All of the turpentines are obtained from different species of pinus. Common turpentine is the resinous juice, which exudes chiefly from the _Pinus Sylvestris_, or Scotch fir, and is obtained by boring holes into the trunks of the trees, early in the spring, and placing vessels beneath for its reception. This turpentine, and in fact all others, are composed of rosin and a volatile oil. The latter is obtained by distilling the turpentine with water. It passes over with the water, from which it is afterwards separated, and is then known by the name of the essential oil, or spirit of turpentine. The substance, remaining in the still, is common rosin, or yellow rosin, known likewise by the names of _fidlers' rosin_ and _colophony_. Tar is also obtained from the roots and refuse parts of the fir tree, by cutting them in billets, piling these in a proper manner, in pits or ovens, formed for the purpose, covering them partly over, and setting them on fire. During the combustion, a black and thick matter, which is tar, falls to the bottom, and is conducted into barrels. Pitch is nothing more than tar boiled down to a solid consistence; it is usually made, however, by melting together coarse hard rosin, and an equal quantity of tar. The ancient pitch possessed a flavour and fragrance. White pitch is the same as the white turpentine. Melted pitch, sulphur, and camphor, mixed, when nearly cold, with pulverized saltpetre, and afterwards thinned with spirit of turpentine, will form a composition, that is very inflammable, and will almost resist the action of water. A similar composition must have formed the Greek fire, of which, according to Beckman, there were several kinds. The turpentine trees furnish various products: Thus, the Pinus Abies, or spruce fir, yields the Burgundy pitch, and its branches produce the Essence of Spruce; but other species of pinus are used for the same purpose, which are nearly allied to it, and which grow abundantly in Canada. From the _Pinus laryx_, or larch, Venice Turpentine is obtained; but that sold, is usually made by melting rosin, and adding the spirit of turpentine. From the sap of the larch, the Russians prepare a gummy substance, known in Russia by the name of _Orenburg gum_. Turpentine is extracted in France, in great quantity, from the _pinus maratima_. Gallipot, colophony, tar, pitch, &c. are likewise obtained from it. The turpentine of cedar, according to Dr. Pocoke (_Travels through Egypt_) was employed by the Egyptians for embalming, the operation being performed in several ways. It was injected, and used with salt, nitre, &c.