According to an 1897 dictionary, the term could be used to refer to "several resins" known as
elemi;
copal produced by
Hymenaea verrucosa; a product of
Hymenaera courbaril; or "Indian copal" produced by
Vateria indica. As of 1804 it was divided into two kinds, western and eastern. According to an 1897 dictionary, the eastern gum came first, and the western gum was called by the same name because of its similarity to the western. It has a sweeter smell than the eastern gun anima. As of 1804 it was notably sourced from
Brazil. The eastern gum anima was distinguished in 1728 into three kinds: the first white; the second blackish, in some respects like
myrrh; the third pale, resinous, and dry. At some time before 1804 it was commonly brought to Europe from
Ethiopia. == Uses ==