Record, Samuel J. (Samuel James)
Lignum-vitae by Samuel J. Record is a scientific bulletin written in the early 20th century. It investigates the “true” lignum‑vitae of commerce from both botanical and commercial perspectives, focusing on Guaiacum and related genera Bulnesia and Porlieria. The work explains how to identify these woods by anatomy and appearance, maps their ranges, and evaluates their properties, uses, and substitutes, including the role of guaiac resin. It will appeal to readers interested in forestry, wood science, and industrial applications of dense tropical timbers.The opening of the bulletin defines the Zygophyllaceae family and distinguishes the tree genera Guaiacum, Porlieria, and Bulnesia, highlighting xerophytic habit, floral and fruit differences, and especially diagnostic wood traits such as extreme density, oily resin, and extraordinarily fine “ripple marks.” It profiles several Porlieria species and then details Bulnesia—retamo, palo santo (B. sarmientoi, source of a perfumery “oil of guaiac wood”), and vera (B. arborea, “Maracaibo lignum‑vitae”)—with notes on distribution, timber form, odor, durability, and measured densities. It next surveys Guaiacum species (notably G. sanctum and G. officinale), their ranges and trade importance, and presents concise microscopic anatomy distinguishing Guaiacum from Bulnesia. The text then shifts to commerce: how logs are cut, graded, and identified (including defects like “doze”), current and prospective sources by region (Cuba, Jamaica, Baha…
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