PHILOSOPHICAL 
TRANSACTIONS. 
IX. Analytical Experiments and Observations on Lac . By 
Charles Hatchett, Esq. F. R. $« 
Read April 12, 1804, 
The period is uncertain when the substance called Lac, so 
curious in its origin and so useful to many arts, was first intro- 
duced into Europe ; and, although it probably was known to 
the ancients, yet the inaccuracy of their descriptions precludes 
this from being stated as a positive fact. 
The natives of India have long employed it for various pur- 
poses, exclusive of those which cause it to be in request with 
Europeans ; but many of the Indian processes are undoubtedly 
as yet unknown to us. 
One of these, of a very useful nature, was some time since 
obligingly communicated to me by Charles Wilkins, Esq. 
F. R. S. and has been the cause of this inquiry into the nature 
and properties of lac. 
Mr. Wilkins informed me, that the Hindus dissolve shell lac 
in water, by the mere addition of a little borax ; and the solution, 
MDCCCIV. C C 
