Camphor

kam'fer, a whitish, semitransparent, oily substance, obtained from the wood of the camphor tree. It has a peculiar, penetrating odor, and a tough, crystalline structure. The world's supply is obtained chiefly from Japan and Formosa. Chips obtained from the root, trunk, and branches of the laurel or camphor tree are heated in closed retorts and exposed to the action of hot steam. The camphor is tried out in the form of a vapor and crystallizes on the upper part of the retort. It is sent to market usually in a crude state, and refined elsewhere. Camphor is known in science as a solid, essential oil. It floats on water. It may be dissolved in alcohol, but not readily in water. It burns with a white smoky flame. It is used in medicine, especially in cases of gout and rheumatism. It is a valuable ingredient, also, in certain liniments. The odor of camphor is obnoxious to insects. Camphor balls are stored with furs and woolens to prevent the attacks of moths. They are useful in a cabinet of insects or bird skins. Camphor wood is used also to construct insect-proof chests in which to store clothing. Formosa produces 6,000,000 pounds of camphor a year. Large groves have been discovered recently. The production is a government monopoly. The United States imports 2,000,000 pounds yearly, chiefly from Formosa and the East Indies. The world requires about 8,000,000 pounds yearly.