON'ING[double-dagger].= _Syn._ BALLOON'RY[dagger]*. The act, art, or practice of ascending or travelling in balloons; aërostation. A BALLOON'IST[double-dagger] is an aëronaut (particularly an amateur or enthusiastic one).

=BALLS.= The application of this term in _commerce_, _perfumery_, _veterinary medicine_, &c., has been already noticed. (See BALL.) The following may be inserted here:--

=Balls, Al'mond= (ah'-m[)u]nd). _Syn._ BOULES D'AMANDE, Fr. _Prep._ 1. Spermaceti, 4 _oz._; white wax (pure) 8 _oz._; oil of almonds, 1 pint; melt them together in a glazed earthenware-vessel, by the heat of a water bath, and when the mixture has cooled a little, add essential oil of almonds, and expressed oil of mace, of each 2 _dr._; stir assiduously until it begins to cool, and then pour it into the moulds, which may be ounce-gallipots with smooth bottoms (very slightly warmed), when it will form beautiful hemispherical cakes. Very fine.

2. Hard clarified suet, 1-1/4 _lb._; white wax, 1/4 _lb._; ess. oil of almonds, 1-1/2 _dr._; oil of cloves (or of pimento), 1/2 _dr._; as before.

_Uses, &c._ To soften the skin, and in winter to prevent chaps and chilblains. Sometimes these balls are coloured, which is done whilst the mixture is in the liquid state. A rich pink or red may be given by a little alkanet-root or dragon's blood; a yellow, by palm oil or annotta; a blue, by a little finely powdered indigo; and a green, with spinage (steeped in the oil before use), or a few grains of verdigris. The most appropriate tint for them is a pale yellow or amber.

=Balls, Barèges= (-r[=a]zhe'). _Syn._ BOULES DE BARÈGES, Fr. _Prep._ 1. Extract of soap-wort, 3 _oz._; good glue or gelatin, 1-1/2 _oz._; water, 4 _oz._; dissolve with heat, and add of sulphide of calcium, 6 _oz._; common salt, 1 _oz._ (both in powder); mix thoroughly, and form the mass into balls weighing 2-1/2 _oz._ each, adding a little powdered gum, if required, to thicken it, and using powdered starch to roll them in.

2. Gelatin, 8 _oz._; sulphide of calcium, 12 _oz._; common salt, 2 _oz._; water, q. s.; after solution and admixture, add carbonate of soda and Castile soap, of each (in powder), 2-1/2 _oz._ One ball is added to the water of a bath for an adult, to be used as a substitute for that of Barèges.

=Balls, Bitter.= _Prep._ 1. Powdered gentian, 2 _lbs._; extract of gentian, 1 _lb._; grains of paradise (ground), 1/2 _lb._ syrup, q. s.; mix with heat, and divide into half-pound rolls. For ALE.

2. To the above add of Spanish-juice, 1-1/2 _lb._; previously softened with a little boiling water For PORTER and STOUT. Both are used by fraudulent brewers; and by publicans in reducing their beer.

=Balls, Black'ing.= _Prep._ 1 (Bailey's). Gum-tragacanth, 1 _oz._; water, 4 _oz._; dissolve, add of sugar candy, 4 _oz._; and afterwards, ivory-black and Prussian blue (in very fine powder), of each 2 _oz._; neat's foot oil, 2 _fl. oz._; thoroughly incorporate, and evaporate by a gentle heat, constantly stirring, until of a proper consistence, then pour it into oiled moulds.

2. Gum-arabic, moist sugar, and ivory-black, of each 1/2 _lb._; lamp-black, 1/4 _lb._; glue (melted with a little water), 2 _oz._; water, 1 quart, or q. s.; neat's foot oil, 1/4 pint; as before.--Used by the shoemakers, harness-makers, &c., to blacken and polish leather. See BALLS, HEEL.

=Balls, Breech'es.= See BALLS, SCOURING.

=Balls, Bronze.= See BALLS, COPYING.

=Balls, Cam'phor.= _Syn._ CAM'PHOR-CAKES, CHAP'-BALLS[double-dagger], CHIL'BLAIN B.[double-dagger], &c.; GLOB'ULI CAMPHORA'TI, PLACEN'TÆ CAMPHORA'TÆ, &c., L. _Prep._ 1. Spermaceti and white wax, of each 2 _oz._; almond or olive oil, 1/4 pint; melt together by a gentle heat, add of camphor (in small pieces), 1 _oz._; when dissolved, stir until partly cold, and then pour it into moulds, as directed under ALMOND-CAKES (_above_).

2. Clarified suet, 1 _lb._; spermaceti and white wax, of each, 3 _oz._; camphor, 2 _oz._; as before.

3. Spermaceti cerate (Ph. L.), 1 _lb._; spermaceti, 2 _oz._; camphor, 1-1/2 _oz._; as before.

4. To either of the above add of balsam of Peru, 1/4 to 1/2 _oz._; and, after solution, either strain the mixture through muslin, or allow it to settle, and decant the clear portion from the dregs.

_Use, &c._ A popular preventive of chapping and chilblains. A little is well rubbed into the skin, previously washed clean and wiped dry. Some persons add colour and scent; but they are generally sold without either. The only suitable colours are amber, pink, or yellow. The best perfumes are allspice, ambergris, cassia, cloves, mush, nutmeg, rondoletia, vanilla, and violets. See BALLS, ALMOND (_antè_).

=Balls, Clothes.= See BALLS, SCOURING.

=Balls, Contrayer'va.= _Syn._ LA'PIS CONTRAYER'VÆ, GLOB'ULI C., L. Compound contrayerva-powder made into balls with gum-water. An obsolete preparation, once in great repute as a stimulant, tonic, diaphoretic, and absorbent.

=Balls, Cop'ying.= These have a similar composition to 'heel-balls' (see _below_). For BLACK, the best colouring matter is lamp-black or plumbago with about half its weight of indigo; for a BRONZE-COLOUR, bronze-powder is substituted; and for a mellow BROWN, burnt terra di Sienna. These should be all in very fine powder. The semi-fluid mass is poured into small flat cylindrical moulds--paper pill-boxes answer the purpose well.--Used by artists and amateurs to copy inscriptions, monumental brasses, and other slightly raised or sunken patterns; the ball being rubbed over the paper previously laid flat on the design, and held securely in its place. They are sometimes rendered more permanent by damping the wrong side with a sponge dipped in water, strong spirit, or oil of turpentine; or by passing the wrong side over a hot iron held with the face upwards.

=Balls, Cosmet'ic.= See SAVONETTES, &c. (also _above_).

=Balls, Cream.= See SAVONETTES, SOAP BALLS, &c.

=Balls, Dog.= See DOGS.

=Balls, Gas'coign's.= _Syn._ GLOB'ULI GASCOIG'NII, L. Gascoign's powder made up into small balls with thin mucilage. See POWDERS.

