Read: About man's well being Wool Inimitable natural product - Feels soft, elastic and pleasant - Lets air through and does not cause perspiration - Absorbs moisture without feeling wet, warms you even when damp - Neutralises skin excretions - Fireproof The sheep is man's oldest domestic animal. Its wool has been used for clothing by man for as long as 10,000 years. Scientists around the world are trying to copy the properties of wool with man-made fibres, but without success. Wool is inimitable. The reasons for the unique characteristics of wool are to be found in its chemical and physical properties: crimp, elasticity and an ability to absorb moisture which cannot be matched. The crimp derives from the difference in tension between the ortocortex and paracortex of the main tissue. Products made of crimped wool are porous, enhancing thermal insulation. The crimp also gives the fibres elasticity and resilience. Because of the elasticity, the insulating properties of wool do not fade with time and use. Wool does not crease and quickly returns to shape. Wool is a warm fibre. After absorbing moisture, chemical reactions take place in its fibres. These reactions release heat and make the fibre feel warm against the skin. Wool is capable of absorbing up to 35 per cent water without feeling damp. Wool allows the passage of air and repels water. When moist, wool becomes crimped and maintains more air in its gaps. Water reacts with wool, producing heat. The surface layer of wool contains small micro pores which enable the fibre to let air through it. The pores are so small that water droplets cannot pass through the fibre's surface, but evaporated or molecular water (sweat) can pass through the surface pores. Therefore, wool is somewhat water-repellent. Wool is a fireproof fibre; it has low inflammability and it does not maintain combustion. Wool consists of about a hundred proteins differing from each other in their molecular structure. Its composition closely resembles that of human skin. One could therefore well call it man's second skin. When still untreated, wool contains lanolin, i.e. wool grease which conditions the skin. As such, lanolin is an excellent basic cream; it does not become rancid or hydrolysed. Due to its inclination to chemical activity, wool is easy to keep clean. Often, a mere airing is enough, and when washed in water, wool sheds dirt without rubbing. It needs to be washed with great care as it felts up and shrinks easily. Ruskovilla uses 100 % pure new Merino wool in its products. This fine base wool is several times finer than the wool of an ordinary sheep.