Thank you for the link regarding the complete history of lanolin, but you may have misunderstood my question.
When I ask a question about history, or
hystery as i
punned, it is only in regard to the making and use of guns of the American Longrifle definition..
Here is the relevant part of that link for those who haven't looked:
Other utilities for lanolin
As lanolin is an exceptional water repellant or water proofing substance, it is also made use of in oil rigs to restrain corrosion. In fact, lanolin is a first rate agent that slows down the rusting process. This property of lanolin has also made it useful for auto spare parts manufacturers who cover the auto spare parts with lanolin and store them for long periods without any concern regarding their rusting. The use of lanolin is also widespread in the pharmaceutical industry as it is akin to many of the oils produced by the human skin. Actually, when lanolin is blended with appropriate vegetable oils or soft paraffin (a derivative from crude petroleum), it transforms into an excellent cream that makes a way into the skin. Hence, it is widely used by the pharmaceutical industry as a ‘carrier' to distribute medications just below the skin.
In addition to the above uses, lanolin is also effective as a lubricant, a preservative as well as a leather finish. In fact, you will also find that there are many paints and varnishes that contain lanolin.
Which does indicate and imply how one could use it today to protect both replicas and originals (again-Long Rifles/associated gear/tools) in use and storage. Pretty much an organic/non-toxic substitute for Cosmoline/grease/petroluem jelly in many applications-as I take it.
But that wasn't quite the question i meant to raise. If i wanted to make my own hand lotion I would have asked somewhere else. Some folks 'round here are interested in preserving traditions by the knowledge and practice of them. I thought some of them might have run across this in their studies.
Because i don't want to start using it (just because) and then have someone confuse it with _genuine_ traditional use. That's contrary to the notion of historic preservation. And i'm sure there are cases of such. But we digress.
It is good information, thanks.