THE Balsam of Capivy is brought us two ways, to wit, in a clear Oil, and a thick Oil. And this Difference arises only from the Difference of Time in which it flows from the Tree; for that which comes from the Incision that is made from the Tree, whose Figure is represented in the Plate herewith, is a clear Oil, that is white, and of a resinous Smell; and after that distils another Sort, that is of a golden Colour, and thicker, which gives it the Name of a Balsam. This is usually brought from Portugal in earthen Bottles, sharp and narrow at the End, in which is found a great deal of Moisture, which occasions it to separate, and makes this Balsam whitish like Curd. The Natives know not a better Remedy for all Sorts of Wounds, than their Colocai, for so they call this Balsam; and the Brasilians Copaiba, the Portuguese Gamelo; in short, it is a very admirable Medicine, both internally and externally us'd, being a Specifick in the Gonorrhoea, and Womens Whites. The Natives found out the Virtue of this Balsam by means of certain Hogs in those Parts, who presently, when they were wounded, would strike their Teeth against the Trunk of these Trees, from whence the Balsam would flow out into their Wound; and this they would continue to do 'till they were perfectly well. The Wood of the Tree serves them to die red with, as well as that of Brasil.
Balsamum Copahu, Copau, Copalyva, Copaif, Campaif, Gamelo, or Balsam of Capivy; it is a natural Balsam flowing from a Balsam Tree, about Surinam in the West-Indies, hot and bitterish to the Taste, of an aromatick Smell, and clear, transparent Body, like Venice Turpentine, but equal in Goodness and Virtue to most other natural Balsams. It comforts and warms a cold Stomach and Bowels, dissolves and enters into the whole Mass of Blood, depurates it from all its Feculencies, is an admirable Vulnerary, and a very good thing against the Scurvy; opens Obstructions, and provokes Urine powerfully: It strengthens a weak Back, stops Fluxes of all Kinds; in a word, provokes Sweat, and cures most Diseases which are to be remedied by sweating, doing whatever any other natural Balsam or Turpentine will do. Dose from twenty Drops to forty, twice a Day.