Its use is first reported as early as the ninth century by the Persian physician, alchemist, and philosopher Abu Bakr Muhammad ibn Zakarijj ar-Razi, also known as Rhazes. He was one of the most prominent physicians of the medieval Islamic world, the author of numerous medical works, also translated into Latin. He was the first to describe the medicinal use of kerosene (it is still used today to treat conjunctivitis, mastitis, auricles, nausea, motion sickness, hallucinations, etc.).
Pharmacies had it in their assortment, including "Pharmacy under the Gold Star" where Ignacy Lukasiewicz worked. At that time, it had to be imported from Italy for substantial amounts. In order to reduce the costs, Łukasiewicz started to work on improving the methods of distilling oil from wells in Słoboda Rungurska (a village in Ukraine).
