The New International Encyclopædia/Petrolatum

PETROLATUM (Neo-Lat., from ML. petroleum, rock oil, from Lat. petra, from Gk. πέτρα, rock + oleum, from Gk. ἔλαιον, elaion, oil). A residue from the distillation of petroleum, prepared by filtration, and known to the trade by different names, as petroleum jelly, vaseline, and cosmoline. It is an amber-colored, translucent, semi-solid substance, slightly soluble in alcohol, and readily so in ether. It does not become rancid, and is largely used in pharmaceutical preparations, especially ointments, instead of the ordinary fats. It is taken inwardly as a remedy for coughs and colds; it is an excellent lubricant, and will protect polished steel from rust. The term vaseline, while often applied to petrolatum in general, is really a trade name, protected by copyright, belonging to one particular preparation. See Petroleum.