50 FIRST PRINCIPLES. 



power is ordinarily explained by this reaction ; but it is difficult 

 to see why a solution which has just thrown off most of its 

 fatty acids should be disposed to take up even a glyceride. It 

 is more likely that the cleansing power of soap is due to the 

 inherent property of its solution to emulsionise fats " (Encyclo- 

 pcedia Britannica). 



