goo Mr. Hatchett's analytical Experiments 
being enveloped by the wax, are protected from the action of 
the acetic acid. 
The acetic solution of lac becomes turbid when cold, and 
deposits part of the resin ; a portion however remains in solu- 
tion, and may be precipitated by water ; after which, the liquor 
retains some gluten and colouring extract, which may be pre- 
cipitated by saturating the acid with an alkali, and by subsequent 
boiling. 
For the reasons above stated, it would be difficult to effect a 
complete solution of lac by means of acetic acid ; but this may 
nevertheless be advantageously employed in analytical opera- 
tions, when alternately used with alcohol. 
g. A saturated solufion of boracic acid in water, dissolves the 
colouring extract; but, as the effect does not surpass that of 
water alone, we may conclude that lac is little, if at all, acted 
upon by boracic acid. 
10. It has been already stated, that sub-borate of soda or 
borax has a powerful effect on lac, so as to render it soluble in 
water ; and, as the preceding experiments prove that boracic acid 
alone scarcely acts upon lac, there is every reason to believe, 
that the excess of soda present in borax is the active substance; 
and this conclusion will be confirmed, by the results of subse- 
quent experiments made with the alkalis. 
In order to render lac (especially shell lac) soluble in water, 
about j- of borax is necessary ; and this may be previously dis- 
solved -in the water, or may be mixed and added together with 
the lac. 
The best proportion of water to that of lac is 18 or 20 to 1. 
So that 20 grs. of borax, and four ounces of water, are, upon 
