PLASTER, among builders, &c. The plaster of Paris is a preparation of several species of gypsum, dug near Mont Maitre, a village in the neighbourhood of Paris; whence the name.
The best sort is hard, white, shining, and marbly; known by the names of plaster-stone, or parget of Mount Maitre. It will neither give fire with steel, nor ferment with aqua fortis; but very freely and readily calcines in the fire, into a very fine plaster; the use of which in building, and casting statues, is well known.