=Balls, Heel.= _Prep._ 1. (Ullathorne's.) Bees' wax, 1 _lb._; suet, 4 _oz._; melt together, and stir in of ivory-black (very finely powdered), 4 _oz._; lamp-black (sifted), 3 _oz._; gum arabic and sugar-candy, of each (in very fine powder) 2 _oz._; and, when thoroughly mixed and partly cold, pour the composition into tin or leaden moulds.

2. To the last add of resin, 3 _oz._; oil of turpentine, 2 _oz._

3. Hard suet and bees' wax, of each 4 _oz._; powdered gum, sugar candy, and Venice turpentine, of each 1 _oz._; ivory-black and lamp-black, of each 2 _oz._; as before.

4. Suet and bees' wax, of each 4 _oz._; lamp-black and brown sugar, of each 8 _oz._; common size, 5 _oz._; melt together and stir until incorporated.

_Uses, &c._ Employed to black leather, and more especially by shoemakers for the edges of the soles; the ball being first rubbed on, and the part afterwards smoothed over with a burnisher or polished iron tool gently heated. Also used by artists to copy inscriptions, basso relievos, &c. To produce a good article, the gum, colouring matter, and sugar, must be in the state of extremely fine powder, and the mixture very carefully made; no lumps being left. Some persons dissolve the gum in a little water, and then stir the mixture over the fire until it acquires the proper consistence for moulding (as in No. 4, _above_); but the first is accounted the best method.

=Balls, Horse.= See VETERINARY MEDICINE, &c.

=Balls, Martial.= _Syn._ GLOB'ULI MARTIA'LES, L. _Prep._ 1. Those of the P. Cod. consist of tartarised iron mixed with aromatics, and made up into small globular masses.

2. (BOULES DE NANCY.) Equal parts of iron filings and red tartar, in fine powder, made into balls with proof spirit or brandy. Both are used as chalybeate tonics, either in the form of pills or dissolved in hot water. Seldom employed in England.

=Balls, Physic.= (Vet. Med.) See MASSES.

=Balls, Poultry.= See POULTRY.

=Balls, Scent.= See PASTILS (Toilet), PERFUMERY, POMAMBRA, SCENTS, &c.

=Balls, Scouring.= _Syn._ BREECH'ES BALLS, CLOTHES B., CARPET B., &c. _Prep._ 1. Curd soap (sliced), 1 _lb._; water, 2 _oz._; melt in a water bath, or a glue-pot, and when cooled a little, add ox-gall and oil of turpentine, of each, 5-1/2 _oz._; mix well and roll or mould the mass into balls or cakes.

2. Fuller's earth, 2 _lbs._; curd-soap, 1 _lb._; beat to a stiff paste with ox-gall, q. s.

3. Soft soap and fuller's earth, equal parts, beat up with a little oil of turpentine, and either with or without a little essence of lemons.--_Obs._ The above are used to remove paint, grease, and dirt from cloth, carpets, &c. The spot, first moistened with hot water, is rubbed with the cake, and allowed to soak a few minutes, or to become nearly dry, when it is well rubbed with a little warm water and a brush or piece of woollen cloth, and afterwards rinsed in clean water, and finally rubbed dry and smoothed off with a piece of dry cloth or a dry brush. The last formula produces the composition so commonly vended about the streets of London in penny cakes.

4. Whiting and pipe-clay, equal parts; water, q. s. Used for soldiers' belts, trousers, &c.

5. Pipe-clay, 2 _lbs._; fuller's earth, 1 _lb._; whiting, 1/2 _lb._; water, q. s.

6. Bath brick, 1 _lb._; pipe-clay, 2 _lbs._; soft soap, 1/4 _lb._; ox-gall, 1/2 pint.

7. To the last add of pumice-stone, in very fine powder, 6 _oz._--_Obs._ The last four are used for cloth and leather, especially for drab and light-coloured coats, trousers, leather breeches, belts, and gloves. Rose pink, yellow ochre, umber, Irish slate, or other like colouring matter, may be added to produce any desired tint. White pepper, cloves, &c., are also occasionally added to drive away moths and insects; and orris root, or essence of bergamot or of lemon-grass, as perfume.

=Balls, Sweet.= See BALLS, SCENT (_antè_).

=Balls, Tan.= The muddy sediment of tan-pits made into balls or lumps.--Used by the poor for summer fuel.

=Balls, Wash.= See SAVONETTES, SOAP, &c.

=BALM= (bahm). _Syn._ BAL'SAMUM, L.; BAUME, Fr.; BALSAM, Ger. Primarily, balsam (of which it is a contraction); formerly and still popularly applied to anything assumed to be soothing, healing, or genial in its action, particularly if also aromatic or fragrant; but chiefly to medicines and liqueurs, supposed to possess these properties. See BALSAMS, LIQUEURS, QUACK MEDICINES, &c.

=Balm.= _Syn._ COM'MON BALM, GAR'DEN B.; MELIS'SA, L.; BAUME, MÉLISSE, Fr. The _melis'sa officina'lis_ (Linn.), an aromatic perennial herb, a native of the south of Europe, but commonly cultivated in our gardens. It is reputed to be diaphoretic, diuretic, emmenagogue, exhilarating, nervine, and stomachic; and under the form of infusion (BALM-TEA) has long been a popular remedy in hypochondriacal, hysterical, and nervous affections, and in amenorrh[oe]a and chlorosis. It is still sometimes ordered as a drink in fevers and in hypochondriasis.

=Balm of a Thousand Flowers.= Chandler says this is a thick yellow emulsion, free from injurious metallic ingredients.

=Balm of White Lilies=, for preserving and beautifying the skin (H. A. Hoadley, New York). This, also according to Chandler, is a red-coloured water containing a large quantity of chalk in suspension, but with no injurious metallic ingredient.

=BAL'SAM= (bawl'-s[)a]m; -s[)u]m[double-dagger]§--Knowles, Walker). [Eng., Ger.] _Syn._ BAL'SAMUM (b[)a]l'-), L.; BAUME, Fr. Originally, any strong-scented oleo-resinous vegetable juice or exudation, of about the fluidity of treacle, and supposed to possess medicinal virtues. In _modern chemistry_ and _pharmacy_, any vegetable production which is either semi-liquid, or which naturally becomes concrete, and which contains either benzoic acid, or cinnamic acid, combined with resin and aromatic essential oil. Several of the substances popularly termed balsams contain no benzoic acid, and are consequently now classed with the turpentines. This distinction, however, is far from being universally adopted, and a late high authority defines balsams to be "Exudations from plants, which are liquid or soft solid, and consist of a substance resembling a resin, either combined with benzoic acid, or with an essential oil, or both." (Brande.)

