The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Petroleum \Pe*tro"le*um\ (p[-e]*tr[=o]"l[-e]*[u^]m), n. [NL.,
fr. L. petra a rock + oleum oil: cf. F. p['e]trole. Cf.
Petrify, and Oil.]
Rock oil, mineral oil, or natural oil, a dark brown or
greenish inflammable liquid, which, at certain points, exists
in the upper strata of the earth, from whence it is pumped,
or forced by pressure of the gas attending it. It consists of
a complex mixture of various hydrocarbons, largely of the
methane series, but may vary much in appearance, composition,
and properties. It is refined by distillation, and the
products include kerosene, benzine, gasoline, paraffin, etc.
[1913 Webster]
Petroleum spirit, a volatile liquid obtained in the
distillation of crude petroleum at a temperature of
170[deg] Fahr., or below. The term is rather loosely
applied to a considerable range of products, including
benzine and ligroin. The terms petroleum ether, and
naphtha, are sometimes applied to the still more volatile
products, including rhigolene, gasoline, cymogene, etc.
[1913 Webster] Petroleur
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Benzine \Ben"zine\, n. [From Benzoin.] (Chem.)
1. A liquid consisting mainly of the lighter and more
volatile hydrocarbons of petroleum or kerosene oil, used
as a solvent and for cleansing soiled fabrics; -- called
also petroleum spirit, petroleum benzine. Varieties or
similar products are gasoline, naphtha, rhigolene,
ligroin, etc.
[1913 Webster]
2. Same as Benzene. [R.]
[1913 Webster]
Note: The hydrocarbons of benzine proper are essentially of
the marsh gas (paraffin) series, while benzene proper
is the typical hydrocarbon of the aromatic series.
[1913 Webster]