Johnny Camphine
Encyclopedia
Johnny Camphine or Camphene (fl.
1860 – 1890) was the pseudonym
of an American
saloon keeper and underworld figure in New York City
during the mid-to late 19th century. He was reputed to have run "one of the most notorious dives
in the city", located at Mercer and Houston Streets, and whose name came from his serving colored camphine
or rectified turpentine oil in place of whiskey; the latter was in use during the 19th century as a solvent
for varnish
es and as a fuel for lamps. On average, "two men a night were taken out of the place" after drinking Camphine's beverages and caused known cases of insanity and delirium tremens
at least 100 patrons over a long-term period.
Floruit
Floruit , abbreviated fl. , is a Latin verb meaning "flourished", denoting the period of time during which something was active...
1860 – 1890) was the pseudonym
Pseudonym
A pseudonym is a name that a person assumes for a particular purpose and that differs from his or her original orthonym...
of an American
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
saloon keeper and underworld figure in New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
during the mid-to late 19th century. He was reputed to have run "one of the most notorious dives
Dive bar
A dive bar is a type of bar or pub. Dive bars generally have a relaxed and informal atmosphere—they are often referred to by local residents as "neighborhood bars," where people in the neighborhood gather to drink and socialize...
in the city", located at Mercer and Houston Streets, and whose name came from his serving colored camphine
Camphine
Camphine was the trade name of a purified spirit of turpentine formerly used for lamps, generally prepared by distilling turpentine with quicklime. Camphine gives a very brilliant light when burned in a lamp, but, to prevent smoking, the lamp must have a very strong draught. To achieve this special...
or rectified turpentine oil in place of whiskey; the latter was in use during the 19th century as a solvent
Solvent
A solvent is a liquid, solid, or gas that dissolves another solid, liquid, or gaseous solute, resulting in a solution that is soluble in a certain volume of solvent at a specified temperature...
for varnish
Varnish
Varnish is a transparent, hard, protective finish or film primarily used in wood finishing but also for other materials. Varnish is traditionally a combination of a drying oil, a resin, and a thinner or solvent. Varnish finishes are usually glossy but may be designed to produce satin or semi-gloss...
es and as a fuel for lamps. On average, "two men a night were taken out of the place" after drinking Camphine's beverages and caused known cases of insanity and delirium tremens
Delirium tremens
Delirium tremens is an acute episode of delirium that is usually caused by withdrawal from alcohol, first described in 1813...
at least 100 patrons over a long-term period.