The leading properties of the true natural balsams are--Insolubility in water, almost entire solubility in alcohol, and partial solubility in ether and in the volatile and fixed oils; the possession of a powerful, and generally, an agreeable odour, a hot, resinous or terebinthinate taste, and the usual stimulant and tonic properties of the milder turpentines. Distilled with water, ethereal oil and some acid pass over, and the residuum consists chiefly or entirely of acid-resin.

The TRUE BALSAMS, as those of benzoin Peru, styrax, and tolu, and the celebrated Chinese varnish-balsam, contain either benzoic or cinnamic acid. Among those falsely termed balsams, are copaiba, opobalsam, Japan lac-varnish, and some of the turpentines.

The following list includes most of the substances, natural and artificial, which pass, or have passed, under the name of balsams:[105]--

[Footnote 105: For articles and preparations often called 'balsams', and not found under this head, see ELIXIRS, OILS, PATENT MEDICINES, PERFUMERY, TINCTURES, &c. &c.]

=Balsam, Acous'tic.= See DROPS.

=Balsam, Amer'ican[dagger].= Balsam of Peru.

=Balsam, An'odyne.= _Syn._ SOOTH'ING BALSAM; BAL'SAMUM ANO'DYNUM (-d[)i]n-), B. TRANQUIL'LANS, L.; BAUME ANODIN, B. TRANQUILLE, B. TRANQUILLISANT, &c., Fr. _Prep._ 1. (Bate's.) See PATENT MEDICINES.

2. (Guy's.) A vulnerary balsam invented by Guy, of Caliac, once in great repute, but now obsolete. It consisted of aloes, amber, ammoniacum, balsam of Peru, bdellium, caranna, castor, galbanum, labdanum, myrrh, olibanum, storax, tacamahaca, and Venice turpentine, digested in alcohol.

3. (B. TRANQUILLANS, P. Cod.) Fresh leaves of belladonna, henbane, night-shade, tobacco, poppy, stramonium, of each two ounces; dried leaves of costermary, rosemary, rue, and sage, of each half an ounce; dried tops of wormwood, hyssop, sweet marjoram, peppermint, buckbean, and thyme, of each half an ounce; flowers of lavender and elder, of each half an ounce; olive oil, fifty ounces. Heat the green plants in the oil gently until all their water is dissipated; keep on the fire until the oil becomes of a green colour, and whilst still hot, mix in the other plants, carefully dried, and cut up. Digest for twelve hours on a water bath, strain, and filter.

4. (BAUME TRANQUILLE DE CHOMEL.) Henbane, hound's tongue, and tobacco, of each 1 lb.; white wine, 3 pints; boil down to a quart; press, strain, and add to the hot 'strained liquor' of olive oil, 1 quart, and again boil.

=Balsam, Ap'oplexy.= _Syn._ BAL'SAMUM APOPLEC'TICUM, B. AD APOPLEC'TICOS (Ph. E. 1744), L. _Prep._ 1. Amber, civet, musk, Peruvian balsam, and some volatile oils, made into a balsam.

2. (Ph. E. 1744) Expressed oil of nutmeg, 1 oz.; liquefy by a gentle heat, and stir in of the oils of cloves, lavender, and rosemary, of each, 1/2 dr.; oil of amber, 10 drops; balsam of Peru, 1 dr. Both were formerly used to anoint the head and nostrils of apoplectic patients, and were believed to be of great efficacy.

=Balsam, Asiat'ic[dagger].= Balm of Gilead.

=Balsam, Bate's.= See BALSAM, ANODYNE.

=Balsam, Berlin=, for burns, cuts, bruises, and wounds of every kind, sores and ulcers, frost-bites, &c. Chloride of lime with impure glycerine.

=Balsam Bilfinger=, for rheumatism and gout. Black soap, 25 grms.; water, 40 grms.; spirit of wine, 10 grms.; camphorated spirit, 10 grms.; liquor ammoniæ caustic, 20 grms.; tinct. capsici, 5 grms. (Schädler.)

=Balsam, Brazilian.= Balsam of copaiba.

=Balsam, Calaba'.= _Syn._ TACAMAHA'CA. A fragrant resinous substance produced by _calophyl'lum cal'aba_, or Santa Maria tree.

=Balsam, Cam'phor.= _Syn._ CAM'PHORATED BALSAM; BAL'SAMUM CAMPHORA'TUM, &c., L. _Prep._ 1. As camphor-liniment, Ph. L.

2. (B. ACE'TICUM C., Sanchez's GOUT-B.:--Pelletier.) Curd-soap and camphor, of each 5 drs.; oil of thyme, 2 scru.; acetic ether, 5 oz.; digest together in a stoppered bottle until the solids are dissolved. Recommended as an efficacious anodyne liniment in certain forms of rheumatism and gout.

=Balsam, Can'ada.= See TURPENTINES.

=Balsam, Cana'ry.= A volatile oleaginous substance obtained by distillation from _draco-ceph'alum Moldavi'cum_.

=Balsam, Carpa'thian.= Riga Balsam.

=Balsam, Cephal'ic.= (Saxon.) _Syn._ BAL'SAMUM CEPHALI'CUM SAXON'ICUM, L. A liquid preparation obtained from the essential oils of amber, lavender, marjoram, nutmeg, pennyroyal, rue, sage, &c., distilled together. Once in high repute; but long disused in England.

=Balsam, Chil'blain.= See LINIMENTS.

=Balsam, Chi'na Varnish.= The aromatic varnish-like exudation of _au'gia sinen'sis_, used by the Chinese as a varnish or lacquer, for which purpose it is, perhaps, unequalled. It is highly fragrant, and abounds in benzoic acid.

=Balsam, Command'er's[dagger].= Compound tincture of benzoin.

=Balsam, Copalm'.= Liquid-ambar.

=Balsam Egyp'tian.= Balm of Mecca.

=Balsam, Eye, Augsburg.= Red oxide of mercury, ·75 grm.; extract of belladonna, ·5 grm.; tincture of opium, ·5 grm.; fatty substance, 7 grms. (Hager.)

=Balsam, Eye= (Müller, Berlin). Red oxide of mercury, 5 parts; opium, 3 parts; unsalted butter, 100 parts.

=Balsam, Eye=, (Müller's Widow, Berlin). Red oxide of mercury, ·2 grm.; unsalted, unusually rancid, butter, 10 grms.

=Balsam, Fe'male.= _Syn._ BAL'SAMUM EMBRYO'NUM, A'QUA E., L. An obsolete preparation made by digesting misletoe, civet, musk, and several other aromatics, in a mixture of wine and various medicated waters, and submitting the whole to distillation. Formerly taken both internally and externally, as a tonic for both f[oe]tus and mother; and particularly to prevent abortion, &c.

=Balsam, Fri'ar's.= Compound tincture of benzoin.

=Balsam, Gen'oa.= Locatelle's balsam.

