EL′EMI

Syn. Gum elemi ; Elemi (B. P.). “A terebinth in ate concretion, from an uncertain plant.” (Ph. L.) Mexican elemi is known to be the produce of a species of the genus Elaphrium . Manilla elemi is probably the product of Canarium commune . Prop., . The elemi of commerce is of a pale-yellow colour, brittle without, but soft and tough within; it has a warm bitter taste, and a fragrant aromatic smell, partaking of fennel and juniper. It is only partially transparent even in thin plates, is very fusible, and has a density a little greater than that of water. It contains 12 1 ⁄ 2 per cent. of volatile oil (oil of elemi). It is used to give toughne to lacquers and varnishes, and in medicine in the preparation of ELEMI OINTMENT . Pur. The elemi of the shops is often adulterated, but more frequently a factitious kind is sold for the genuine gum. This fraud may be detected by exposing the suspected article to heat, along with a little water, when the factitious fragrance of the spurious article evaporates, and the coarse terebinth in ate smell of the resin used to adulterate it, or which is sold for it, becomes readily distinguishable.