or Balsam of Copaiba, a liquid resinous juice, flowing from incisions made in the trunk of the copaifera balsamum. See the following article. This juice is clear and transparent, of a whitish or pale yellowish colour, an agreeable smell, and a bitterish pungent taste. It is usually about the consistence of oil, or a little thicker; when long kept, it becomes nearly as thick as honey, retaining its clearness; but has not been observed to grow dry or solid, as most of the other resinous juices do. We sometimes meet with a thick sort of balsam of copaiba, which is not at all transparent, or much less so than the foregoing, and generally has a portion of turbid watery liquor at the bottom. This sort is probably either adulterated by the mixture of other substances, or has been extracted by coction from the bark and branches of the tree; its smell and taste are much less pleasant than those of the genuine balsam. Pure balsam of copaiba dissolves entirely in rectified spirit, especially if the menstruum be previously alkalinized; the solution has a very fragrant smell. Distilled with water, it yields a large quantity of a limpid essential oil; and in a strong heat, without addition, a blue oil.

The balsam of copaiba is a useful corroborating detergent medicine, accompanied with a degree of irritation. It strengthens the nervous system, tends to loosen the belly, in large doses proves purgative, promotes urine, and cleanses and heals ulcerations in the urinary passages, which it is supposed to perform more effectually than any of the other balsams. Fuller observes, that it gives the urine an intensely bitter taste, but not a violet smell as the turpentine does.

This balsam has been principally celebrated in gleet and the fluor albus, and externally as a vulnerary. The author above mentioned recommends it likewise in dysenteries, in scrofulous cachexies, in distastes of the breast and lungs, and in an acrimonious or putrefactive state of the juices; he says, he has known very dangerous coughs, which manifestly threatened a consumption, cured by the use of this balsam alone; and that, notwithstanding its being hot and bitter, it has good effects even in hectic cases. Most physicians seem now, however, to consider balsams and resins too stimulant to be ventured on in phthisical affections.

The dose of this medicine rarely exceeds 20 or 30 drops, though some direct 60 or more. It may be conveniently taken in the form of an electuary, or in that of an emulsion, into which it may be reduced by triturating it with almonds, or rather with a thick mucilage of gum-arabic, till they are well incorporated, and then gradually adding a proper quantity of water.