It is nearly twice as heavy as water, and has, you see, an oily consistence.
CAROLINE.
And it is probably from this circumstance that it has been called an oil, for it can have no real claim to that name, as it does not contain either hydrogen or carbon, which are the essential constituents of oil.
MRS. B.
Certainly; and therefore it would be the more absurd to retain a name which owed its origin to such a mistaken analogy.
Sulphuric acid, in its purest state, would probably be a concrete substance, but its attraction for water is such, that it is impossible to obtain that acid perfectly free from it; it is, therefore, always seen in a liquid form, such as you here find it. One of the most striking properties of sulphuric acid is that of evolving a considerable quantity of heat when mixed with water; this I have already shown you.
EMILY.
Yes, I recollect it; but what was the degree of heat produced by that mixture?
MRS. B.
The thermometer may be raised by it to 300 degrees, which is considerably above the temperature of boiling water.