A mixture of hydrocarbons, obtained by distilling off most of the lighter and more volatile portions from petroleum, nd purifying the liquid residue.

Properties : It occurs as a colorless or very slightly yellowish, oily, transparent liquid without odor or taste, but giving off, when heated, a faint odor of petroleum. It is practically insoluble in water and only slightly more soluble in alcohol.

Action and Uses: Liquid petrolatum is used as a vehicle for medicinal agents for external application. It is also given internally, largely for its mechanical action as an emollient in constipation. It is not absorbed by the intestine and has no nutritive properties.

Phenacetin.

See Under Acetphenetidin.