Yes, in 1866, while John Ellis was trying (unsuccessfully) to find a medicinal purpose for the crude that was bubblin’ up in Pennsylvania, he noticed how slippery it was and reckoned it might serve as an improvement over the animal- and vegetable-based oils that were then used to lubricate steam engines. He renamed his company Valvoline in 1873, and the company has since pioneered all-climate motor oils, racing oils, synthetic blends, and high-mileage engine oils.
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