What is creosote?

Liquid creosote, clear or tinged with yellowish brown, has a sharp smell of pine and tangy smoke. It is a poison which we have tamed to do a host of useful chores. We get it by distilling the oils, tars and other complex chemicals from wood or coal. Some is distilled from rocky shales.

Tangy creosote is painted on telegraph poles, railroad ties and other outdoor woods to protect them from the weather. It is also used in the manufacture of disinfectants and odor removing products. And, of all things, some of this dangerous substance is carefully refined and safely used to make certain medicines.