Note 42 — MINERALS.
Reading edition
Alkalies are substances which enter into the composition of several kinds of minerals, and are known by their property of changing the colour of blue vegetable juices to green, and by a peculiarly acrid, caustic, and nauseous taste, which it is impossible to describe, but which, after it has been once experienced, will easily be recollected. Alkalies corrode and dissolve animal substances, and unite with oil and fat in such manner as to form the well known compound called soap. They readily dissolve in water; and, when mixed with acids, form what have been denominated neutral salts.