THESE are little round Grains, that are clear and transparent, which is to be found in the Olibanum, and which ought to be us'd for the same purposes and after the same manner as Olibanum.
Thus, or Frankincense, is a Kind of white or yellowish Rosin, which yields a great Smell and Perfume, when thrown into the Fire; it is drawn by Incision from a little Tree, the Leaves whereof are like the Lentisk, and which grows plentifully in the Holy Land, especially about Mount Libanus, They call this Tree Thus, or Arbor thurifera; the Tree bearing Frankincense.
The first that flows from the Tree in clear pure Tears or Drops they call Olibanum Melax, Thus Masculum, or the Male Frankincense; that which falls confusedly on the ground, and is sometimes mix'd with the Pieces of the Bark of the Tree, or with some other Impurities, is the common Frankincense which some call Female Frankincense; it is in the Lump, yellowish, soft, fat, very apt to take Fire, and odoriferous. That which is call'd the Manna of Frankincense is the Olibanum in small Grain or Seed, that is round and pure, carrying the Colour of fine Manna. This Sort yields abundance of Oil and volatile Salt. The Olibanum is detersive, a little astringent, sudorifick, proper for Diseases of the Breast, for the Pleurisy, to strengthen the Brain, for the scouring of the Guts, being taken internally, and us'd externally to deterge and consolidate Ulcers: The common Frankincense is detersive, and desiccative being mix'd in Ointments, Plaisters and Perfumes.
The Bark of the Tree, from whence the Frankincense flows, is call'd Thymiama, Thus Judaeorum, or the Frankincense of the Jews. It is call'd Thymiama from smelling sweet in burning, because they burn this Bark in the Churches, or their Houses, to perfume them. It ought to be chose thick, fat, or resinous; smooth, fresh and fragrant; it is detersive and drying.