CANADA BALSAM

also called Canada Turpentine, or Balsam Of Fir, oleoresin consisting of a viscous yellowish to greenish liquid exuded by the balsam fir of North America, Abies balsamea. It is actually a turpentine, belonging to the class of oleoresins (natural products consisting of a resin dissolved in an essential oil), and not a balsam. Canada balsam solidifies to a transparent mass and is an important cement, particularly in microscopy for mounting specimens and for glass in optical work.