What is “lunar caustic”?
A compound of nitric acid and oxide of silver.
Why, when lunar caustic is applied to the flesh, does it burn and destroy it?
Through the agency of the nitric acid contained in it.
Do plants produce acids?
Acids are formed in the vegetable kingdom in great abundance; they especially exist in unripe fruits, imparting to them a sour taste.
Acids formed from mineral substances are called “mineral acids”; acids formed by or from vegetable substances are called “organic acids.”
Why does tanning hides convert them into leather?
Hides are steeped in water, with ground bark of the oak, hemlock, or other trees; these barks contain large quantities of tannic acid, which combine with the skin of animals, and form a combination which is insoluble in water and not subject to putrefaction—viz., leather.
What is ordinary vinegar?