Foſſil fixed ALKALY is only found in combination with acids, rarely with the vitriolic (§ 47) or nitrous (§ 48), principally with the muriatic (§ 49) or aerial (§ 55).
Volatile ALKALY is frequently found in clays, doubtleſs in a mild ſtate, for the help of art is required to render it cauſtic. It is alſo found united to the vitriolic (§ 50) and the muriatic acids (§ 52.)
ACIDS united to alkalies form NEUTRAL SALTS. Theſe diſſolved in water are no ways diſturbed by the addition of an alkaly, and generally by evaporation concrete into cryſtals. If by proper teſts they ſhew neither acid nor alkaline properties they are ſaid to be perfect neutrals, but imperfect when from defect in quantity or ſtrength of one ingredient the peculiar properties of the other more or leſs prevail.
We now proceed to conſider the native ſalts of both kinds.
NEUTRAL
SALTS.
Alkali vegetabile vitriolatum (tartar of vitriol) ſeldom occurs ſpontaneouſly, unleſs where tracts of wood have been burnt down.