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Spirit gum is anadhesive, made mostly ofSD Alcohol 35-A (the solvent, or "spirit") andresin (the adhesive, or "gum") originally consisting ofmastix, used primarily for affixing costumeprosthetics such aswigs,merkins, or false facial hair. It has been manufactured since at least the 1870s, and has long been a standard tool in theatrical performances where prosthetic makeup or affixed costuming is used. It was mentioned in the earliest known published theatre makeup manual: "How to make-up; a practical guide for amateurs by Haresfoot and Rouge" in 1877.[1] At the end of the nineteenth century, spirit gum could be procured by performers at theatrical wig makers and it was removed with alcohol,cocoa butter orpetroleum jelly.[2]