Balsam of Cativo. Cativo Balsam.
Botanical name:
Related entry: Prioria
Balsam of Cativo. Cativo Balsam.—This substance appeared in the London market in 1902 as a substitute for copaiba. It is a balsamic resin, opaque, of a dirty light brown color and slightly bitter taste, and having an extremely adhesive quality. According to Umney, it is not soluble in 90 per cent. alcohol, but is soluble in ether and consists chiefly of acid resins with the addition of an oily substance. According to Weigel's analysis it consists of 80 per cent. of resin acids and 2 per cent. of volatile oil. It is supposed to be a product of Prioria copaifera Gris. (Fam. Leguminosae), a large tree indigenous to Panama and Jamaica. (See P. J., vol. lxix; and Ph. Centralh., March, 1903.)
