This section is from the book "The Engineer's And Mechanic's Encyclopaedia", by Luke Hebert. Also available from Amazon: Engineer's And Mechanic's Encyclopaedia.
This gum, which flows naturally from the acacia, in Egypt, Arabia, and elsewhere, forms a clear transparent mucilage with water: it is insoluble in alcohol and ether. It is used in medicine, and is considered as a specific against the strangury occasioned by blisters; it constitutes, under particular forms, a nutritious food, and it is an important article in various manufactures.
 
Continue to: