and Observations on Lac. 
215 
observe, that the glutinous substance, when present in shell lac 
in a more than usual proportion, probably produces the defect 
observed in some kinds of sealing wax, which, when heated and 
burned, become blackened by particles of coal ; for the gluten 
affords much of this substance, and does not melt, like the resin 
and wax. From what has been stated, therefore, lac may be 
denominated a cero-resin , mixed with gluten and colouring 
extract. 
§ III. 
GENERAL REMARKS. 
From the whole of the experiments which have been related, 
it appears, that although lac is indisputably the production of in- 
sects, yet it possesses few of the characters of animal substances; 
and that the greater part of its aggregate properties, as well as 
of its component ingredients, are such as more immediately 
appertain to vegetable bodies. 
Lac, or gum lac, as it is popularly but improperly called, 
is certainly a very useful substance ; and the natives of India 
furnish full proofs of this, by the many purposes to which they 
apply it. 
According to Mr. Kerr, it is made by them into rings, beads, 
and other female ornaments. 
When formed into sealing-wax, it is employed as a japan, 
and is likewise manufactured into different coloured varnishes. 
The colouring part is formed into lakes for painters : a sort 
of Spanish wool for the ladies is also prepared with it; and, 
as a dying material, it is in very general use. 
The resinous part is even employed to form grindstones, by 
mdccciv. F f 
