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its specific powers, observable by its detergent quality; as 

 has been so long since well explained by Mr. Kirwan. 

 This explanation, however, could not extend to the potassa 

 carbonata, or crystallized vegetable alkali, lately introduced, 

 and with equal success. May I be permitted (not^vith- 

 standing its use as a test, and non-deliquescence) to enter- 

 tain some doubt of its complete saturation? for that, pre- 

 pared with the most scrupulous care, still retains its alka- 

 line taste, and acts, with energy, on the vegetable blues. 

 The carbonic may, probably, be too weak an acid, to en- 

 tirely annul its alkaline property, in any proportion that 

 Ave can possibly unite them, in the solid state. I am in- 

 formed by Mr. Kirwan, however, that this can be effected; 

 but the saturation is temporary, and continues only during 

 its most recent state. This we now accomplish, by me- 

 chanical means, in the fluid one of our soda, and other 

 mineral waters; where, indeed, the alkali may be consi- 

 dered as in the super-carbonated state. Now, the success 

 attendant also upon their exhibition, completely does away 

 my former hypothesis; and we are left to conclude, that 

 either the opinion, of their want of action, upon gravelly 

 and calculus matter, is unfounded, or that the animal eco- 

 nomy may be possessed (among the multiplicity of its 

 wonders) of some unknown chemical agency, whereby it 

 may, in their course through the circulation, disengage 

 their carbonic acid gas. 



This would not appear more extraordinary, than the for- 

 mation of the different and most opposite secretions; such 



as 



