MUSK

A peculiar concrete substance, the produce 800 ^ of the Moschus moschiferus, or musk deer, an animal which inhabits the mountains of eastern Asia. Behind the navel 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 dimisible 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. 813]