A while ago we heard from some folks in the European heartland -- perhaps
Bas, perhaps Flesch (are you there still?) -- about using salicylic acid
as a preservative for fresh made gum arabic. I carefully made a note of
the proportions (2 grams to-----?) and carefully filed it. Need I mention
that the File Fairy has eaten it?  (The reason I know is that despite my
most diligent search, I cannot find it.) 
I have however purchased the salicylic acid, which I found required a
doctor's prescription at my local pharmacy, and was absurdly expensive --
$10 for one ounce.  However, I'm trying to make SLOW gum Arabic.... As I
have mentioned, my slow gum is nearly used up.  Since pH isn't the
operative variable, I thought it might be the preservative... I'll also
try thymol, but the salicylic acid was in the neighborhood.....
Anyone have that formula?  Thanking you kindly in advance,
and cheers,
Judy