Aloes, Soc′otrine

(-trĭn; sŭk′-‡). Syn. Soc′otorine aloes , Smyr′na a ., Tur′key a .; Aloë Socotri′na , Ph. L.; Aloë , Ph. L. 1836; A. Socotri′na , Ph. E. “The juice of the cut leaf of uncertain species hardened by the air.” (Ph. L.) Genuine Socotrine aloes is generally supposed to be obtained from aloë spica′ta ; but is referred by De Candolle to a distinct species, a. Socotri′na ; and by Martius, also to a. purpuras′cens . Formerly this variety was brought from the Island of Socotra or Zocotora (hence the name), by way of Smyrna and Malta; but it is now chiefly obtained from Bombay and Madras.— Char., . Colour garnet red to golden red; smell peculiar and aromatic, not unlike a decaying ru et apple, especially when fresh-broken, or breathed on, or warmed; taste permanently and intensely bitter; fracture conchoidal; softens in the hand, and becomes adhesive, yet retains considerable brittlene ; powder bright golden-yellow colour; central portions of the lumps often soft, especially when first imported. “It is brittle, bitter, of a reddish-brown colour, and an aromatic odour. Light permeates thin recently broken lam inæ.” (Ph. L.) “In thin pieces, translucent and garnet red; almost entirely soluble in spirit of the strength of sherry. Very rare.” (Ph. E.) Socotrine aloes are always preferred for medicinal purposes, and are the only variety used in perfumery, varnishes, and other nice purposes in the arts.