It can be produced by the hydrolysis of storax. It is obtained from oil of cinnamon, or from balsams such as storax. In the nineteenth century, styrene was isolated by distillation of storax balsam. In 1839 Eduard Simon, discovered polystyrene by accident by distilling storax. Hermaphrodite, Opal, Storax, and quicksilver (Not a complete list). Although many scholars cite "Styrax officinalis" as the biblical storax, it exudes very little resin. Myrrh may have been treated with storax or storax oil to further enhance the fragrance. Meanwhile, other chemists had been investigating another component of storax, namely, cinnamic acid. Ciris mentions storax as a fragrant hair dye. These tests followed the "Operation Storax" series and preceded the "Operation Niblick" series. Some storax species have declined in numbers due to unsustainable logging and habitat degradation. Storax incense is used in the Middle East and adjacent regions as an air freshener. In North Africa, for mystical purposes, women burn benzoin and storax in potsherds. Since Antiquity, storax resin has been used in perfumes, certain types of incense, and medicines.