Abstract
Many of the resins or resin-like substances of the Mediterranean and adjoining regions have been exploited by man from the earliest times. Good examples are myrrh and frankincense with their Biblical associations and use in incense. Others were much valued for medicinal purposes. Some were used by the Egyptians in embalming, while mastic and sandarac have long been valued for special paints and varnishes. In the Middle Ages the famous Italian painters made use of them, the actual formulae used being sometimes closely guarded secrets.
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Howes, F.N. Age-Old resins of the Mediterranean region and their uses. Econ Bot 4, 307–316 (1950). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02985086
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02985086