Ann Schultz, age 10, of Decatur, Ala., for her question:

WHERE DO WE GET LANOLIN?

Lanolin is a common name for wool wax. It is a greasy coating found on sheep's wool. The name is used especially to describe the wax when it is purified and mixed with water.

The lanolin we get from sheep's wool is a yellowish, sticky material that is as thick as ordinary wax. But it does not react readily with acids or alkalies.

Lanolin will absorb from 25 to 30 percent of its own mass in water. It breaks up easily into tiny droplets when mixed with water and this forms an emulsion known as hydrous lanolin, or lanolin USP. It is used widely in medicines such as salves and ointments, and also in cosmetics, because it is easily absorbed by the skin.

Leather goods can also be dressed with lanolin. The material can also be used as a protective coating for metals, and as a'base in grease paints and shoe polishes.