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Hearst Museum object titled Aromatic gums, accession number 9-12123, described as Gum myrrh; aromatic gum found in the trunks of various Commiphora species, found in Easter equatorial Africa and Southern Arabia opposite to the East African Coast; large yellow-brown granules in plastic vial; oldest known perfumery material with a record of use going back 3700 years. Sample obtained from S.N. Kelkar perfumer. Odor described as “warm and balsamic, sweet and somewhat spicy-aromatic, sharp and pungent when fresh. the gum is collected in Arabia, Ethiopia, Somaliland and in parts of Sudan, the main shipping ports being Aden, Djibouti, Massawa and Port Soudan.
Hearst Museum object titled Aromatic gums, accession number 9-12122, described as Gum opoponax; aromatic gum found in the natural cavities and tubular vessels in the parenchyma between bark and wood of Commiphora erytherea, varietas glabrascens, wild African tree; dry, lumpy yellowish brown substance in plastic vial.
Hearst Museum object titled Aromatic gums, accession number 9-12125, described as Gum olibanum; aromatic resin, formed as a physiological liquid product in the bark of various Boswellia sp., small trees originating in the mountainous areas of western India, south Arabia, and northeast Africa; large yellow granules in plastic vial. 8 cm x 2.5 cm. Used in perfumery. Odor described as "fresh balsamic, yet dry and resinous- slightly green odor with a typical fruity green top note and great tenacity".
Hearst Museum object titled Aromatic gums, accession number 9-12119, described as Balsam, tolu; aromatic gum from the trunk of Myroxylon balsamum, native to jungle areas of Colombia, Venezuela and Cuba; heavy, dark brown viscous substance contained in plastic vial; tolu balsam us used in perfumery and pharmaceutics, this sample obtained from a perfumer, S.N. Kelkar. Odor described as “cinnamic, faintly floral with an undertone of vanillin”
Hearst Museum object titled Aromatic gums, accession number 9-12120, described as Balsam; Peru; aromatic gum exuded from the trunk of Myroxylon Pereirae (large Central American tree), obtained by sectional removal of the bark; amber-colored heavy viscous substance contained in plastic vial; Peru Balsam is used in perfumery and pharmacy, this sample having been obtained from a perfumer, S.N. Kelkar. Practically all balsam of this type in commercial use comes from San Salvador.
Hearst Museum object titled Aromatic gums, accession number 9-12121, described as Gum labdanum; aromatic resin exuded from Cistus ladaniferus, a small, wild-growing shrub probably originating in the mountainous coastal regions of Eastern Mediterranean countries and the Middle East; heavy, dark brown viscous substance in plastic vial; the gum is obtained by boiling leaves and skimming off the released gum from the surface of the water. Odor described as “sweet, herbaceous-balsamic, rich and tenacious.” Most commonly used in perfumery. Spain is the largest producer, others being Portugal, Morocco, Yugoslavia, Greece. Sample obtained from S.N. Kelkar, perfumer.
Hearst Museum object titled Aromatic gums, accession number 9-12124, described as Gum mastic; natural oleoresin, aromatic, produced in Pistacia lentiscus, a small Mediterranean tree also found in Morocco and the Canary Islands; large, yellow granules in plastic vial; used in perfumery. Sample obtained from S.N. Kelkar, perfumer. Odor described as “faint balsamic, reminiscent of turpentine.” Obtained by making incisions in bark of tree. Most of the world’s production comes from the small Greek island of Chios, with smallest quantities collected in Algeria, Morocco and the Canary Islands.
Hearst Museum object titled Aromatic gums, accession number 9-12126, described as Gum benzoin; natural balsamic resin exuded from a small tree Styrax Benzoin growing exclusively in Sumatra and in Malaya; yellow granules in plastic vial. 8 cm x 2.5 cm. In perfumes of harsh balsamic or sharp floral variety e.g. hyacinth new mown hay, etc. Also in pharmaceutical preparations.
Hearst Museum object titled Fruits of sapindus, accession number 9-12861, described as fruit of Sapindus Trifoliatus Linn.
Hearst Museum object titled Incense, accession number 9-5645, described as Sample of incense; frankincense ?; resin like beads.

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