in the materia medica, the concrete juice of a large umbelliferous plant growing in Persia. This juice exudes from wounds made in the root of the plant, liquid and white like milk. When exposed to the air, it turns of a brownish colour, and gradually acquires different degrees of consistence. It is brought to us in large irregular masses, composed of various little shining grains, which are partly whitish, partly reddish, and partly of a violet colour. These masses are accounted the best which are clear, of a pale reddish colour, and variegated with a great number of elegant white tears. This drug has a strong foetid smell like garlic, and a bitter, acrid, biting taste. It is frequently used in hysterical and nervous complaints, flatulent colics, and as a promoter of the menes. It is likewise an ingredient in the official gum-pills, and several other compositions.

ASA dulcis. See Benzoin.