Vaseline

a petroleum product originally of American manufacture. Vaseline is obtained from crude petroleum by a careful system of filtration. As seen through the sides of a vial it looks like a yellowish semi-transparent sirup. Vaseline is insoluble in water, but it mixes with oils readily. It has many uses. It forms an excellent basis for toilet soap, and is used as a lotion. Vaseline never becomes rancid. It is the best known remedy for scalds, burns, and chapped hands, and is better than glycerine for a face that has been exposed to the weather. If used as an ointment, it lessens the danger of pitting from smallpox. Under advice of a physician vaseline may be taken internally for a cold, cough, or irritation of the throat.