=Balsam, Glyc'erin= (gl[)i]s'-). _Syn._ BAL'SAMUM GL[)Y]CERI'NÆ, L. _Prep._ To white wax and spermaceti, of each, 1 _oz._; almond oil, 1/2 _lb._; melted together, add of glycerin, 2 _oz._; balsam of Peru, 1/2 _oz._; and stir or agitate until nearly cold. 12 or 15 drops of otto of roses may be substituted for the balsam.--Used to soften and whiten the skin, and to prevent chaps and chilblains.

=Balsam, God'bold's Vegetable.= See PATENT MEDICINES.

=Balsam, Goulard's'.= _Syn._ BAL'SAMUM GOULAR'DII, B. SATUR'NI, L.; BAUME DE GOULARD, Fr. _Prep._ (Van Mons.) Acetate of lead (in fine powder, and quite dry) is triturated, for some time, with hot oil of turpentine, in a heated mortar, or until no more will dissolve; after repose, and whilst still hot, the clear portion is decanted. Recommended as a useful application to foul and painful ulcers, and to scalds and burns.

=Balsam, Green.= _Syn._ BAL'SAMUM VIR'IDE, &c., L.; BAUME VERT, Fr. _Prep._ 1. Linseed-oil, 6 lbs.; gum-elemi, 1 lb.; heat them together; add of powdered verdigris, 3 oz., or q. s. to impart a rich green colour, and, after repose, decant the clear portion.

2. Linseed oil strongly coloured with verdigris. Both were formerly much used by surgeons as detergents. 'Green-oil' or 'oil of elder-leaves' is now commonly sold for it.

A natural balsam, brought from Peru, and produced by _chlorox'ylon verticilla'tum_, is also popularly called GREEN BALSAM (of Peru).

=Balsam, Guaiacum.= (Ph. Lond. 1745.) Guaiac, 1 lb.; balsam of Peru, 3 dr.; rect. spirit, 2 pints.

=Balsam, Gurgun'= (-g[=o][=o]n') _Syn._ GURGI'NA BALSAM, WOOD-OIL (of India). From _dipterocar'pus tri'nervis_, and other species, by applying a slow fire to a notch or wound made in the trunk. Has a mixed smell of copaiba and naphtha. _Properties_ and _dose_ similar to those of balsam of copaiba. Sp. gr. ·962 to ·964. See COPAIBA and WOOD-OIL.

=Balsam, Hill's, of Honey.= See PATENT MEDICINES.

=Balsam, Hungarian.= _Syn._ BAL'SAMUM HUNGAR'ICUM, L. A terebinthinate exudation from the extremities of the branches of _pi'nus pumil'io_ (Willd.) or mountain-pine. It is also obtained by pressure from the 'cones' of the same tree.

=Balsam, Ioduretted.= See LINIMENTS.

=Balsam, Japan Varnish.= _Syn._ JAPAN LACQ'UER. Exudes from incisions made in the trunk of _melanorrh[oe]'a usitatis'sima_, according to Wallich; or _stagma''ria, avernicif'lua_ according to Lindley. It constitutes the celebrated lac-varnish of the Japanese. It differs from that of China, and from the true balsams, in not containing benzoic acid. It is extremely acrid and irritant; and even its fumes affect the eyes and respiration.

=Balsam[dagger], Jews'.= Balm of Gilead.

=Balsam of Life, Professor Cook's.= Recommended especially for toothache and skin diseases. Borax, 20 parts; boiling water, 250 parts; camphor, 1-1/2 part. (Hager.)

=Balsam, Locatelle's'.= _Syn._ LOCATEL'LI'S BALSAM; BAL'SAMUM LOCATEL'LI, B. LUCATEL'LI, B. ITAL'ICUM, B. GENOFE'VÆ, &c., L. var. _Prep._ 1. (Original Formula.) Olive oil, 6 oz.; yellow wax, 4 oz.; sherry wine, 5 fl. oz.; red sanders (in very fine powder), 4 dr.; simmer them together until the moisture is nearly evaporated, then add of Strasburgh turpentine, 6 oz.; balsam of Peru, 2 dr.; strain through linen, and stir until nearly cold.

2. (Ph. E. 1744.) Olive oil, 24 fl. oz.; yellow wax, 1 lb.; melt, and add of Venice turpentine, 1-1/2 lb.; and, when cooled a little, further add, powdered dragon's blood, 1 oz.; balsam of Peru, 2 oz.; and stir until cold.

3. (Ph. L. 1746.) Olive oil, 16 fl. oz.; Venice turpentine and yellow wax, of each 1/2 lb.; red sanders, 6 dr.

_Uses, &c._ A once highly esteemed pectoral, and still occasionally used, by the lower classes, in phthisis and chronic coughs (mixed with an equal weight of conserve of roses), and as a mild stimulating ointment.--_Dose_, 1/2 dr. or more.

=Balsam, Mercu''rial[dagger].= Ointment of nitrate of mercury.

=Balsam, Metz's.= _Syn._ BAL'SAMUM VIR'IDE METEN'SIUM, L.; BAUME VERT DE METZ, Fr. _Prep._ (Guibourt.) Linseed oil and olive oil, of each 6 oz.; oil of laurel-berries, 1 oz.; common turpentine, 2 oz.; melt by a gentle heat, and add of verdigris 3 dr.; aloes, 2 dr.; sulphate of zinc, 1-1/2 dr. (all in powder); mix well, strain or pour the liquid into a bottle, and add oil of juniper, 4 dr.; oil of cloves, 1 dr. Used on the Continent as a common detergent dressing to wounds and ulcers.

=Balsam, Mex'ican[dagger].= Balsam of Peru.

=Balsam, Nat'ural[dagger].= That which exudes from plants, as opposed to those formed by art.

=Balsam, Ner'vine.= See OINTMENTS.

=Balsam, Odontal'gic.= See DROPS.

=Balsam, Opodel'doc.= See OPODELDOC (French).

=Balsam, Pec'toral.= _Syn._ BAL'SAMUM PECTORA'LE, L.; BAUME PECTORAL, Fr. _Prep._ 1. Tincture of tolu and compound tincture of benzoin, of each, 2 oz.; rectified spirit, 4 oz.; mix. _Dose_, 1/2 to 1 teaspoonful, night and morning; in chronic coughs, hoarseness, &c.

2, 3. See BALSAM OF HONEY, B. OF HOREHOUND, &c.

=Balsam, Persian[dagger].= Friar's Balsam.

=Balsam, Peru''vian.= See BALSAM OF PERU.

=Balsam, Poly'chrest.= _Syn._ ELIXIR POLYCHRESTON. (E. 1745.) Guaiacum, 6 oz.; balsam of Peru, 1/2 oz.; rectified spirit, 32 oz. Digest in a sand bath for 4 days, and add oil of sassafras, 2 dr.

