MASTICH, commonly but improperly termed gum mastieli, is the produce of the Pistachio Indiana, var. Chia, a small tree, native of many of the shores of the Mediterranean and islands of the Archipelago. In the island of Scio much attention is paid to the collection of it. About one-third of what is there obtained belongs to the Pasha, and constitutes the fine sort called seraglio mastix, mostly sent to Constan tinople. Between the 15th and 20th of July slight incisions are made transversely in the stem and larger branches, whence flows a resinous juice, which gradually thickens, and either adheres or drops on the ground. That which remains attached is removed by an irou instru ment, and is collected between the 24th and 31st of August. Two gatherings occur in this space of time. What remains after the tribute to the Pasha is deducted yields two aorta, the so-called seraglio kind, and a second, chiefly sent to Egypt. A third sort is sent to European markets; and of late the finest kind also reaches our marts. This occurs in email isolated pieces, called tears, seldom so largo as a common pea, from attrition covered with a white dust, nearly transparent Mastich in sorts has various impurities, and is sometimes mixed with sandarac.
Pure mastich has a mild, agreeable odour, and an aromatic taste; by chewing it softens, and becomes sticky or adhesive. With a gentle heat it melts ; ignited, it burns with a strong balsamic odour. It is not at all soluble in water, but is soluble to a great degree in alcohol, and entirely so in ether and fixed oils. Its chemical composition is a very small quantity of volatile oil, and two kinds of resin : ono, to the amount of 90 per cent, soluble iu alcohol, possessing acid properties, hence called mastich acid ; and another, to the amount of 10 per cent., insoluble in alcohol, called mastichine, considered by Bonastre to bo a subresin.
Mastic') is chewed by females in the East, to sweeten their breath and strengthen their gums ; in Europe it is used as a dentifrice, and to stop decayed teeth. It is also an ingredient in pastilles, and perfumes, such as eau do luxe. But its chief employment is as a spirit, varnish.