TOLU

a fragrant, pale brown balsam, or gum, gathered from a tropical South American tree, which on distillation furnishes benzoic acid (see BENZOATE OF SODA). Blended with spirits, the gum has merit as an alleviation for colds, etc., and it is also sometimes used in confectionery, imparting a flavor resembling vanilla, for pastilles and in perfumery, etc.