=Balsam, Poser's= (E. Gross, Breslau), for chronic and local rheumatism. A yellow liquid, composed of:--Oil of rosemary, 4 grms.; camphor, 10 grms.; tincture of ants, 15 grms.; tincture of cantharides, 5 grms.; spirit of wine, 90 grms.; tincture of saffron, 10 drops. (Hager.)

=Balsam, Potsdam= (aromatic balsamic perfume). Liquid storax, 4 grms.; cloves, 2 grms.; oil of cloves, 3 grms.; oil of cassia, 1 grm.; oils of bergamot, lemon, and lavender, [=a][=a], 2 grms.; oil of curled mint, 1/4 grm.; rectified spirit, 200 grms.; macerate and filter. (Hager.)

=Balsam, Riga.= (r[=e]'-). _Syn._ CARPA'THINA BALSAM; BAL'SAMUM CARPATH'ICUM, B. LIB'ANI, &c., L.; BAUME DE CARPATHES, Fr. A pellucid white fluid obtained by careful distillation from the young shoots of _pi'nus cem'bra_ (Linn.) or Siberian stone-pine. It much resembles oil of juniper; and, like that article, is powerfully diuretic. It is regarded as vulnerary, and is highly esteemed by some in sprains and bruises. The bottoms of oil of juniper are commonly sold for it in the shops. The spirit distilled from pine-tops (_spiritus turionum pini_) is also frequently, although incorrectly, called BIGA BALSAM.

=Balsam, Sanchez's Gout.= See BALSAM, CAMPHORATED.

=Balsam, Sooth'ing.= See BALSAM, ANODYNE.

=Balsam, St. Genevieve.= Thick turpentine, 5 parts; olive oil, 30 parts; bees' wax, 25 parts; spermaceti, 5 parts; camphor, 1 part; red sanders, 4 parts.

=Balsam, St. John Long's= (liniment), used for application to the chest in cases of phthisis, is a thick emulsion composed of:--Turpentine, 25 parts; yolk of eggs, 50 parts; concentrated vinegar, 5 parts; rose water, 15 parts; and a few drops of essence of lemon.

=Balsam, Stomach'ic= (-m[)a]k'-). _Syn._ BAL'SAMUM STOMACH'ICUM, L.; BAUME STOMACHIQUE, Fr. _Prep._ (Ph. Slesv.-Hols. 1831.) Oils of cloves, mace, wormwood, and peppermint, of each 1 dr.; balsam of Peru, 2 dr.; oil of nutmeg, 2 oz.; mix. 1 to 5 or 6 drops, on sugar, or dissolved in spirit.

=Balsam, Syr'ian.= Balsam of Mecca.

=Balsam, Thibaut's.= See PATENT MEDICINES.

=Balsam, Tooth'ache.= See DROPS, &c.

=Balsam, Traumat'ic.= Compound tincture of benzoin.

=Balsam, Tur'key.= _Syn._ TUR'KEY BALM. The distilled oil of the dracocephalum moldavicum.

=Balsam, Tur'lington's.= See PATENT MEDICINES.

=Balsam, Univer'sal.= _Syn._ BAL'SAMUM UNIVERSA'LE, L. _Prep._ (Ph. Slesv.-Hols. 1831.) Rape oil (recent), 1-1/2 lb.; yellow wax, 1/2 lb.; acetate of lead (in fine powder), 3 oz.; powdered camphor, 1/2 oz.; melted together; observing to triturate the acetate with a small portion of the oil before adding it to the mixture, and not to add the camphor until the heat is reduced a little.--_Obs._ This name has also been given to 'compound cerate of lead,' and even to 'cerate of acetate of lead.'

=Balsam, Vervain's[dagger].= Compound tincture of benzoin.

=Balsam, Wound.= Several vulnerary preparations have been so called; but FRIAR'S BALSAM (comp. tinct. of benzoin) is that usually intended.

=Balsam of Acou'chi.= A yellowish aromatic liquid, of a terebinthinous nature and consistence, obtained from the wounded branches and shoots of the _icica heterophylla_ (DC.). It is highly esteemed as vulnerary by the Caribs of Guiana. (Lindley.)

=Balsam of Alpi'nus.= Balm of Gilead; because Prosper Alpinus wrote a learned (?) treatise on it.

=Balsam of Am'ber.= _Syn._ BAL'SAMUM SUCCINI, L.; BAUME D'AMBRE, Fr. The article to which this term is usually applied has been already noticed. Oil of amber was also formerly so called; and the same name has been given to the following and other like preparations by their inventors:--

1. (Radius.) Oil of amber, 4 fl. oz.; oil of myrrh, 2 fl. oz; oil of turpentine, 1 fl. oz.; mix with a gentle heat.

2. (Bate.) See BALSAM ANODYNE. They are all stimulant and antispasmodic, and are used either internally or as a friction, like oil of amber.

=Balsam of Arcæ'us.= _Syn._ BAL'SAMUM ARCÆ'I, L.; BAUME D'ARCÆUS, Fr. A digestive ointment formerly in great repute, and still much employed on the Continent. It is now superseded in England by the comp. elemi ointment of the Pharmacop[oe]ias. In the original formula, boiling water, 4 parts, were ordered to be stirred in.

=Balsam of Can'ada.= See TURPENTINES.

=Balsam of Cloves.= _Syn._ AROMAT'IC BALSAM OF CLOVES; BAL'SAMUM CARYOPHYL'LI, L. _Prep._ (Bories.) Oil of cloves and oil of nutmeg, of each 1/2 dr.; spirit of juniper berries, 3 oz.; mix. Rubefacient and diuretic.--Used chiefly as a stimulating friction. _Internally_, 1/2 to 1 teaspoonful.

=Balsam of Copai'ba.= See COPAIBA.

=Balsam of Fern.= Oil of male fern.

=Balsam of Fiovaren'ti.= _Syn._ BAL'SAMUM FIOVAREN'TI, L. _Prep._ (P. Cod.) Venice turpentine, 16 oz.; amber, elemi, galbanum, myrrh, styrax, and tacamahaca, of each 3 oz.; aloes, 1 oz.; bay-berries, 4 oz.; cinnamon, cloves, galangal, ginger, nutmegs, and zedoary, of each 1-1/2 oz.; dittany of Crete, 1 oz.; rectified spirit, 8 lbs.; macerate a week and distil off 7 lbs. The distilled spirit constitutes this notable preparation of, professedly, many virtues. It is reputed aromatic, diuretic, antispasmodic, and stimulant. One of its applications is as a collyrium--a drop or two being rubbed on the palm of the hands, which are then held to the eyes, so as to cover, without touching them--in chronic ophthalmia, conjunctivitis, &c.

=Balsam of Gil'ead.= See BALSAM OF MECCA.

