BALSAM

substance which is a mixture of an oleoresin with benzoic acid or cinnamic acid, or with both; those used in med. are: b. of Peru, b, of Tolu, repared storax (Siyrax prep a ratus) and Sereda tne two former used chiefly in perfumery, and the two latter in ointments for some skin diseases, and together in a tincture as an expectorant; balm of Gilead (much prized in the East) and Canada b. (used in microscopic preparations) contain neither benzoic nor cinnamic acid, and should not therefore be included among b’s.