7*2 WATER OF THE SEA. 



obtained ; and that it is by the assistance of caloric acting 

 more immediately on galls, that a more intimate union between 

 the acid and the tannin is effected. 



9thly, That the earthy and alkaline gallats likewise afford 

 acetic acid by their decomposition. 



lOthly, and finally, That gallic acid, like the other vegetable 

 acids, is composed of oxigen, hidrogen, and carbon. 



If these results be accurate, we may conceive it possible, 

 to accomplish its synthesis ; or some trials that 1 have already 

 ma4e give me the hope of succeeding in it. I shall do 

 myself the honour of imparting the farther results of my in- 

 quiry to the class, if they should be worthy its notice-. 



XI. 



Observations on the Soda, Magnesia, and Lime, contained in 

 the Water of the Ocean ; shewing that they operate advan- 

 tageously there by neutralizing Acids, and among others the 

 Septic Acid, and that Sea-Water may be rendered fit for 

 washing Clothes without the Aid of Soap. By Samuel L. 

 Mjtchill, o/JVea; York. 



f Continued from p. 392 of Vol. XVI. ) 



reservations j[ jr^D on experiment that carbonate of soda thrown into 

 Srt^tte ° Cean Water ' im ' nedi ately renders it turbid, the lime and mag- 

 comp -,nent nesia instantly turning milky on their disengagement from 

 parts contained their 



and !ne useful washing, so much soda must be added as not only to effect a 

 tb!tflu!r° f coin P lete Palpitation of these earths, but to render the water 

 sufficiently lixivial or alkaline? It will then exert its deter- 

 gent and purifying powers. ' 



Having entertained doubls'at first, whether the water ought 

 not to be decanted of after die lime and magnesia had settled 

 to th bottom, or whether it would not require straining or 

 filtering to mylar it & for use, I convinced myself by experi- 

 ment 



