318 Experiments on 



This acid was supposed to be the benzoic, and though it was ; 

 expected that that acid would pass over in the above process of dis- 

 tillation with water, yet, after repeated trials and experiments, it 

 was found it could not so be procured, nor were any satisfactory 

 results obtained, for the acid matter was in too small a quantity to 

 determine its nature. 



Solution of potash was added to some oil of mace, which appa- 

 rently neutralized the free acid matter that exists in it ; but on closer 

 investigation, it was found, that the alkali was acting on a part of 

 the oil, forming with it a saponaceous compound ; whilst another 

 portion separated, of an oleaginous appearance : more alkali was 

 added, and the whole allowed to boil, which caused a more com- 

 plete separation of the oleaginous portion : as excess of alkali was 

 used, it was pretty certain that all the common fatty matter pre- 

 sent would combine with it : but though such excess of alkali was 

 used, no action was observable on the oily portion that had 

 separated. 



The whole was allowed to cool, the oleaginous matter then 

 solidified, it was collected, washed and dried, and found to have 

 the following properties. 



It was of a whitish appearance and crystalline texture, perfectly 

 insoluble in water, insipid, inodorous, and very fusible. Its boiling 

 point was about 600°, at which temperature it may be distilled 

 ■without much decomposition ; it is very inflammable, and contains 

 no nitrogen. 



Sulphuric ether, at common temperatures dissolves it readily : cold 

 alcohol acts upon it but feebly, but when boiled upon it dissolves 

 it abundantly, and deposits it as it cools. 



The solutions of the alkalis have no action upon it, even at a 

 boiling temperature. 



It mixes and easily combines with the fixed oils, if aided by a 

 little heat. 



The acids apparently have various effects on this substance. 

 Sulphuric acid chars and decomposes it, forming a dark-coloured 

 solution. 

 Nitric acid, when digested on it, changes some of its properties ; 



