[1][2] According to an 1897 dictionary, the term could be used to refer to "several resins" known as elemi; copal produced by Hymenaea verrucosa;[nb 1] a product of Hymenaera courbaril; or "Indian copal" produced by Vateria indica.
[4] 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.
[4] All kinds of anima were used in perfumes around 1728, because of their agreeable smell; they were also been applied externally against colds.
[1] The 1911 Encyclopedia Britannica notes that the product of H. courbaril was used in perfumes at that time.
[3] As of 2017, gum anima is often added to sandarac-based alcohol varnishes to prevent brittleness caused by the sandarac.