The extraction of wool-grease

Abstract

The medical importance of wool grease was appreciated by the ancient Greeks as early as 450 B.C. Through mediaeval periods its use is referred to in various writings, and the methods of preparation are discussed. Galen prepared an unguent having wool grease as its basis and this formula has persisted with little change until modern times. Even today it finds a wide application in medicine and particularly veterinary medicine, in the form of lanoline. A method for the extraction of wool grease by means of low boiling point petroleum ether is described.