32. Succinum.—Amber. 32a. Oleum Succini.—Oil of Amber.
32. SUCCINUM.—AMBER. A fossil resin from extinct coniferous trees, found in greater or less quantities in every quarter of the globe; the largest deposits occur in the region surrounding the Baltic Sea, where it has been washed upon the shore. In small, irregular pieces, usually light or deep yellowishbrown, sometimes reddish-brown, generally translucent; tasteless and odorless, but emits an agreeable, aromatic odor when heated. It is almost insoluble in water, alcohol, ether, or oils, slightly soluble in chloroform. Used for fumigation, for the preparation of succinic acid and oil of amber, and in the arts.
32a. OLEUM SUCCINI.—OIL OF AMBER. A light yellowish-brown or ambercolored liquid (colorless when pure), having a balsamic, empyreumatic odor, and a warm, acrid taste. On exposure to light and air it thickens and becomes darker, ultimately solidifying into a black mass. With fuming nitric acid it acquires a red color, changing after a time into a brown, resinous mass having a peculiar musk-like odor. It is often adulterated with oil of turpentine, which may be detected by its throwing down a solid camphor when hydrochloric acid gas is passed through the mixture. Stimulant, antispasmodic, and irritant. Dose: 5 to 15 drops (0.3 to 1 mil). Externally in liniments.
