PIX LIQUIDA—TAR

An empyreumatic oleo-resin obtained by the destructive distillation of the wood of various species of pines, especially that of Pinus palustris.

Habitat.—United States.

Properties.—Thick, viscid, semi-fluid, blackish-brown; heavier than water, transparent, in thin layers, becoming granular and opaque with age; odor empyreumatic terebinthinated; taste sharp empyreumatic. Tar is slightly soluble in water; soluble in alcohol, fixed or volatile oils and solutions of potassium or sodium hydrate.

Constituents.—Oil of turpentine; methylic alcohol; creosote; guaiacol; phenol; pyrocatechin; toluol; xylol; acetic acid; acetone; resins.

Dose.—Horses and cattle, 12 to 1 oz.; sheep and pigs, 1 to 2 dr.; dogs, 14 to 1 dr. Oil of tar should be diluted with alcohol, glycerine, syrup or mucilage.