2007-07-31 03:15:34 · 3 answers · asked by Hari K 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
Thanks a good question, and I don't have a good answer for you but I starred you. I suppose it was due to the fact that it was what and so useful in the cosmetic industry and as an mild antimicrobial, wound healing and sunscreen agent, not to mention as a paint pigment - just an all around good useful white - "stuff".
ref: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zinc_oxide
Your link doesn't work doctor...
2007-07-31 04:02:35 · answer #1 · answered by Dr Dave P 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
As far as I know philosophers wool is just an old name for zinc oxide before names of elements and compounds were standardised. Early chemists liked to be a bit poetic!
2016-05-18 22:41:29 · answer #2 · answered by alejandra 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If zinc be heated to near its boiling-point, it catches fire and burns with a brilliant light into its powdery white oxide, which forms a reek in the air (lana philosophica, " philosopher's wool").
2007-07-31 05:01:43 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