Storax

Storax, a resin resembling benzoin, was in high esteem from the time of Pliny to the end of the 18th century. It was obtained from the stem of Styrax officinalis, a native of Greece and the Levant, but owing to the destruction of the trees it has now disappeared from commerce. It was used as a stimulating expectorant.—LIQUID STORAX, a soft viscid resin, opaque and gray brown, heavier than water, is obtained from the Liquidambar orientale, a tree 40 feet high, forming forests in the south-west of Asia Minor. It has a balsamic odour and a pungent burning aromatic taste. It contains from 6 to 20 per cent. of cinnamic acid, besides a hydrocarbon, Styrol, a volatile oil, and various fragrant ethers. It is used but seldom in medicine, but has a reputation in chronic bronchial affections. Externally it has been employed in scabies.