Although this acid combines with alkalies, earths, and metals, in the same way with other acids, it possesses only some of the properties we have been in use to attribute to acids, and it may consequently be improperly ranked here in the class of acids; but, as I have already observed, it is difficult to form a decided opinion upon the nature of this substance until the subject has been farther elucidated by a greater number of experiments. FOOTNOTES: [36] See Memoirs of the Academy for 1776, p. 671. and for 1778, p. 535,--A. [37] See Part I. Chap. XI. upon this subject.--A. [38] See Part I. Chap. XI. upon the application of these names according to the proportions of the two ingredients.--A [39] See Part I. Chap. XII. upon this subject.--A. [40] Those who wish to see what has been said upon this great chemical question by Messrs de Morveau, Berthollet, De Fourcroy, and myself, may consult our translation of Mr Kirwan's Essay upon Phlogiston.--A. [41] Saltpetre is likewise procured in large quantities by lixiviating the natural soil in some parts of Bengal, and of the Russian Ukrain.--E. [42] Commonly called _Derbyshire spars_.--E. [43] I have not added the Table of these combinations, as the order of their affinity is entirely unknown; they are called _molybdats of argil_, _antimony_, _potash_, &c.--E. [44] This acid was discovered by Mr Scheele, to whom chemistry is indebted for the discovery of several other acids.--A. [45] I have omitted the Table, as the order of affinity is unknown, and is given by Mr Lavoisier only in alphabetical order. All the combinations of malic acid with salifiable bases, which are named _malats_, were unknown to the ancient chemists.--E. [46] The order of affinity of the salifiable bases with this acid is hitherto unknown. Mr Lavoisier, from its similarity to pyro-lignous acid, supposes the order to be the same in both; but, as this is not ascertained by experiment, the table is omitted. All these combinations, called _Pyro-tartarites_, were unknown till lately--E. [47] Savans Etrangers, Vol. III. [48] These combinations are called Benzoats of Lime, Potash, Zinc, &c.; but, as the order of affinity is unknown, the alphabetical table is omitted, as unnecessary.--E. [49] These combinations, which were all unknown to the ancients, are called Camphorats. The table is omitted, as being only in alphabetical order.--E. [50] These combinations, which are called Gallats, were all unknown to the ancients; and the order of their affinity is not hitherto established.--A. [51] These combinations are called Lactats; they were all unknown to the ancient chemists, and their affinities have not yet been ascertained.--A. [52] These combinations named Bombats were unknown to the ancient chemists; and the affinities of the salifiable bases with the bombic acid are hitherto undetermined.--A.