1132
ELEMENTS OF MATEKIA MEDICA.
3. Resin of Balsam of Peru. Hydrate of Cinnameine. —The quantity of r ?balsam of Peru augments daily. It is formed by the union of cinnameineelements of water; for its composition is , carbon 71'82, hydrogen 6 78, oxyff en , p,uror C 54 H30 Oi2. So that this resin consists of one equivalent cinnameine, aoequivalents of water. It is not, however, formed at once, but gradually u nde ofdifferent degrees of viscosity. Soft resin differs from the hard only in its elew ewater. Sulphuric acid converts cinnameine into resin. f tbe n *
Such are the general results of Fremy’s analysis; but the correctness of some o r j.
may be fairly called in question. His formuloe do not always agree with bis e ^mental results (see Cinnani6ine). Plautamour denies the accuracy of seferFremy’s statements.
Physiological Effects. —Stimulant, slightly tonic, expectorant^tergent, and epulotic. Its action is similar to other balsamic substa*(see p. 74), and is closely allied to that of storax (p. 934) and ^ en ,j ie p(p. 938). Topically it operates as a stimulant and mild acrid; and '' . fapplied to foul indolent ulcers, often cleanses them, and promotes jcicatrization. Taken internally, in full doses, it creates thirstquickens the pulse. Its stimulant influence is directed to the seci®organs, especially the bronchial mucous membrane. It is devoid opowerful influence over the urinary organs, possessed by copaiva anturpentines, and its tonic powers are not equal to those of myrrh- .^g
Uses. —Its supposed efficacy in curing external ulcers and h® t0wounds has led to its use in internal diseases, formerly appreliendedepend on ulceration, as in pulmonary affections supposed to be, orreally were, phthisis. But the observations of Dr. Fothergill {Mef . pandlnq. vol. iv. p. 231) in part led to the discontinuance of the indiscnate use of balsams and other heating substances in these cases. ^proves serviceable in some old asthmatic cases, chronic pulmonary catwinter coughs, &c. It seems to be principally adapted to old jjjalchronic affections of the mucous membranes (especially the bron , ^mucous membrane), particularly in persons of a cold and torpidIts stimulant influence is calculated only to aggravate acute cases.
Many other uses of balsam of Peru are now obsolete : as its elB ‘ a)1 dment in lead colic, as recommended by Sydenham; in gonorrhoea ..leucorrlicea, by Hoffmann ( Opera omn. Suppl. p.736. Genev- *in convulsions from repressed perspiration, by Kirkland {Treat- ° n ycbed Fever , p. 31, 1774); and externally and internally in tr® 111 ^^,tetanus, by Dr. Kollock (Thacher’s Dispensatory). It is said toand then used in chronic rheumatism. The beneficial effects asc Bby Trousseau and Pidoux to the balsams in chronic laryngitis havebefore (p. 74) referred to. js
As a topical remedy, balsam of Peru is occasionally employed-applied either alone, or in the form of ointment, to indolent, d‘" al)( Jtioned ulcers: it cleanses them, promotes healthy granulation,^^assists cicatrization. I have used it in some obstinate ulcerations 0 fthe nose. Dr. Ainslie {Mat. Ind. i. 65 and 406) speaks very . a |f'eC'its powers of arresting the progress of sphacelous and phagedenic ^ g( jtions, so common and destructive in India . He recommendsin the balsam, to be applied night and morning. In offensive dis c0ll .from the ear it is now and then dropped in after syringing. ^ lS , era iystitucnt of some lip-salv'es. It was formerly esteemed as a ' uagainst wounds of the tendons and nerves. It is used by permscenting, and in the manufacture of fumigating pastiles.