^O ANIMAL ACIDS DESTITUTE OF AZOTE. 



Wdhler considers the formula C 40 H 36 O 8 = 42-5 as most pro- 

 bable, because the acid has all the characters of a resin. 



SECTION XVI. OF BUTYRIC ACID. 



The existence of this acid was announced by Chevreul in 

 1814 ; but it was not till the year 1818 that he got it in a state 

 of purity. As the name indicates, it is obtained from butter. 

 It has been described in detail in the Chemistry of Inorganic 

 Bodies, (ii. 132,) and we have no additional information to state. 

 To that work, then, we refer the reader. 



The constitution of butyric acid, according to the analysis of 

 Chevreul, is C 8 H 5 O 3 = 9-625. 



SECTION XVII. OF PHOCENIC ACID. 



This acid was extracted from the oil of the porpoise, (Delphi- 

 nus globiceps,) by Chevreul in 1817. There is nothing to add 

 to the account given of it in the Chemistry of Inorganic Bodies, 

 (ii. 130.) 



According to the analysis of Chevreul, the constitution of this 

 acid is C 10 H 7 * O 3 = 11-4375. It is exceedingly probable from 

 this analysis, that phocenic acid is identical with the sebacic. 



SECTION XVIII. OF CAPROIC ACID. 



Discovered by Chevreul in 1818 in the butter of the cow and 

 goat. It has been described in the Chemistry of Inorganic Bo- 

 dies, (ii. 134.) 



According to Chevreul's analysis, it is composed of C 12 H 10 

 O 3 = 13-25. 

 i 



SECTION XIX. OF CAPRIC ACID. 



Discovered by Chevreul in 1818 in the butter of the cow and 

 goat. It has been described in the Chemistry of Inorganic Bo- 

 dies, (ii. 136.) 



Its constituents are C 18 H 14 O 3 - 18*25. 



SECTION XX. OF HIRCIC ACID. 



The few facts ascertained by Chevreul respecting this acid have 

 been stated in the Chemistry of Inorganic Bodies, (ii. 137.) 

 It has not hitherto been analyzed. 



