I have known it a long time by that name, but had no idea that it was the same fluid as sulphuric acid. What resemblance or connection can there be between oil of vitriol and this acid?
MRS. B.
Vitriol is the common name for sulphat of iron, a salt which is formed by the combination of sulphuric acid and iron; the sulphuric acid was formerly obtained by distillation from this salt, and it very naturally received its name from the substance which afforded it.
CAROLINE.
But it is still usually called oil of vitriol?
MRS. B.
Yes; a sufficient length of time has not yet elapsed, since the invention of the new nomenclature, for it to be generally disseminated; but, as it is adopted by all scientific chemists, there is every reason to suppose that it will gradually become universal. When I received this bottle from the chemists, oil of vitriol was inscribed on the label; but, as I knew you were very punctilious in regard to the nomenclature, I changed it, and substituted the words sulphuric acid.
EMILY.
This acid has neither colour nor smell, but it appears much thicker than water.
MRS. B.