Interesting facts

The name camphor is derived from the Indonesian kapur = chalk, via the Arabic word Kâfur. In Middle High German Kampfer referred to a resinous mass.
Camphor is an ancient Chinese medicinal remedy which was brought to Europe in about the 11th century by the Arabs. It was considered extremely valuable and was worth its weight in gold. Princes would send it to each other as a tribute or gift. In the Koran it is praised as a substance for cooling the drinks of the righteous in Paradise. In India camphor is dedicated to Shiva and is burnt in his honour on many occasions. For example, in some temples in Sri Lanka there are special places where people can pray to have their wishes granted. To do this a piece of camphor is burnt on a coconut which the devotee holds in both hands. While the camphor is burning he concentrates on his wish. When the flame goes out he throws the coconut to the ground with such force that it breaks.
Camphor is said to destroy negative influences and produce a clairvoyant state of mind. This was probably the reason for its use as magical incense in French occultism. It was also used to create states of intoxication but had to be ingested for this purpose.
The highly aromatic wood keeps away insects. This is why linen chests and bookcases used to be made of camphor wood. In the past seamen's chests were also made of or at least lined with the light wood as it was said to have preservative properties.