=Balsam of Gua'iacum= (gw[=a]-y[)a]-). _Syn._ BAL'SAMUM GUAI'ACI, B. GUAIACI'NUM, L. _Prep._ (Ph. L. 1745.) Gum-guaiacum, 1 lb.; balsam of Peru, 3 dr.; rectified spirit, 1 quart; digest 10 days and filter. Diaphoretic, arthrodynic, and anodyne.--_Dose_, 30 to 60 drops, in milk or water; in agues, rheumatism, &c. _Externally_, reputed also anti-suppurative.

=Balsam of Honey.= _Syn._ PEC'TORAL BALSAM, P. B. OF HONEY; BAL'SAMUM MEL'LIS, B. PECTORA'LE, B. P. MELLIS, L.; BAUME DE MIEL, &c., Fr. _Prep._ 1. Balsam of tolu, 1 lb.; honey (finest), 2-1/2 lbs.; rectified spirit, 1 gall.; turmeric, 1 oz.; make a tincture.

2. To the last, before maceration, add of powdered opium, 2 oz.

3. (Hill's.) See PATENT MEDICINES. _Uses, &c._ A good pectoral in colds, tickling chronic coughs, hoarseness, &c., when unaccompanied with fever.--_Dose._ For an adult, 1/2 to 1 teaspoonful, twice or thrice a day; an occasional dose of some mild aperient being also taken. Tincture of balsam of tolu, or a mixture of the tinctures of tolu and benzoin, is frequently sold in the shops under the name of 'balsam of honey.' See PECTORAL BALSAM, &c.

=Balsam of Hore'hound.= _Syn._ BAL'SAMUM MARRU'BII, L. _Prep._ 1. Extracts of horehound and liquorice, of each 2 oz.; hot water, 1/2 pint; dissolve, and when cold, add of paregoric, 3/4 pint; oxymel of squills, 6 oz.; tincture of benzoin, 2 oz.; honey, 10 oz.; and, after thorough admixture, strain through flannel.

2. (Ford's.) See PATENT MEDICINES.

_Uses, &c._ A popular pectoral.--_Dose, &c._, same as of BALSAM OF HONEY (_above_).

=Balsam of Houmi''ri.= [Nat.] From humir'ia balsamif'era, or the houmiri-tree of Guiana. It resembles 'balsam of umiri' produced by another tree of the same genus. (See _below_.)

=Balsam of Lead.= See BALSAM, GOULARD'S.

=Balsam of Life.= _Syn._ BALM OF LIFE; BAL'SAMUM VI'TÆ, L.; BAUME DE VIE, ELIX'IR DE VIE, &c., Fr. Several compound medicines have been called by this name. Those of Gabius, Hoffman, and Turlington, are noticed under PATENT MEDICINES (which _see_). The following are distinct preparations:--

1. BAUME DE VIE EXTERNE:--Soap liniment, 2 parts; oil of turpentine, 1 part; mix. Stimulant and rubefacient. Used with friction.

2. BAUME DE VIE PURGATIF; Elixir de vie:--_a._ (Briett.) Socotrine aloes and saffron, of each, 2 drs.; rhubarb, 6 drs.; liquorice-root, 1 oz.; proof spirit or brandy, 1/2 pint; digest a week, and filter.

_b._ (Original Swedish formula.) Aloes, 9 drs.; agaric, gentian, rhubarb, saffron, theriaca, and zedoary, of each 1 dr.; proof spirit or brandy, 1 quart. A mild stomachic purge.--_Dose._ 1 to 6 drs. Tincture of rhubarb-and-aloes (Ph. E.) is commonly substituted for it. See ELIXIRS.

=Balsam of Liq'uorice.= See PATENT MEDICINES.

=Balsam of Mec'ca.= _Syn._ BALM OF GIL'EAD, B. OF MEC'CA, OPOBAL'SAM (-bawl'-), JEWS' BALSAM[dagger], OIL OF B.[dagger], &c., Eng.; BAL'SAMUM (b[)a]l'-) GILEADEN'SE, B. È MEC'CA, OPOBAL'SAMUM (-b[)a]l'-) &c., L.; BAUME DE LA MECQUE, B. DE MECCA*, B. DE JUDÉE, OPOBALSAMUM, &c., Fr. BAL'SAMUM ÆGYPTI'ACUM[dagger], B. ALPI'NI[dagger], B. ANTIQUO''RUM GENUI'NUM[dagger], B. ASIAT'ICUM[dagger], B. SYRI'ACUM[dagger], O'LEUM BAL'SAMI[dagger], &c., L. A fragrant oleo-resinous substance, obtained from _balsamoden'dron gileaden'se_ (Kunth.; _amy'ris gileaden'sis_, Linn.; _a. opobal'samum_, Forsk), a middle-sized tree of the nat. ord. Terebinthacæ (DC.), growing in Arabia Felix, Asia Minor, and Egypt. It is the BALM of the Old Testament, and the [Greek: balsamon] of Theophrastus and Dioscorides. It is chemically classed with the turpentines.

_Prop., &c._ When fresh it is turbid and whitish, but becomes by degrees transparent, of a rich golden colour, and slightly thicker; and by exposure, eventually solid. It possesses a penetrating and delicate fragrance; tastes sharp, bitter, spicy, and somewhat astringent; is not entirely soluble in rectified spirit, but dissolves more or less completely in both the fixed and volatile oils, which then assume the fragrance of the balsam. A drop let fall on hot water spreads itself over the whole surface, like a film of oil, and again contracts on the water cooling. This, with its fragrance, is the common test of its genuineness in Turkey. The inferior qualities, or those of commerce, are generally opaque and thick, rapidly resinifying and turning of a dull yellow by age. When applied to the skin it causes redness and swelling. It was formerly regarded as possessing the most varied and exalted virtues, particularly as an antiseptic, stimulant, vulnerary, and nervine; and its fumes were supposed to prevent barrenness. It is still highly prized in the East as a cosmetic and perfume; and is said to be unequalled for giving a healthy glow to the complexion and promoting the growth of the hair. Its medicinal qualities are intermediate to those of the aromatic turpentines and balsam of tolu.--_Dose._ From 3 to 6, or even 10 or 12 drops.

_Obs._ According to Bruce, and others, the best balm of Gilead is a spontaneous exudation from the tree; a second quality is obtained by cutting the bark with an axe, and receiving the juice which exudes in a small earthen bottle. A large branch is said to produce not more than 3 or 4 drops a day; and even the most resinous trees seldom yield more than 60 drops daily. Hence its scarcity and costliness. Both varieties are held in such high estimation by the Turks and Egyptians, that none of them are exported as an article of commerce. That which is sent to England is obtained by boiling the leaves and young twigs of the balsam tree in water, and is rejected by the Orientals as worthless. Most of that sold in the shops of England is entirely spurious (see _below_).

The cosmetics recently so much advertised as 'BALM OF MECCA' do not contain even a trace of this article; nor do we believe that there is a single drop of the genuine balm to be purchased in London.

