62, PHILOSOPHY OF ZOOLOGY. 
ina state in which it appears incapable of combining with 
tannin. 
It is likewise insoluble in alcohol; but, when that liquid 
is allowed to stand upon it, or to be boiled along with it, it 
becomes muddy. With sulphuric acid, a brownish-yellow 
solution is obtained, from which the albumen is precipitated 
by the addition of water. Nitric and muriatic acids, when 
assisted by heat, likewise dissolve it; the former changing 
it into gelatine. Acetic acid has no effect upon it, either 
hot or cold. 
Caustic soda and potash dissolve albumen, when assist- 
ed by heat, and form compounds resembling soap. Am- 
monia produces no effect upon it. 
It is considered as consisting of carbon, hydrogen, azote, 
and oxygen, (the azote in greater quantity than in gelatine,) 
with traces of soda and sulphur. 
Albumen exists in great abundance, both ina coagulated 
and liquid state, in the different parts of animals. Hair, 
nails, and horn are composed of it. It appears likewise as 
a constituent of bone and shells; and there are few of the 
fluid or soft parts of animals, in which it does not exist in 
abundance. What has hitherto been termed the Resin of 
Bile, is, according to BERzEL1us, analogous to albumen. 
Albumen is extensively used in the arts. When spread 
thin on any body, it soon dries, and forms a coating of var- 
nish. Its adhesive power is likewise considerable. When 
rubbed on leather, it encreases its suppleness. But its chief 
use is in clarifying liquors.. For this purpose, any substance 
abounding in albumen, as the white of eges, or the serum of 
blood, is mixed with the liquid, and the whole heated to 
near the boiling point. The albumen coagulates, and falls 
to the bottom, carrymg along with it the impurities which 
were suspended in the fluid, and which rendered it muddy. 
If the liquor contains alcohol, the application of heat is un- 
necessary. 
