A balsam obtained from the inner bark of Liquidambar orientalis. Purified by solution in spirit, filtration and evaporation.

Characters. - A semi-transparent, brownish-yellow semi-fluid resin, of the consistence of thick honey, with a strong agreeable fragrance and aromatic bland taste. Heated in a test-tube on the vapour-bath, it becomes more liquid but gives off no moisture; boiled with solution of bichromate of potassium and sulphuric acid, it evolves the odour of oil of bitter almonds.

Composition. - Styrol, cinnamic acid, styracin, and resin. Cinnamic acid yields, when oxidised, hydride of benzoyl (oil of bitter almonds).

Dose. - Of the prepared resin, 5-20 gr.

Use. - Its action and use are similar to those of the balsam of Peru (p. 902). A styrax ointment very useful in scabies is of the strength of one ounce of liquid styrax to two ounces of lard.