PITCH, an adhesive gummy-resinous substance, which is prepared by inspissating Tar, or the liquid drawn from Fir and Pine-trees.
Considerable quantities of pitch are manufactured in Britain; but, as they are inadequate to the demand for this article in the building of ships, &c. the deficiency is supplied by foreign markets. The best pitch is imported from Sweden and Norway: it is of a glossy black colour; perfectly dry; uncommonly brittle; and generally employed by ship-builders:—being less pungent and bitter than tar, it is frequently used in medicine, and chiefly in the preparation of warm adhesive plasters. In some cases, however, it excites blisters, though in general it only reddens the part to which it is applied, and from which consequently exudes a slight degree of moisture. On account of these stimulating properties, plasters of pitch are often useful in colds, coughs, rheumatisms, and similar complaints.
Pitch-plaster is prepared by melting together six ounces of white resin, seven ounces of ship-pitch, and five ounces of yellow wax; and afterwards forming them into a plaster.—See Scald-head.
Pitch pays on importation the sum of 13s. 712d. per last of 12 barrels (each containing 3112 gallons), provided it be brought in British ships: but, in foreign vessels, it is subject to the duty of 14s. 412d. per last; or 12s. 112d. if imported from any of the British Plantations in America, or from any American State, in English ships.