[From Tolu (now Santiago de Tolu) in the United States of Colombia, whence obtained.] In Tolu balsam, balsam of Tolu: A balsam obtained by incision from the bark of the Tolu-tree, Myrospermum (Myroxylon) toluiferum, a leguminous tree of tropical S. America; used in medicine and perfumery.
1671. Salmon, Syn. Med., III. xxiii. 444. Balsam of Tolu … hath the same virtue with the former.
1789. W. Buchan, Dom. Med., App. (1790), 697. Tincture of the Balsam of Tolu.
1855. Bailey, Spir. Leg., in Mystic, etc. (ed. 2), 81. Not less renowned Than lote, nepenthes, moly, or tolu.
1858. Hogg, Veg. Kingd., 282. Balsam of Tolu is a stimulating tonic, with a peculiar tendency to the pulmonary organs.
1871. Garrod, Mat. Med. (ed. 3), 210–1. Balsamum Tolutanum. Tolu Balsam … or Balsam of Tolu Tree.
1912. J. Terry & Sons, Lett. We can trace their manufacture as Tolu Lozenges for about 100 years.
