TURPENTINE, OIL OF

sometimes called e ence of turpentine. As found in commerce, it contains more or le rosin, from which it may be freed by re-distillation along with water. It is colourle , limpid, very fluid, and po e ed of a very peculiar smell. Its specific gravity, when pure, is 0·870; that of the oil commonly sold in London, is 0·875. It always reddens litmus paper, from containing a little succinic acid. According to Oppermann, the oil which has been repeatedly rectified over chloride of calcium, consists of 84·60 carbon, 11·735 hydrogen, and 3·67 oxygen. When oil of turpentine contains a little alcohol, it burns with a clear flame; but otherwise it affords a very smoky flame. Chlorine inflames this oil; and muriatic acid converts it into a crystalline substance, like camphor. It is employed extensively in varnishes, paints, ., as also in medicine.