ASPALATH

ASPALATH, Aspalathum,in Pharmacy, is the Wood of a prickly Tree, heavy, oleaginous, somewhat sharp and bitter to the Taste, of a strong Smell and Purple Colour. See Wood. The Aspalath is otherwise called Rhodium, or Rosewood, and was anciently in much Repute, as an Astringent or Dryer, but now disused. See ROSE. In Virtue, Taste, Smell, and Weight, it resembles the Lignum Aloes; and in Physic they are frequently substituted the one for the other. See ALOES. There are four Kinds of Aspalath—the first, of the Colour of Box; hard, solid, heavy, and of a Smell like Roses, whence its Appellation Rosewood.—The second, red, like Yew, and of a very agreeable Smell.—The third, hard, twisted, knotty: It has a rank Smell, like that of a Goat, and a disagreeable Taste.—The fourth, has an ash-coloured Bark, and its a Wood of a Purple Dye. The Rose-wood is what the Inhabitants of Martinico call Cypress-wood. See CYPRESS. It affords an Oil of an admirable Scent; reputed one of the best of Perfumes, chiefly used in scenting Pomatums and Liniments: See PERFUME.