a kind of resin exuding from the lentiscus tree; and brought from Chio, in small yellowish transparent grains or tears of an agreeable smell, especially when heated or set on fire. See PISTACHIA.

This resin is recommended in old coughs, dysenteries, hemoptoës, weakness of the stomach, and in general in all debilities and laxity of the fibres. Geoffroy directs an aqueous decoction of it to be used for these purposes: but water extracts little or nothing from this resin. Rectified spirit almost entirely dissolves it, and the solution is very warm and pungent. Mastich is to be chosen in drops, clear, well-scented, and brittle.

We meet with a kind of cement sometimes kept in the shops under the name of mastich. It is composed of this gum, and several other ingredients, and is formed into cakes for use. This is intended for the service of lapidaries, to fill up cracks in stones, &c., but is by no means to be used for any medicinal purposes.