392 Mr. Hatchett's Experiments on Zoophytes, 



more slowly, by nitro-muriate of tin, like the albuminous sub- 

 stances, when treated in a similar mariner. 



When the fibre which had been steeped in the acid was 

 immersed in ammoniac, it was not completely dissolved, like 

 albumen, but afforded a residuum, which will soon be noticed. 

 The greater part was, however, thus dissolved ; and formed a 

 deep orange or yellowish brown solution, similar in properties 

 to that of albumen. 



When boiled with lixivium of caustic potash, this muscular 

 fibre was completely dissolved ; ammoniac was discharged, and 

 animal soap was formed ; which, being diluted with water, and 

 saturated with muriatic acid, yielded a precipitate, similar in 

 every property to that which had been obtained from the animal 

 soaps formerly mentioned, excepting, that it sooner became 

 hard and glossy, when exposed to the air. * 



Muscular fibre, when prepared as already mentioned, so as 

 (by long maceration, and subsequent boiling, with frequent 

 change of water) to be very nearly deprived of the whole of its 

 gelatinous part, is not easily brought into the putrid state. A 

 small quantity was kept moistened with water, during the 

 whole of last April ; in the course of which time, it acquired a 

 musty but not a putrid smell ; neither were the fibres reduced 



* In respect to (Economical purposes, it may be proper here to observe, that all 

 animal substances whatever, (exclusive of carbonate and phosphate of lime,) may be 

 converted into two substances of much utility, namely, glue, (under which term I 

 include all the varieties mentioned in this paper,) and soap; with the additional 

 advantage, that those parts which would be rejected in making the one, are the most 

 proper to prepare the other. 



The offensive smell of Chaptal's soap is considered as an objection ; but this may 

 be removed, by exposing the soap for some time, in flat vessels, to the air ; after which, 

 it may be reduced to the proper degree of consistency, by a second boiling. 



