CAN′ADA BALSAM

Syn. Bal′samum Canaden′se , Terebinth′ina Canaden′sis , L. A thick, viscid oleo-resin obtained from the Abies balsamea (Lindley), a tree of common growth in Canada and the State of Maine. It is much employed as a medium for mounting microscopic objects. When pure it is perfectly transparent, has an agreeable odour (not terebinth in ate), and is wholly soluble in rectified oil of turpentine, with which it forms a beautiful gla y and colourle varnish, much used for preparing a semi-transparent copying paper. A mixture of 3 parts of Canada balsam and one of wax, if added to pile ma es, is said to have the effect of binding together the component parts of the ma , and of keeping the piles made from it soft and in good shape.