The following formulæ are current in the trade for =Fac''titious Balm of Mecca=:--

1. Gum-benzoin (bright, coarsely powdered), 4 _oz._; liquid styrax (finest), 3 _oz._; balsam of tolu, 2 _oz._; Canadian balsam, 1-1/2 pint; are mixed together in a flask, and exposed (closed) to the heat of a water bath, with frequent agitation, until the liquid is saturated; when cold, the clear portion is decanted, and a sufficient quantity of the oils of lemon, cassia, rosemary, nutmeg, and vanilla, added to give it a strong aromatic odour.

2. From gum-benzoin and balsam of Peru, of each 1 _oz._; vanilla and nutmeg, of each (cut small) 1 _dr._; Canadian balsam, 1/2 pint; digested as before, and some essential oils added to the decanted liquid.

=Balsam of Nut'meg.= _Syn._ BAL'SAMUM MYRIS'TICÆ, B. NUCIS'TÆ. L. _Prep._ (Ph. Bor. 1847.) Expressed oil of nutmeg (--? mace), 3 _oz._; olive oil, 1 _oz._; yellow wax, 1/2 _oz._; melt them together by a gentle heat, pour the mixture into paper moulds, and, when cold, cut the mass up into cakes.

=Balsam of Peru'= (r[=o][=o]'). _Syn._ PERU'VIAN BALSAM; BAL'SAMUM PERUVIA'NUM (Ph. L., E., and D.), L.; BAUME DU PÉROU, B. PERUVIEN, Fr.; PERUVIANISCHER BALSAM, Ger. A balsam obtained from _Myroxylon Pereiræ_ (_Myrospermum of Sonsonate_). It exudes from the trunk of the tree after it has been scorched and removed. From Salvador, in Central America. B. P.

_Prop., &c._ A chocolate-coloured or a reddish-brown liquid, of the consistence of treacle, possessing a bitterish, rather pungent taste, and an agreeable aromatic odour somewhat similar to that of a mixture of vanilla and benzoin. It is reputed stimulant, tonic, and expectorant, and has long been a popular remedy in chronic asthma, catarrh, and other pulmonary affections, debility, &c. It is now, however, principally used as an ingredient in pomades, hair-oils, lip-salves, and other cosmetics, in which it is only inferior to 'balm of Mecca,' and in compound perfumery. It is also used to scent lozenges, pastils, and chocolate and liqueurs; for these last, chiefly as a substitute for 'vanilla' when it is scarce and dear.--_Dose_, 10 or 12 to 30 gr. (even 1 dr. is sometimes given), either on sugar, or made into a bolus with liquorice powder, or into an emulsion with honey, mucilage, or yolk of egg.

_Pur., Tests, &c._--1. The sp. gr. should not be lower than 1·15; nor higher than 1·16:--2. Ether dissolves it readily and completely:--3. Soluble in 5 parts of rectified spirit:--4. It should undergo no diminution in volume when agitated with water:--5. 100 gr., by its benzoic or cinnamic acid, should saturate not less than 7-1/2 gr. of pure crystallised carbonate of soda:--6. Sulphuric acid converts it into resin, artificial tannin, or charcoal, according to the quantity employed; if, on adding water, a brittle resin is not formed, some fixed oil (probably castor oil) is present:--7. Treated with nitric acid, some hydrocyanic acid is formed, benzoic acid sublimes, and the residual matter is artificial tannin:--8. The alkalies and their carbonates form with it a thickish semi-crystalline mass, which, on being treated with sulphuric acid, deposits a peculiar resinous matter, with crystals of benzoic and cinnamic acid:--9. If a few drops are distilled, and, when iodine is added to the distillate, an explosion results, it has been adulterated with 'copaiba':--10. The genuine balsam contains about 6-1/2% of benzoic (cinnamic) acid:--11. (Hager). If two or three cubic centimètres of balsam of Peru be shaken with five or six cubic centimètres of petroleum spirit, the mixture separates upon being allowed to stand into a black-brown layer, and a limpid and colourless or slightly yellowish layer, and is easily decanted. If the balsam be adulterated, this latter layer is turbid and coloured, while the viscous residue which separates is more fluid, which renders decantation more difficult. Sometimes the brown residue is pulverulent.

_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.

=Balsam of Sul'phur, Anisated.= (Ph. Edin. 1722). Originally made by digesting one part of sulphur; three of turpentine; and four of oil of aniseed. A mixture of one part of oil of aniseed with three or four of balsam of sulphur is usually sold for it.

=Balsam of Sul'phur with Turpentine.= Digest one part of sulphur with three of oil of turpentine till dissolved. Similar compounds were formerly made with sulphur and Barbadoes tar, and with the empyreumatic oils of amber, benzoin, &c.

=Balsam of Syri'acum.= See BALSAM OF MECCA.

=Balsam of Tolu'= (-l'[=o][=o]). _Syn._ TOLU' BAL'SAM*; BAL'SAMUM TOLUTA'NUM (Ph. L., E., & D.), B. DE TO'LÛ, L.; BAUME DE TOLU, Fr.; TOLUTANISCHER BALSAM, B. VON TOLU, &c., Ger. Balsam flowing from the incised trunk of "_myrosper'mum toluif'erum_." (B. P.) The tree which produces it is a native of the mountains of Tolu, Turbaco, &c., in South America.

_Prop., Uses, &c._ When first brought over it is soft and tenacious, but by age and careless keeping becomes hard, and even brittle, somewhat similar to resin. It is perfectly soluble in alcohol and in ether, and gives out its acid (benzoic or cinnamic) to water. Its odour is fragrant, though less powerful than that of either styrax or balsam of Peru; and it has a pleasant sweetish taste. It softens under the teeth, melts readily, and burns with an agreeable odour. As a medicine it is a stimulating expectorant, and, as such, is employed in chronic bronchial affections unaccompanied with inflammatory action. It has long been a popular pectoral. Syrup of Tolu is an agreeable and common adjunct to pectoral mixtures, and, with Tolu lozenges, is often serviceable in tickling coughs. It is also used by confectioners, perfumers, &c., and in fumigating pastils.--_Dose_, 5 to 20, or even 30 gr., dissolved in spirit, or made into an emulsion.

_Pur._ This is shown by its perfect solubility in rectified spirit, forming a transparent tincture, and by its odour. When adulterated it has a weaker smell, is only partially soluble in alcohol, and the tincture formed with that fluid is opaque. The presence of colophony (or lac), according to Ulex, may be detected by the balsam, instead of dissolving in sulphuric acid, swelling up, blackening, and disengaging sulphurous fumes.[106] Castor oil may be detected in the way noticed under BALSAM OF PERU.

[Footnote 106: 'Archiv der Pharm.,' 1855.]

=Balsam of Tolu, a Factitious=, was formerly met with in trade, made of equal parts of orange-lac and white sugar, reduced to a proper consistence with rectified spirit, and 'brought up' with some tincture of benzoin, and a few drops of the oils of cassia and nutmeg dissolved in a little essence of vanilla.

