Creosote

One of the substances derived from the tar obtained from the distillation of wood. It differs chemically from the creosote obtained by distilling coal-tar. Wood creosote coagulates albumen, but does not coagulate collodion which distinguishes it from carbolic acid, the leading product of coal creosote. It has great antiseptic power, hence its name (Gk. kreas, flesh; and sozein, to preserve). A piece of meat steeped in it does not putrify. Both wood and coal-tar creosote are used as preservatives for timber placed in the ground.