The Tar used to treat cuts while shearing was originally a byproduct of producing Kerosene from coal oil, and was used a a general cure-all for cuts, abrasions, and wounds for both Humans and animals use during the 18th and early 19th centuries. Tar used in road making is not the same product.

Coal Tar is also where Asprin was first derived from by Bryer in the 1890's.

Bruce D