=Balsam of Tur'pentine= (-t[=i]ne). _Syn._ BAL'SAMUM TEREBIN'THINÆ, L. A name formerly given to Strasburgh, Venice, and other like turpentines.

=Balsam of Tur'pentine= (Emollient). _Syn._ B. TEREBINTHINA'TUM, L. _Prep._ Olive oil, 6 oz.; oil of turpentine, 2 oz.; yellow wax, 1 oz.; balsam of Peru, oil of nutmeg, and camphor, of each 2 dr. A stimulant emollient; in contusions, ulcerations, engorgements, nephritic pains, &c.

=Balsam of Umi''ri.= [Nat.] By incision, from the _humir'ia floribun'dum_ (Mart.), or the _umiri-plant_ of Para. It is fragrant, limpid, of a palish-yellow colour, and in its medicinal properties is said to combine those of the balsams of copaiba and Peru.

=BALSAM'IC= (b[)a]l-). _Syn._ BALSAM'ICUS, BALSA'MEUS, BALSAM'INUS, L.; BALSAMIQUE, Fr.; BALSAMISCH, Ger. Of the nature of balsam, or containing or resembling it; bland, soothing, healing; balmy.

=BAMBOO'= (-b[=o][=o]'). [Nat.] _Syn._ BAMBU'SA, L.; BAMBON, Fr.; BAMBUS, BAMBUSROHR, INDIANISCHER ROHR, Ger. The name of several species of the genus '_bambusa_,' but appr. of _b. arundina'cea_ or 'common bamboo.' See BAMBUSA.

=Bamboo'-habit= (-h[)a]b-). A species of 'life-preserver,' or 'float,' used in China and the Indian Archipelago, consisting of four pieces of bamboo tied together so as to form a square.

=BAMBU'SA.= [Endl.] The bamboo. In _botany_, a genus of magnificent arborescent grasses, of the nat. order Gramineæ (DC.), having hollow jointed stems, of a hard woody texture, externally coated with siliceous matter, and sometimes secreting a similar siliceous substance (TABASHEER') in their internal cavities. They are all of rapid growth, and vary in height from 6 to 150 feet.

There, is, perhaps, scarcely any other plant besides the palm which serves for so many purposes useful to man, as the various species of bamboo. Its grain is used for bread; the young shoots are eaten like asparagus, and are also pickled; the smaller stalks are made into walking canes, umbrella and parasol sticks, flutes, &c.; whilst its fibres are manufactured into cloth, and even paper. It is employed extensively in the construction of houses, bridges, masts for boats, domestic furniture, boxes, mats, baskets, utensils of various kinds, fences, water pipes and vessels, quicksilver bottles, &c., and for numerous other purposes connected with everyday life. In localities where ordinary surgical appliances are not at hand, splints, of any required length or size, can be made with very little delay, from the stems of the bamboo. The older and drier stems are to be preferred for this purpose. The genus is confined to the East and West Indies and tropical America. See CANE, PICKLES, TABASHEER, &c.

=BANA'NA= (n[=a]'- or -nah'-). [Nat.] The _mu'sa sapien'tum_ (Linn.), a species of plantain; also its fruit. The Banana contains about 27 per cent. of solid matter, and has nearly the same nutritive value as rice. It is largely consumed in the tropics, where the common allowance for a labourer is 6-1/2 lbs. of the fresh fruit or 2 lbs. of the dry meal, with a quarter of a pound of salt meat or fish. It is sometimes fried in slices and often made into preserves.

_Composition of the Pulp of Ripe Bananas_
(CORENWINDER).

Nitrogenous matter 4·820
Sugar, pectose, organic acid, and
traces of starch 19·657
Fatty matter 0·632
Cellulose 0·200
Saline matter 0·791
Water 73·900
-------
100·000

See PLANTAIN.

=BANCOUL, NUTS OF.= This nut is the seed of a tree belonging to the _Euphorbiaciæ_, of which two or three species occur in Ceylon, Cochin-China, New Caledonia, Bourbon, &c. It is composed of a hard and woody endocarp, and of an oily kernel, containing:--

Water 5·000
Oil 62·175
Nitrogenous matter 22·653
Non-nitrogenous matter 6·827
Mineral matter 3·345
-------
100·000
Nitrogen 3·625%

This cake, after expression of the oil, contains 9 per cent. of nitrogen, and 4 per cent. of phosphoric acid, and is consequently of high value as a manure. The expressed oil is purgative, but as a lamp-oil it is superior to colza. Unfortunately the kernel forms only 33 per cent. of the entire weight of the nut. Hence, before it can become an article of commerce, it must be decorticated at the place of its birth. (Corenwinder.)

=BAND'AGE= ([=a]je). _Syn._ DELIGA'TIO, FAS''CIA, LIGA'MEN, LIGATU''RA, VINCTU''RA, L.; BANDAGE, BANDE, Fr.; BINDE, VERBAND, Ger. In _surgery_, the fillet, roller, or cloths, used to support parts, to exert pressure on them, or to retain dressings in their proper places.

Bandages are usually formed of long narrow slips of calico or linen, and, occasionally, of flannel, which are generally made into a roll (ROLLER) of moderate size, so as to be the more conveniently handled and applied. They are either SIMPLE, as the cir'cular, the sp[=i]ral, or the un[=i]t'ing bandage; or COMPOUND, as the T-bandage, suspen'sory b., &c.

The application of bandages, as in the dressing of wounds, ulcers, &c., though of such frequent occurrence, is often very carelessly and badly done. The form and nature of the part, and the object in view, should always receive consideration; as should also the condition of the patient after their application--whether of repose, exercise, or labour. Ordinary ingenuity will supply the rest. The safest, simplest, and most effective means of fastening them is, in most cases, furnished by a common needle and thread or cotton.

=Bandage, Mus'tard.= A woollen roller soaked in a mixture of the best flour of mustard and warm water, of the consistence of fresh cream, the excess of moisture being expelled by gentle pressure.--Used to envelope the body, or a limb, by repeatedly folding it round the part; in the cold stages of cholera, and in other cases requiring an energetic stimulant. Other medicaments, particularly those of a stimulating and anodyne character, are sometimes applied in the same manner. See EMBROCATIONS, LOTIONS, POULTICES, &c.

=BANDAN'A.= [Ind.] _Syn._ BANDAN'NA. A handkerchief, originally from the East Indies, having white spots on a red, blue, or other dark ground. In _calico-printing_, a 'discharge style' in imitation of the Indian bandanas. The fabric, many folds thick, is placed between leaden plates having the pattern cut out of them; hydraulic pressure is then applied, and a clear solution of chloride of lime forced through, followed by a stream of pure water.

=BAND'OLINE= (-l[)i]n; -l[=e]ne[double-dagger]). See FIXATURE.