When the original Camphor was used ("Rubini's solution") back in the 1830s, it was made by taking a piece of camphor and putting it in alcohol until it dissolved.

The problem, these days, is to FIND such a piece of camphor. What IS available in most drugstores/chemist shops is the artificial stuff-- NOT the natural stuff. And THAT (while having the right smell!) will NOT do it.

As far as I know, the original camphor was made from an extract of the bark of the Camphor tree. I would have no idea of where to source it these days.

JW