PHYSICALanp LITERARY. 383 
affords its finer parts 1 ‘more sahianiel and in 
greater abundance. 
Upon comparing the experiments N° id 
with thofe of N° III. and TV. it appears, that 
the difference between the {pecific gravities of 
different lime-waters and common water, is 
much more than the weight of the calcari- 
‘ous matter contained in thefe lime- waters : 
‘there muft, therefore,’ be fomething elfe be- 
fides this earthy matter, which quick-lime 
communicates to water, by which its weight 
is increafed *. Perhaps quick-lime may alfo, 
in fome other way unknown to us, alter the 
{ 
{pecific 
_ * As lime-water, after its enki part has been precipi- 
tated by an alcaline falt, continues to tafte ftrongly. of the 
lime; it follows, that, befides this earth, it contains fome 
_ more active and fubtile paft,. to’ which its tafté and virtues 
are chiefly owing: for we kriow that the calcarious matter 
of lime-water, is perfectly infipid and void of any other vir- 
tue, than what all abforbent earths poffefs. This active and 
more fubtile part of lime-water, feems to be feparated from 
its earth by the alcaline falt, which ftrongly attracts and em- 
braces it. And hence lime-water mixed with falt of tartar, 
does not lofe its tafte of the lime by being expofed to the 
open air. Does not a folution of a fixed alcaline falt in wa- 
ter, poured on quick-lime, feparate this fubtile active matter 
Of quick-lime from its earthy part, by ftrongly attracting 
it? ? And do not foap-leys confift of water and fixed alcaline 
‘falt united with this active part of quick-lime, without azy, or 
almoft any, of its earthy part ? 
