Although this acid combines with alkalies, earths, and metals, in the same way with other acids, it possesses only some of the properties we have been in use to attribute to acids, and it may consequently be improperly ranked here in the class of acids; but, as I have already observed, it is difficult to form a decided opinion upon the nature of this substance until the subject has been farther elucidated by a greater number of experiments.
FOOTNOTES:
[36] See Memoirs of the Academy for 1776, p. 671. and for 1778, p. 535,—A.
[37] See Part I. Chap. XI. upon this subject.—A.
[38] See Part I. Chap. XI. upon the application of these names according to the proportions of the two ingredients.—A
[39] See Part I. Chap. XII. upon this subject.—A.
[40] Those who wish to see what has been said upon this great chemical question by Messrs de Morveau, Berthollet, De Fourcroy, and myself, may consult our translation of Mr Kirwan's Essay upon Phlogiston.—A.
[41] Saltpetre is likewise procured in large quantities by lixiviating the natural soil in some parts of Bengal, and of the Russian Ukrain.—E.
[42] Commonly called Derbyshire spars.—E.
[43] I have not added the Table of these combinations, as the order of their affinity is entirely unknown; they are called molybdats of argil, antimony, potash, &c.—E.