Creosote is a generic term applied to acid liquors which are obtained during the destructive distillation of wood, and also to a fraction obtained in the distillation of coal-tar. Creosote was discovered by Reichenbach about 1831 in wood-tar, from which it may be separated by a tedious process. It is generally obtained, however, from the products of the destructive distillation of wood. In a pure state it is oily, heavy, colourless, has a sweetish burning taste and a strong smell of peat smoke or smoked meat. It is a powerful antiseptic. Wood treated with it is not subject to dry-rot or other disease. Creosote has been used in surgery and medicine with great success. Research Creosote
The Probert Encyclopaedia was designed, edited and programed by
Matt and Leela Probert
Abbreviations
SciTech
Research Creosote
