This useful substance is produced by bees for the purpose of
building their comb, which consists of hexagonal cells made of wax;
which substance they secrete in scales, between the sections of
the abdomen, and draw out for building their beautiful cells. When
the honey is drained off from the comb, this is washed and melted,
it then constitutes the yellow wax of commerce, commonly called
“bee’s-wax.” To make this into the white wax it is boiled in water,
spread out into thin layers, and exposed to the light and air; this
is repeated until all the color has gone and the wax remains pure
and white. Pure wax is a soft-feeling substance, harder than tallow,
and not greasy to the touch; it is easily melted, and burns with a
clear white flame, hence its most general use--namely, that of making
candles; it is not soluble in water, but unites with oils and fats.