COPAIBA, lco-pal-ba, the oleoresin of Copaiba Langsdorfii and other species of co paiba. Of these at least 16 are lmown to give this drug, and seven are known to yield a prod uc-t that is sent to the United States. Oleoresin copaiba comes mostly from Brazil and the West Indies; it is found in special secretory ssages in the wood from which it is obtained by deep gashes cut into the tree, much as turpentine is obtained from pine trees. The oleoresin flows in a steady streatn, one trte often yielding as much as from 10 to 15 gallons. Copaiba as it comes into the market varies much in age and variety. The finer sort of Para copaiba is a thick liquid, clear, somewhat resembling Canada balsam. It may be darker, sometimes resembling sherry. It has a specific gravity of .92, does not mix with water, but is soluble it' ether. Distilled with calcium hypo chlorite it yields chloroform. Copaiba oil has
a •peculiar aromatic odor which is extremely disagreeable. The chemical composition of copaiba is extremely complex. It contains at least from 40 to 80 per ccnt of oil and a large amount of resin, which consists largely of copaivic acid (Cial.0.). Oxycopaivic acid and metacopaivic acids are also found. The action of copaiba is largely exerted on the genito urinary system, where it acts as a stimulant diuretic and irritant, and is particularly useful in diseases of the bladder, urethra and mucous membranes of the pelvis and of the kidneys. It may be used in bronchial affections also, but is rarely thus employed because of its disagreeable taste and because it very frequently causes an eruption. It is usually administered in gelatine capsules. Its chief commercial use is as a vehicle in oil painting and as a varnish.