MUSK

A peculiar concrete substance, the produce of the Moschus moschifcrus, or musk deer, an animal which inhabits the mountains of eastern Asia. Behind the naval is a bag, which in the adult animal is filled with musk These bags are imported from China, Bengal, and Ru ia Musk is originally a viscid fluid, but dries into a brown pulverulent substance, of a strong, peculiar, and highly diffusible odour. Its chief use is as a perfume: it has been employed in medicine as a stimulant antispasmodic, but much difference of opinion exists as to its efficacy, and its high price and extreme liability to adulteration are circumstances against its use. [s. 818]